And Another: Should I Buy a Caterham Thread
Discussion
So Ive got to a point in my life where I have access to buy some toys with some spare pocket money to spend, I consider myself a big "petrol head" and keen driver
Hving discovered the joys of travelling around europe to drive on the 'ring/spa/etc I have definitely found my calling in life
Over summer I drove a 7.2 gt3 and fell in love with the car, everything else was simply "boring" compared to this and decided I had to buy one. At the time they were going for around ¬75k which just made much more sense to order a new 991 so put my deposit down and expecting the car May/June time
This all sounds great and im sure I will fall in love with the car
My question to you: what about going down another route - Im sure the gt3 will be awesome but does the Caterham offer more thrills as a drive?
There are also more advantage’s to it such as being less on consumables/running costs etc and looks like a easy/fun way to get involved into racing (which im sure after a while is more fun than just doing track days?)
The negatives here is of course the weather allowing you to drive the car much less of a time and to travel europe (even the drive to "local" tracks, would have to be on a trailer and not sure how exactly viable this would be - wheres in the gt3 im sure I would do long weekends away much more often
So, how does a track car compare to the gt3 in the performance and “thrills for drive” sector and am I missing out any pros/cons mentioned above to help me make a decision?
(p.s Im still sold on the Porsche front, if I didn’t buy the gt3 I would go for a 997 turbo and with the left over money go for the Caterham)
(p.s.s being 6foot 3 I would have to buy a sv – are these still viable at races or am I already at a disadvantage (and thus, not competitive) to a 5foot nothing 65kg driver
Best
Stef
Hving discovered the joys of travelling around europe to drive on the 'ring/spa/etc I have definitely found my calling in life
Over summer I drove a 7.2 gt3 and fell in love with the car, everything else was simply "boring" compared to this and decided I had to buy one. At the time they were going for around ¬75k which just made much more sense to order a new 991 so put my deposit down and expecting the car May/June time
This all sounds great and im sure I will fall in love with the car
My question to you: what about going down another route - Im sure the gt3 will be awesome but does the Caterham offer more thrills as a drive?
There are also more advantage’s to it such as being less on consumables/running costs etc and looks like a easy/fun way to get involved into racing (which im sure after a while is more fun than just doing track days?)
The negatives here is of course the weather allowing you to drive the car much less of a time and to travel europe (even the drive to "local" tracks, would have to be on a trailer and not sure how exactly viable this would be - wheres in the gt3 im sure I would do long weekends away much more often
So, how does a track car compare to the gt3 in the performance and “thrills for drive” sector and am I missing out any pros/cons mentioned above to help me make a decision?
(p.s Im still sold on the Porsche front
, if I didn’t buy the gt3 I would go for a 997 turbo and with the left over money go for the Caterham)(p.s.s being 6foot 3 I would have to buy a sv – are these still viable at races or am I already at a disadvantage (and thus, not competitive) to a 5foot nothing 65kg driver
Best
Stef
A Seven of any breed is a totally different car to a GT3 so comparing the two is pointless other than to say the latter will have a larger boot and better weather protection.
Dismissing the car already as unsuitable for touring Europe suggest it may not be for you.
I've done over 900 miles in mine in one hit aside fuel and food stop - Left home on a Sunday evening, late lunch at Stelvio the next day. It's what you make it.
And you don't need an SV.
Dismissing the car already as unsuitable for touring Europe suggest it may not be for you.
I've done over 900 miles in mine in one hit aside fuel and food stop - Left home on a Sunday evening, late lunch at Stelvio the next day. It's what you make it.
And you don't need an SV.
Hi Stef. I am fortunate enough to have both a Caterham and a 991 GT3. Firstly, sorry about your wait. I put my name down years ago and the OPC had my deposit for well over a year, so I know what the wait is like. I have an R400 - a K series one. It's obviously a little difficult to compare the two. The GT3 is genuinely every day useable in any weather. I haven't driven it in snow but I have driven it in the pouring rain over the last couple of months. Its also insanely quick. I've had a GT3 before - 997 RS and a 997 Turbo. The 991 GT3 is much quicker than both.
Now the Caterham. If I was told I could only have one as a 'special' car, I'd have the Caterham. It's just so very different to an everyday car. When I drive it I can't believe it's legal it's that much fun. I do go for long trips in it. I've been from where I live just North of London to Norfolk and back twice in a week. It's a breeze - when it's mid July.
When the weather isn't great, or you need some practicality, the GT3 does it all. It can be quite refined, it's ride is ok, it has loads of gadgets and is totally effortless to cover hundreds of miles in. And then when you're in the mood, it's a total weapon.
In short, have both. No other 911 compares to a GT3, certainly not a turbo which I found was almost dull in comparison, but would make a superb everyday car.
And you can always sell your 991 GT3 for a huge profit if the PH rumours are correct!
Now the Caterham. If I was told I could only have one as a 'special' car, I'd have the Caterham. It's just so very different to an everyday car. When I drive it I can't believe it's legal it's that much fun. I do go for long trips in it. I've been from where I live just North of London to Norfolk and back twice in a week. It's a breeze - when it's mid July.
When the weather isn't great, or you need some practicality, the GT3 does it all. It can be quite refined, it's ride is ok, it has loads of gadgets and is totally effortless to cover hundreds of miles in. And then when you're in the mood, it's a total weapon.
In short, have both. No other 911 compares to a GT3, certainly not a turbo which I found was almost dull in comparison, but would make a superb everyday car.
And you can always sell your 991 GT3 for a huge profit if the PH rumours are correct!
I was a biker who got too old to fall off so got a 200bhp Caterham [don't believe those who say 130bhp gives you as much fun as you need]. I took delivery one march 10th on a sunny day and decided to do a few miles running in round London.....and when I got back from Wales that night I was hooked on the best car I have EVER owned!It does what it says on the tin unlike every other car I have owned. You need to be tough for long distances and I always trailered it which is no problem because the trailer is so small and light. Get another car for trips!
griffgrog said:
Hi Stef. I am fortunate enough to have both a Caterham and a 991 GT3. Firstly, sorry about your wait. I put my name down years ago and the OPC had my deposit for well over a year, so I know what the wait is like. I have an R400 - a K series one. It's obviously a little difficult to compare the two. The GT3 is genuinely every day useable in any weather. I haven't driven it in snow but I have driven it in the pouring rain over the last couple of months. Its also insanely quick. I've had a GT3 before - 997 RS and a 997 Turbo. The 991 GT3 is much quicker than both.
Now the Caterham. If I was told I could only have one as a 'special' car, I'd have the Caterham. It's just so very different to an everyday car. When I drive it I can't believe it's legal it's that much fun. I do go for long trips in it. I've been from where I live just North of London to Norfolk and back twice in a week. It's a breeze - when it's mid July.
When the weather isn't great, or you need some practicality, the GT3 does it all. It can be quite refined, it's ride is ok, it has loads of gadgets and is totally effortless to cover hundreds of miles in. And then when you're in the mood, it's a total weapon.
In short, have both. No other 911 compares to a GT3, certainly not a turbo which I found was almost dull in comparison, but would make a superb everyday car.
And you can always sell your 991 GT3 for a huge profit if the PH rumours are correct!
Great write up...Now the Caterham. If I was told I could only have one as a 'special' car, I'd have the Caterham. It's just so very different to an everyday car. When I drive it I can't believe it's legal it's that much fun. I do go for long trips in it. I've been from where I live just North of London to Norfolk and back twice in a week. It's a breeze - when it's mid July.
When the weather isn't great, or you need some practicality, the GT3 does it all. It can be quite refined, it's ride is ok, it has loads of gadgets and is totally effortless to cover hundreds of miles in. And then when you're in the mood, it's a total weapon.
In short, have both. No other 911 compares to a GT3, certainly not a turbo which I found was almost dull in comparison, but would make a superb everyday car.
And you can always sell your 991 GT3 for a huge profit if the PH rumours are correct!
I can only comment regarding a 996GT3RS. Which I thought was very similar to a caterham in terms of the driving experience and thrills. Obviously with regard to creature comforts (like a roof) they are very different. However they both have the same directness, the same adjustability, the same feel, the same reward for driving at any speed. Both nectar. In fact they are the only two roadcars that I've owned that have really hit the mark with me.
Bert
Bert
I have owned both caterham and 911s in various guises at the same time. I've also tracked and raced both. Definitely some similarities in the driving experience; very direct, feelsome steering, mechanical preciseness, good braking. For the 911 it is all happening at a greater speed, at least the bit between corner exit and corner entry on the longer/straighter tracks. On the road the 911 needs to be driven really rather too fast before you get into the zone. With the caterham you always have the wind in the hair which helps with the feel of speed and a feeling of difference.
If I had to keep one, and it was for the Sunday blast or trackday/race, then I'd have the caterham. If you need to drive it as a second car and want to tour europe then the 911. I say this as a man who has driven an aeroscreened seven from Surrey to spa and the ring in the pouring rain with a helmet on. Great story for down the pub, in practice not something I'd wish to do often!
If you can own both then great, go for it. The costs of caterham ownership are relatively low with zero depreciation a big help, assuming it's not a new car.
If I had to keep one, and it was for the Sunday blast or trackday/race, then I'd have the caterham. If you need to drive it as a second car and want to tour europe then the 911. I say this as a man who has driven an aeroscreened seven from Surrey to spa and the ring in the pouring rain with a helmet on. Great story for down the pub, in practice not something I'd wish to do often!
If you can own both then great, go for it. The costs of caterham ownership are relatively low with zero depreciation a big help, assuming it's not a new car.
Firstly, Stef, griffgrog, I could not be more jealous. What an awesome pair of cars to own (or potentially own).
Also a very sensible pair! I can't imagine many combinations of cars that have a lower % depreciation!... in fact it's so sensible it would be rude not try and do the same myself right?... now i just need to rustle up £100k from somewhere... hmmmm
Also a very sensible pair! I can't imagine many combinations of cars that have a lower % depreciation!... in fact it's so sensible it would be rude not try and do the same myself right?... now i just need to rustle up £100k from somewhere... hmmmm
Im soon to be in the same boat.
I have a K series R500 and a 991 gt3 on order.
I cannot believe that the GT3 will offer the same pure driving experience as the Caterham.
On track my R500 is the best fun ever and confidence inspiring.
Buy a Caterham while your waiting and if the GT3 doesnt arrive, you have a belter of a car for most roads and all tracks!
I have a K series R500 and a 991 gt3 on order.
I cannot believe that the GT3 will offer the same pure driving experience as the Caterham.
On track my R500 is the best fun ever and confidence inspiring.
Buy a Caterham while your waiting and if the GT3 doesnt arrive, you have a belter of a car for most roads and all tracks!
There's a bit of a theme running here ...........I also have a GT3 ( 997.2) and a Caterham ( currently a R400 but with a 620R on order.
The Porsche is a bit of a daily driver for me. , I have other more normal cars that I can use but effectively it's the GT3 that gets used most . It's club sport spec but easy to use on a daily basis , great engine , steering feel and an occasion every time it's driven .True , as others have said , that it has long legs and a quick squirt on the motorway and you can be well over 100 .
The Caterham is the preferred choice for track days . It feels fast. , has telepathic steering and is very forgiving , I have driven the Ring several times in it but wouldn't trust myself in the GT3 !
I honestly don't think they are alternatives unless you are just looking for a single toy , each has different attributes .
Ps people with Caterhams are far more friendly !!
The Porsche is a bit of a daily driver for me. , I have other more normal cars that I can use but effectively it's the GT3 that gets used most . It's club sport spec but easy to use on a daily basis , great engine , steering feel and an occasion every time it's driven .True , as others have said , that it has long legs and a quick squirt on the motorway and you can be well over 100 .
The Caterham is the preferred choice for track days . It feels fast. , has telepathic steering and is very forgiving , I have driven the Ring several times in it but wouldn't trust myself in the GT3 !
I honestly don't think they are alternatives unless you are just looking for a single toy , each has different attributes .
Ps people with Caterhams are far more friendly !!
2 questions:
Can I buy a r300 and start racing straight away in the superlight championship (is it still 2 days experience with a b license)
Will I be at a major disadvantage being 98kg 6ft 3 - hell do I even have any chance as a self proclaimed "quick" driver or are there pros with race teams and a lot of exp who would destroy me every time??
Thanks
Can I buy a r300 and start racing straight away in the superlight championship (is it still 2 days experience with a b license)
Will I be at a major disadvantage being 98kg 6ft 3 - hell do I even have any chance as a self proclaimed "quick" driver or are there pros with race teams and a lot of exp who would destroy me every time??
Thanks
stef1808 said:
2 questions:
Can I buy a r300 and start racing straight away in the superlight championship (is it still 2 days experience with a b license)
Will I be at a major disadvantage being 98kg 6ft 3 - hell do I even have any chance as a self proclaimed "quick" driver or are there pros with race teams and a lot of exp who would destroy me every time??
Thanks
Have you ever raced before?Can I buy a r300 and start racing straight away in the superlight championship (is it still 2 days experience with a b license)
Will I be at a major disadvantage being 98kg 6ft 3 - hell do I even have any chance as a self proclaimed "quick" driver or are there pros with race teams and a lot of exp who would destroy me every time??
Thanks
Andy Bell said:
from my understanding R300 is ultra competitive so whilst you would be able to start racing you would be up against people that have team backing and serious $$ Plus they are changing to a different gearbox which is more $$
Yes, from what I've read, they all kept ruining their gearboxes by flat shifting. That shows a certain level of commitment!stef1808, if you've got the cash and want to get into racing, maybe you should consider the Academy? It's not a super-powerful car, but you'll probably learn more about racing/driving than any number of trackdays could teach. I'd love to do it once I've got a proper garage to build a car in.
GT3 is an awesome everyday road car, not sure it cuts it as a serious trackday car and itis going to be expensive if you track it hard.Caterham on the other hand is an awesome track car nad relativly cheap but i find it frustrating on the road.
You sound like me - your only going to be happy when you have both. Then you will see something else.....lol
As for racing, i joined the Caterham motorpsort ladder at the bottom about 10 years ago. I have never looked back. The upside is i don't have half as many roadcars as i used to, the downside is I appear to have started collecting racing cars.
300's are ultra competative nad the guys are quick, you can go straight in but expect a lot of frustration - tracksport or supersport are still very competative but with more quick drivers learning their racecraft.
Best of luck.
You sound like me - your only going to be happy when you have both. Then you will see something else.....lol
As for racing, i joined the Caterham motorpsort ladder at the bottom about 10 years ago. I have never looked back. The upside is i don't have half as many roadcars as i used to, the downside is I appear to have started collecting racing cars.
300's are ultra competative nad the guys are quick, you can go straight in but expect a lot of frustration - tracksport or supersport are still very competative but with more quick drivers learning their racecraft.
Best of luck.
Personally I'd advise getting a cheaper Porsche AND a Caterham - on the right road and weather permitting they are completely untouchable. My Cayman is nice (and admittedly no GT3) but it drives like a bus in comparison. Porsches are the best everyday usable cars, for pure driving pleasure I'd take the Caterham every time.
Gassing Station | Caterham | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff