Is the MEV Exocet the modern day Caterham Lotus 7 ?
Discussion
Although not everyone’s cup of the tea, the Lotus 7 is not only an iconic car but too many represents one of the first steps in ‘locost’ motor racing. Weather it is someone first experience of a track day or the beginnings of wheel to wheel racing, launched back in the 60s and updated through the ages, nothing has come close to replacing its dominance in the market, or at least until possibly now. Could the MEV Exocet MX150R a light weight exoskeleton car underpinned by Mazda’s acclaimed MX5 be its replacement?
The 7 purists will no doubt dismiss the MX150R but with more Exocet’s hitting the race tracks this year it will only be a matter of time before the two go head to head.
Constructive views or thoughts welcome.
The Iconic, Caterham Lotus 7
The MEV Exocet MX150R
The 7 purists will no doubt dismiss the MX150R but with more Exocet’s hitting the race tracks this year it will only be a matter of time before the two go head to head.
Constructive views or thoughts welcome.
The Iconic, Caterham Lotus 7
The MEV Exocet MX150R
HustleRussell said:
Sonic7- the MEV isn't the first challenger to Caterham's dominance in this area and it certainly won't be the last. However, Caterham has got where it is by offering a very comprehensively sorted 'package', in terms of both the cars themselves and the superb championships they race in.
I think the Caterham appeals on so many levels that those who can, will. This doesn't detract from the fact that other series can rightfully claim their positions as often cheaper, sometimes faster and probably just as fun.
Ma5da have started a race series for the Exocet MX150R this year and I’m lead to believe that some Exocets will also be competeing in the 750mc Kit Car championship. In these times of financial austerity the value for money MEV Exocet dose I feel make a lot of sense. Though granted the package is clearly not as well established as Caterhams for obvious reasons.I think the Caterham appeals on so many levels that those who can, will. This doesn't detract from the fact that other series can rightfully claim their positions as often cheaper, sometimes faster and probably just as fun.
Lordbenny said:
Ha ha, you gotta be joking right! That thing is hideous 
You've got to do a LOT better than that to knock Caterham off the top spot....and I'm a Westfield owner!
Looks are very much a personal taste, hideous is a little strong I think, but everyone’s allowed an opinion.You've got to do a LOT better than that to knock Caterham off the top spot....and I'm a Westfield owner!
As HustleRussell posted earlier “P.S. one of these MEV's pissed all over me during the Holly Birkett at Silverstone in October. They aren't lookers but they aren't slow.”
The MEV Exocet was only truly launched last year so allowing time for owners to get them built and tested, this represents there first year of true competition. It should be very interesting to see how the cars compete not only against the classic Caterham but also the various 7 clones such as the Westfields, MK’s and alike.
Me I have always loved the Caterham and although never owned one, have owned and driven various 7 clones over the years. However now in my middle years, even if I owned a Caterham I doubt I’d be able to fit in it whereas the Exocet will cater for my middle age spread easily.
Iwantoneofthose said:
I'm not sure I'd directly compare the Exocet to the C7.
In many ways, it is like the Dutton Phaeton was in the 80s, as it is an affordable, easy to build, fun car. That said, it is clearly more capable than the aforementioned.
As for personal taste, I would agree too. That said, I offer you this...
(Picture borrowed from another forum).
You could be correct; it is in many ways like a Dutton in that it is accordable, fun and easy to build. Although a little tongue and cheek, the recent demonstration at the Stoneleigh Kit Car show of building a MEV Exocet in under 4 min’s !!!! ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcbXnnwOj3E ) it dose clearly show the simplicity of the build, a must for the young PlayStation generation of today. In many ways, it is like the Dutton Phaeton was in the 80s, as it is an affordable, easy to build, fun car. That said, it is clearly more capable than the aforementioned.
As for personal taste, I would agree too. That said, I offer you this...
(Picture borrowed from another forum).
I'm glad you stated that the Exocet is clearly more capable than a Dutton, as having owned 2 and driven an Exocet I can assure you there is just no comparison as far as performance.
Edited by Sonic7 on Saturday 12th May 11:04
MG CHRIS said:
Im not to sure with the 1.8 133bhp and roughly 700kg an a mx5 is regarded as one of the best handling cars out there compared to a caterham with say a 1.8 out of the focus with 120bhp but less weight i assume around 600kg? i would say it be close.
But compare the price of a standared caterham to a standared exocet with no engine mods then theres a good 10-15k difference in the build cost and if the exocet turns out to be quicker than the caterham then thats one hell of a bargin.
Oh and that mx5 rebody is built by the same company as the exocet.
Interesting set of comparison figures. Be interesting when an evenly matched pair are out on the track, until then I guess we’ll just have to go with the opinion of those who have driven both.But compare the price of a standared caterham to a standared exocet with no engine mods then theres a good 10-15k difference in the build cost and if the exocet turns out to be quicker than the caterham then thats one hell of a bargin.
Oh and that mx5 rebody is built by the same company as the exocet.
Interesting, although I’m not sure that the Caterham’s weight assumes a full roll cage. The Exocet in standard trim is near 600kgs whereas the MX150R has a full cage and larger thicker tubing, I believe.
Not to be provocative but I found this Quote information from the Manufacture 'MEV' which is quite challenging to say the least!!!!!
The Exocet has a 50-50 weight distribution with an average weight driver.
The Exocet corner exit speeds exceed all 7's running the same tyres/set up.
The Exocet is capable of braking later than 7's running the same tyres.
The Exocet chassis has been tested and proven to be 3 times stiffer than 7esq's.
The Exocet will be slightly heavier than 7's due to the chassis being stronger.
The Exocet chassis has been proven to deform away from occupants in an impact.
The Exocet is by far the cheapest and easiest kit car to build in the world.
Not to be provocative but I found this Quote information from the Manufacture 'MEV' which is quite challenging to say the least!!!!!
The Exocet has a 50-50 weight distribution with an average weight driver.
The Exocet corner exit speeds exceed all 7's running the same tyres/set up.
The Exocet is capable of braking later than 7's running the same tyres.
The Exocet chassis has been tested and proven to be 3 times stiffer than 7esq's.
The Exocet will be slightly heavier than 7's due to the chassis being stronger.
The Exocet chassis has been proven to deform away from occupants in an impact.
The Exocet is by far the cheapest and easiest kit car to build in the world.
Whereas the Caterham may be lighter, Colin Chatman was renowned for designing and building fast but fragile cars, ‘make it light and then make it lighter still’ springs to mind quoted from the documentary ‘The Killing Years’. Not the best of adverts!
I know which I’d prefer to be in, in an accident, plus knowing that you’d be safer in an MEV Exocet provides the driver with so much more confidence. Basic running and repair costs would be cheaper, wings for the Exocet are £30 and nosecones £90 whereas Caterham’s shop quotes £54 and £210 respectively.
Youtube now has a number of interesting clips demonstrating the MX150R abilities ( my favourite is; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arAXjuJYtDY&fea... ) Not to mention that Exocets came 2nd and 3rd at Brands in the Nippon Challenge against the best the Jap car lads had to offer. Exocet’s were overtaking 4x4 Subaru’s on the inside line in heavy rain!
I know which I’d prefer to be in, in an accident, plus knowing that you’d be safer in an MEV Exocet provides the driver with so much more confidence. Basic running and repair costs would be cheaper, wings for the Exocet are £30 and nosecones £90 whereas Caterham’s shop quotes £54 and £210 respectively.
Youtube now has a number of interesting clips demonstrating the MX150R abilities ( my favourite is; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arAXjuJYtDY&fea... ) Not to mention that Exocets came 2nd and 3rd at Brands in the Nippon Challenge against the best the Jap car lads had to offer. Exocet’s were overtaking 4x4 Subaru’s on the inside line in heavy rain!
drivin_me_nuts said:
Purchase decisions of this sort are not just about which is stiffer, stronger and faster, there is also the huge part that history, pedigree, legends and peers have to play. New kid vs old pro? The new kid would have to be substantially better in key areas to even begin to counter the old kid's reputation. It would have to wipe the board with it to pull eyes away from the Caterham.
Granted the Caterham has the name, history, pedigree etc., and yes maybe the Exocet is the new kid on the block, but so far I’ve not heard anything criticised other than the cars looks, which is very much a personal taste issue.Watching the Spanish F1 today reminded me how an interpretation of the safety rules has led many manufactures to design hideous front end looking cars, apart from McLaren. So when it comes to racing is it form over function?
Thankyou, thankyou at last we are cutting through the cr*p and getting a proper debate going, between apparently competent, professional and knowable individuals who are obvious enthusiasts of each of the two cars being compared in this thread.
I assure any who read this that I have not started this thread as a marketing thread for MEV or Caterham as some have claimed, but am generally interested, to have people, who are far more knowledgeable than I debate in a constructive manor the two cars.
Having owned a number of 7equse’s over the years, never a Caterham though, as when I was slim enough to actually fit in one I couldn’t afford one. (I really must lose some weight) I am simply considering purchasing / building a MEV Exocet and am very keen to know what people within the pistonhead community in general think of it and is it as I’ve heard some claim ‘the modern day Caterham Lotus 7?’ (a bold and provocative statement, yes I know)
I assure any who read this that I have not started this thread as a marketing thread for MEV or Caterham as some have claimed, but am generally interested, to have people, who are far more knowledgeable than I debate in a constructive manor the two cars.
Having owned a number of 7equse’s over the years, never a Caterham though, as when I was slim enough to actually fit in one I couldn’t afford one. (I really must lose some weight) I am simply considering purchasing / building a MEV Exocet and am very keen to know what people within the pistonhead community in general think of it and is it as I’ve heard some claim ‘the modern day Caterham Lotus 7?’ (a bold and provocative statement, yes I know)
JamesHayward said:
My Exocet (lightweight) weighs in at around 560KG's and has 171.2 bhp .............
I truely believe that the Exocet Lightweight is a better all round prospect than the Caterham ...
The equivalent performance Caterham (R300) will set you back £27,995.00 whereas the Exocet Lightweight will cost you at least £20,000 less.....
+++ BACK ON TOPIC PLEASE GENTLEMEN +++I truely believe that the Exocet Lightweight is a better all round prospect than the Caterham ...
The equivalent performance Caterham (R300) will set you back £27,995.00 whereas the Exocet Lightweight will cost you at least £20,000 less.....
Question: - Is the MEV Exocet (lightweight) on a par / comparable with the Caterham R300? On paper the R300 weighs in at 515kg and has 175 bhp, so similar, and if so how does it compare re MEV's other claims?
The Exocet has a 50-50 weight distribution with an average weight driver.
The Exocet corner exit speeds exceed all 7's running the same tyres/set up.
The Exocet is capable of braking later than 7's running the same tyres.
The Exocet chassis has been tested and proven to be 3 times stiffer than 7esq's.
The Exocet will be slightly heavier than 7's due to the chassis being stronger.
The Exocet chassis has been proven to deform away from occupants in an impact.
The Exocet is by far the cheapest and easiest kit car to build in the world.
ewenm said:
Trackday comparisons are only worth it if you are used to both cars and drive both cars. Otherwise the other driver is a much bigger factor than any difference between the cars.
Spot on! I wonder whether one of the reputable motoring magazines would view a comparison worth doing?JamesHayward said:
I am fortunate enough to get to drive many performance cars and I truely believe that the Exocet Lightweight is a better all round prospect than the Caterham, and I love Caterhams more than I love my own kidneys....
‘JamesHayward’ as one of the only people to have driven both a Caterham and the Exocet so far to comment on here, I’m very interested to know your opinion regarding driver ‘feedback’ feel of both? The MX5 is notorious for being a good handling ‘easily’ controllable balanced car that provides the driver with ample time to correct a slide. Dose the Exocet retain these attributes? JamesHayward said:
I thought I should just make clear...
Something to bear in mind is that mine isn't a 'normal' Exocet. It's the lightweight which uses MEV's own subframes rather than the Mazda ones, and thinner tubing causing the chassis to be a fair bit lighter. Also mine has the OMEX engine which your normal Exocet wouldn't have. The standard Exocet is no match for a Caterham on anything other than price, however as Stuart mentioned - it's not meant to be.
Lightweight Exocet - 560kg / 171bhp
'Standard' Exocet - 630kg / 117bhp (1.6 Donor)
Caterham R300 - 515kg / 175bhp
Caterham Roadsport - 550kg / 125bhp
It's all personal choice at the end of the day. And for the record, I LOVE Caterham's!
Thanks for your input, you identify both the 'Standard' Exocet (1.6ltr) and the 'Lightweight' Exocet (1.8ltr) but how does the 'Ma5da MX150R' Exocet (1.8ltr) compare? As most of the YouTube footage floating around is of these racing with a control weight of 860kgs and 150bhp (Race Series Spec:- http://www.ma5daracing.com/news/2011/files/story8.... )Something to bear in mind is that mine isn't a 'normal' Exocet. It's the lightweight which uses MEV's own subframes rather than the Mazda ones, and thinner tubing causing the chassis to be a fair bit lighter. Also mine has the OMEX engine which your normal Exocet wouldn't have. The standard Exocet is no match for a Caterham on anything other than price, however as Stuart mentioned - it's not meant to be.
Lightweight Exocet - 560kg / 171bhp
'Standard' Exocet - 630kg / 117bhp (1.6 Donor)
Caterham R300 - 515kg / 175bhp
Caterham Roadsport - 550kg / 125bhp
It's all personal choice at the end of the day. And for the record, I LOVE Caterham's!
My view as the OP, and having given much thought to that said on both sides, it is clear to me that the MEV Exocet holds both the original attributes of Colin Chapman's desire to introduce to a larger motor racing audience, (via the introduction of the iconic 'lotus 7') a lowcost quality vehicle by which one can get involved on track, as well as Graham Nearn's desire through Caterham to develop the 7 further in terms of technology. Inevitably through time the cost of ownership of both a Caterham and Lotus 7 have crept up, taking it out of the reach of many of whom 'just wish to give it a go'.
There will always be advocates on both sides of any fence, and I severely doubt that the introduction of the MEV Exocet will in any way reduce the popularity of the Caterham 7. It’s far more lightly that the opposite will happen and that the Exocet will become, what the Lotus 7 used to be, the first step on the ladder in introducing new blood into motorsport, possibly even leaving Exocet Owners to be future customers of Caterham.
Quite where the MEV sits in Caterhams range in terms of performance, whether it be the Roadsport B or R300 Superlight is in many ways irrelevant to the Motorsport beginner, although it’s very comforting to know, from the people in the know that in the right hands the MEV Exocet can hold its own.
I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all who have contributed to this thread.
There will always be advocates on both sides of any fence, and I severely doubt that the introduction of the MEV Exocet will in any way reduce the popularity of the Caterham 7. It’s far more lightly that the opposite will happen and that the Exocet will become, what the Lotus 7 used to be, the first step on the ladder in introducing new blood into motorsport, possibly even leaving Exocet Owners to be future customers of Caterham.
Quite where the MEV sits in Caterhams range in terms of performance, whether it be the Roadsport B or R300 Superlight is in many ways irrelevant to the Motorsport beginner, although it’s very comforting to know, from the people in the know that in the right hands the MEV Exocet can hold its own.
I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all who have contributed to this thread.
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