1.8 or 1.6 superlight

[zippy500]

Just been looking at the classifieds at superlights and noticed there are 1.6 and 1.8 versions(138 and 140BHP respectivley). I Can only afford the basic super light not the VHPD or R version, so was wondering what the differences were apart form engine and which would be best to go for as price is fairly similar.

Cheers in advance

[Shaun_E]

There are no other differences (apart from what the owner specified option-wise). The 1.8 was an option that few took - the majority of Superlights have the 1.6 Supersport engine which is a great, revvy engine. The 1.8 has a bit more torque and is said to be not quite as rev happy. I drive a Superlight which originally had the 1.6 SS and it was a fantastic combination. You need to rev it to get the best out of it but that is half the fun of a Caterham.

[jimmyslr]

Some say the 1.6 is more "rev happy", spinning up quickly and being closer to the spirit of Caterham/Lotus 7. The 1.8 has more torque and is ultimately the more powerful / "tunable" one. The VHPD and SLR engines were 1.8 derivatives. So, if you fancy an engine upgrade later probably 1.8 is the way to go. I think the only difference in engines is a slightly longer stroke in the 1.8.

Neither bad, indeed both great. The superight is a lovely package and, if you want, you can upgrade from either point later.

[jimmyslr]

Shaun_E said:

There are no other differences (apart from what the owner specified option-wise). The 1.8 was an option that few took - the majority of Superlights have the 1.6 Supersport engine which is a great, revvy engine. The 1.8 has a bit more torque and is said to be not quite as rev happy. I drive a Superlight which originally had the 1.6 SS and it was a fantastic combination. You need to rev it to get the best out of it but that is half the fun of a Caterham.

SNAP!

[zippy500]

Hmm, sounds as if either would be a good buy then. Dependent on spec.
Thanks for responce, very useful :-)

[david 1664]

I have a 1.8 SL and also had a 1.6 supersport. The 1.6 is a great revy engine and suits the 3.62 diff well. I change my diff this year to a 3.92and it has made the drive much nicer.
other thoughts if you are going to sprint your 7 then a 1.8k is better if you do the Lotus 7 club champoinship if you are not then a 1.6k might be better as the class cut off is 1.7cc in most champoinships.

I think that you will be happy with either engine. When i got mine there was a 1.6 and a 1.8 in the same colour but difrent seats for the same money. I went for the 1.8 as i just liked the whole car better. It just felt right.

David