Elan vs Caterham

[Citromike]

Hi All,

The Elan S4 came home today from its repair work looking nearly as new. I say
nearly because now the metallic front and rear bumpers don't match quite
right - even though the same primer and finish coat were used, by the same
painter. Oy vey. The red is a perfect match though.

We drove up 50 miles in the new Caterham Super Seven. I drove the Seven
halfway home - this is a Super Sprint 1600 with Prisoner equipment, wheels
and DeDion rear end. Then we traded cars.

- The Caterham is heavy. The Elan light.
- The Caterham is a 5-speed; the Elan 4-spd. Both need more relaxed cruising-
each turns 4000 at 70 which seems too high.
- The Caterham driver suffers from severe buffeting. The Elan pilot is snug,
even with windows down.
- The Caterham steering is heavy and direct. The Elan feels light as a
feather.
- Both have very direct shifters - the Elan is less precise than the Ford
5-spd box in the Caterham.
- The Elan Twin Cam w/Strombergs feels light and revvy, with very smooth
power delivery. The 1600 Crossflow in the Caterham is rough, snorty, raspy
and a bit peaky, with its twin Webers.
- The Twink is stronger (maybe 135 vs 110). It's very noticeable.
- The Elan has ample room to carry the Caterham's side curtains ... no more
need be said
- The Elan suspension is smooth as silk; the Caterham rough and bouncy
- The Elan catches eyes, but the Caterham stops people dead in their tracks.
3 tourists took pictures of the car!

No - I'm not sorry about the Seven but I think I love the Elan best of all.
Though I have to confess I would not take a long trip in it, especially at
night. We save the M100 Elan for that.

Hopefully there will be more time and sun tomorrow for more extended
comparisons. Anyone around Southern California want to join our Lotus car
club? My wife and I are getting tired of drinking all the wine and beer at
the club meetings ...

M Roeder

& yes, the Citroens are getting jealous.

[rodbean]

[email protected] wrote:

- Both have very direct shifters - the Elan is less precise than the Ford
5-spd box in the Caterham.

Try disabling that rubber bushing or using the S1-S2-S3 shifter. I can't image
a more direct motion than you get with that arrangement.

Hopefully there will be more time and sun tomorrow for more extended
comparisons. Anyone around Southern California want to join our Lotus car
club? My wife and I are getting tired of drinking all the wine and beer at
the club meetings ...

Wait till I get mine finished. Pulled the engine this weekend and prepared to
replace water pump, trans, clutch. Pretty small club, eh?

Rod