Brent asks:
From: "Brent G. DeWitt" <bdewitt@csn.org>
Subject: Caterham 7 vs Westfield Sei
I have been comparing the Caterham against the Westfield and wonder if
anyone out there might have any direct comparison of "on the road"
experiences. The Westfield is cheaper and has what appears to be a better
suspension design, too bad it is also NOT as pretty and has all that
fiberglass. While I may be banned from the group for mentioning it, there
seem to be a couple of other "clones", notably Rotus and MCC Super Seven.
At least the Westfield is British.
I am biased. I own a Caterham.
Caterham obtained the rights to continue to produce spare parts for the
Lotus Seven after Chapman got tired of supporting the kit (er, component)
car. Caterham produced the series IV, lots of fibreglass, with little
success and then returned to the series III, the one we know and love
today.
They continued to put enough spare parts in a box so that a complete car
could be assembled, with out any fabrication, in a long three day weekend.
This is the difference between a component (no fabrication, bolt together)
and kit (you get some stuff, but you need to find a donor car and do a lot
of welding and other stuff).
The Caterham has remained true to the original design until 1991 or so when
the suppliers started wanting out. The car was literally identical, with
some minor frame modifications, to the original produced by Lotus.
Caterham vigorously defended the rights Lotus gave them on the design.
They either forced companies out of business or forced significant changes
in the design so there would be little doubt what was what. Westfields
were forced to change not only the visuals but also the mechanicals.
Chapman's philosophy for the Seven was a light hill climb car. If the
component weighed more than 25 pounds, it was not allowed on the car. Mine
weighs 1205 lbs, with me sitting in it.
Some specific answers:
Cheaper yes, but what about finished price? I doubt it will be in the end,
depending on what you are willing to do yourself.
Suspension design is not as good. I am sure about this! I have raced with
many of my friends and found they have had to make many extensive changes
to get the car to handle as well as they want. Rarely are they competitive
in autocrossing with out great effort. The Seven is a proven design. You
get all the pieces and just have to bolt it together. I have modified mine
as well but only with small advantage in cornering (1.25 gees!) but for
safety. The new Caterhams, with the independent rear(de Dion from a
Sierra) do not handle as well as the old live rear axle with A frame
location.
I could run on all day! Caterham has a new push for the American market.
They have a new distributor in Florida and are opening dealers in all
areas. This car has been in continuous production for over 34 years.
There has to be a reason why.
All the clones are good cars. A car like this begs to be modified and even
two Caterhams side by side do not look the same. Rotus, Westfield, MCC,
and others all have advantages and disadvantages.
Now, there are rumors Lotus is going to do another Seven! Mid engined, 300
bhp/tonne, minimalist, about 20,000 pounds Sterling. I am saving my
pennies.
Michael
Michael Sands Kaleida Labs
(415) 966-0711 sands@kaleida.com
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