Caterham 160 or Boxster S Anniversary

[ucb]

Whilst mulling over a Boxster as a third car (550 Anniversary from 2004, about 10-13k) it occurred to me that the base Caterham 160 with the Suzuki 660cc engine is 15k self-build. It'll cost a bit more, probably won't be as quick, but as fun weekender it seems unmatched.
I'm likely just to use it for weekend runs out, no track work.

There's obvious usability differences, but which one to go for?

[DonkeyApple]

Interesting question. I can't think of two sports cars at more opposing ends of the spectrum.

I guess it would depend most on what your other two cars are really. If they are normalise cars then I'd go straight for the Caterham to have something that was wildly different and a hoot.

Also, it depends what you will use it for. If it's to drive to a golf course or restaraunt and park up then the Boxster wins but if it's purely for going for a drive on a nice evening after a crappy day then it catagorically has to be the Catrrham.

[ewenm]

Purely a weekend fun car? Caterham every time. The Boxster is a great all-rounder, but for a fun car I'd choose the raw, almost instinctive/telepathic Caterham. (and yes, you can use them very well for long touring trips and yes, you can use them happily in the wet).

[ucb]

Is the 160 quick enough in traffic? I wouldn't stretch to a Roadsport 120 for the extra 5k.

And are the opposite ends of the spectrum? I was looking for something that would be great to drive, and both seem to fit that bill. The 160 will be more communicative, but the Boxster is generally heaped with praise too.

Golf and V50 are the other cars, so I have boring comfort sorted.

Edited by ucb on Friday 20th June 13:29

[ewenm]

ucb said:

Is the 160 quick enough in traffic?

Easily I'd assume. It won't be as relaxed as the Boxster and you'll need to be good at keeping it in the power and torque bands but there's no reason to think it'll be "slow".

Of course there are plenty of secondhand more powerful Caterhams around at that price point too although then you don't get the experience of building it.

[DonkeyApple]

ewenm said:

Easily I'd assume. It won't be as relaxed as the Boxster and you'll need to be good at keeping it in the power and torque bands but there's no reason to think it'll be "slow".

Of course there are plenty of secondhand more powerful Caterhams around at that price point too although then you don't get the experience of building it.

Dirt cheap when shredding tyres on a track day also.