Caterham(s)

[Yanto]

Swear filter appears to have let the title through unscathed so i'll write it again Caterham(s), but even so i kept this in the Stuff and Nonsense folder.

 

I went along to Donington Park today as there was a track day organised by the Midlands Caterham Centre (Bookatrack) which is on-site, but also it was their open day with grub etc.

 

Unfortunately i wasn't successful in reserving a passenger seat in the 620r on track driven by a Caterham driver, which was a shame, but I did manage to get a drive in a 320r and a 160s, now I'm sure you all know that the number is BHP/ton, the 320 was good, but to be honest nothing different to driving my previous Duratec Wetsfield.  The 160 however was an absolute hoot, a tiny car even smaller than a non SV Caterham with a 80 bhp, 3 cylinder turbo engine that tried it's best to sound like a flat 6 porsche engine.

 

Now don't get me wrong, it wasn't fast, the gear ratio's were abysmal but the actual dynamics were brilliant, I haven't had as much fun going slowly since my first "car" which was a mini van. 

 

I was actually very impressed with it, but would I buy one (even if i could afford nearly £20k for a used one) hell yes!

 

I also enjoyed having a windscreen and doors, conversation was easy, buffeting minimal, maybe it is time to get another scuttle for mine make them quick change so I can have both options.

 

Ian

 

PS sorry for talking about Caterhams.

 

PPS when discussing Westfields with other people their the reactions were positive, not condescending at all.

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

I tend to feel the same about the 1.6 Sigma engined Westfield; though nowhere near as light as the Caterham, it is still light and an absolute hoot to drive, with beautiful balance.

I can imagine it feels huge fun on a deserted Highland, or moorland road. (I just couldn't live with the poor overtaking ability on the trip out to the fun roads.)

[Yanto]

Yes overtaking would have to be a measured action rather than gap'n'go.

[Kyle]

This is where kitcars excel for me and why I'm building a 1.6 Mazda SDV. The novelty of rapid cars on the road wore off very quickly in my case.

[MK11]

You should try an XI.  An A Series never felt so much fun.

[Mighty Mart]

Must admit I have found caterham owners a great bunch and very friendly. Have bumped into one very local to me, along with a tiger owner, and we are all going for a blat next April!

Mart.

[Rory's Dad]

I agree with Dave on the Sigma engined car - much more nimble due to a) lighter weight and b) engine further back than my C20XE. I like the Vauxhall's much greater power and torque though!

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

Yeah, I love the 1.6 Sigma, but own the S2000 , which I hasten to add, I love but in a different way.

Much as I enjoy the Sigma, it's just not the right car for me, enough of the time, whereas the S2000 is.