My Lotus Elise Wasn't Raw Enough... So I Bought This
Video Overview & Insights
I sold my Lotus Elise Cup 250, one of the purest sports cars I had ever driven, and replaced it with this: my Caterham 1800 VVC. This is my first proper mountain drive in the new car and my first chance to discover whether moving from the Elise to something even lighter, more exposed and more demanding was actually an upgrade.
these cars sort out the men from the boys i am a biker i own a gsa 1250 bikes have dominated my passion for many years 2 months ago i decided i dont need an estate car anymore and i dont need great economy but i dont need to tear tarmac so i snagged i 2017 430i coupe msport lci and though its not a 6 its only 4 cyl b48 its made me love cars again in 4.5 years my focus estate was washed a handful of times only with a hand brush and jet washer in 2 months the beema has had4-5 wash and wax by hand she has only 54000 miles so i intend to try keep her for a long time she has 😢he tft clocks and adaptive m suspension awesome
The Caterham weighs around 550 kg and produces roughly 160 horsepower from its Rover K-series engine. It also has a six-speed gearbox, bare aluminium bodywork, carbon bucket seats and almost none of the safety systems or refinement I had in the Lotus. There is no ABS, stability control, brake assistance or airbag, and with the doors removed it feels more like a four-wheeled motorcycle than a normal sports car.
On this twisty mountain road, I start learning the completely different handling balance of a front-engined Caterham compared with the mid-engined Elise. The rear is incredibly light, the car responds to tiny throttle inputs, the steering feels almost telepathic and the angry exhaust note completely comes alive under load and during downshifts. The skill ceiling, risk and potential reward all feel higher than they did in the Lotus.
Congrats on the purchase make sure the harnesses are in date they do have an expiry date
I still miss my Elise and would ideally own both, but this first drive made one thing very clear: the Caterham delivers an even more raw, physical and satisfying driving experience. Was selling the Lotus for this an upgrade or a downgrade?
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most unreliable engine....Hope for you that it's a Kavachi block
DISCLAIMER:
I always obey the speed limits!
I wondered how long until you would cave! LOL Good man!
Speed limits typically range from 30 to 120 km/h,
with some sections of the German Autobahn being unrestricted.
Congrats man! So happy you actually pulled the trigger on it. I'd say, filming-wise, stick to whatever is more comfortable. No need to increase the barrier to filming or driving for that matter. When deciding if to drive or not, you think "Aw but first I gotta rig up this ridiculous thing, I just can't be asked" F that. Enjoy the thing, and maybe share some of the joy with us :)
For reference, my speedometer reads approximately 10% higher than my actual speed
(e.g., 90 km/h on the speedometer = 80 km/h GPS).
driving cars is outdated - only old white fellows need this - you shoud ride a motorcycle - may be a stark - but this wild device here is an exception - it does not even count as a car 😂
This video is edited for cinematic effect and does not reflect real-world speeds.
Safety is my top priority—both for myself and others.
its an upgrade ! congratulations
I remain in full control of my vehicle at all times.
I always brake within my line of sight and stay within my lane on corners.
exchanged one of my dream cars for one of my dream cars
Cheer to you mate! Hope to one day own fun cars like these
On public roads, I never push my cars beyond 70-90% of their limits.
These Alpine roads are incredibly fun to drive—even within the speed limits.
Take from someone who has owned a 1997 Superlight with a 1600 Rover K-series engine for 20 years: take off the windscreen and fit an aeroscreen, and then you can wear a full face helmet - so much cooler than a ski mask, and much more fun to drive 🙂. You should also check the seat belt fitting: the lap belt should be tight across your pelvis, otherwise you could submarine into the footwell in the event of an accident 😞
Many of the corners are so tight that you wouldn’t be able to reach the limit anyway!
Drive safe and enjoy the roads!
I want to get use to the car before.. I completely smash it. Or... it smashes you first! Those tires look well used - fresh rubber compound matters.
Old style leather WW1 flying cap with real aviator goggles plus a silk scarf, with leather driving gloves to complete the fashion ensemble would be appropriate imo.
Going from a mid-engine car to a tail happy front engine car should be entertaining for you. Not as comfortable as the Elise was nor maybe as safe but fun
nonetheless. I'm not sure your lady will enjoy the Caterham experience as much you will. Go- Kart like is the first thing that comes to mind. Stay safe out there.
Cheers!
Irgendwie lächerlich dieser schwarze Kopfpariser und dann noch eine Skibrille drauf. Generation Z halt...
Ich fahre seit 33 Jahren einen Caterham S7 HPC mit dem 2,0L 16V Motor. Ich fahre ihn ohne Windschutzscheibe sondern nur mit dem kleinen, farblosen Windabweiser auf der Fahrerseite. Ich bin damit an die Nürburgring gefahren, ein paar Runden Nordschleife und wieder zurück in die Schweiz, gut 1000 km an einem Tag. Uebrigens, ich werde in 2 Monaten 65J
More User Perspectives
The raw aluminum really works with the carbon fiber. Also that engine is under rated.
@k-mc94Congratulations! They're an amazing car and I love the spec. The Rover K-Series engine really suits them because they're so lightweight and punchy. They're a very reliable lump if you keep them well-serviced, too.
Perhaps use a coloured hood, rather than black? Just to appear a bit less bank robber-like ;). If you've ordered some vintage-style racing goggles, then a leather hood would complete the look.
there's a really good solution for the goggles/mask setup, it's called a motorcycle helmet
@davidwales9657That camera setup is nice could you do for the next video like put a camera to the speedo so we can see how hard it accelerates in my opinion pov is nice nut if its uncomfortable then this is very good
@carmann1Good choice. I have Lotus Elise S1 and Westfield SEIW, very different cars, but i love them both.
@FeelTheWheelSKa real driver's car, congrats!
@maxander61This view is best. Congrats with the Caterham, love it.
@JoakimMiller67YOU have no idea !!!! what you have is Sshite ,, its a skate board you sit on with a engine ,, total Sshite
@tillnet🤣😂🤣😂💥💪🏼💥💪🏼 boooooooom! . Enjoy
@Senna-xi1grStill one of the very best driving experiences at any price. I used to track caterhams 20 years ago. An R500 on slicks is a match for many ‘superior’ cars on track, in the right hands. Reeling in Porsches Ferraris etc is great fun.
Colin Chapman got it right.
Nicer with clam wings
@kramnam4716Caterham > Lotus
@r129r16pflWhy not a BAC Mono, Radical RXC or Dallara Stradale?
@Soup21-b3uGreat cars .
I currently own the 620r .
Windscreen no doors is a dreadfull combination due buffetting.
Would either go doors /windscreen or Aero and helmet which i tbink looks bit daft on road.
Think you will soon get bored dressing like that to go for a drive.
Enjoy the car a great fun car .
You will get soon get bored of this car, the Elise is a much better car
@JuliaDickson-sn4miCongratulations ! If you want an even rawer experience, just remove the windshield and install an aeroscreen. I think you will love it.
@FaburisuhMy prediction: you'll keep it for maybe one, two years max. The rawness will get pretty tiring pretty quickly. But hey, enjoy it while it lasts!
@l.s.11Congratulations! Awesome choice! I have a 1999 1.8 K-series VHPD with 208bhp, 6 speed close ratio and LSD, which I adore.
Ditch the wind deflectors. I had them on my original 1700 Super Sprint but all they actually do is tip the air into the side of your face. I don't use them on my K Series and it is much better. No need for masks or ski goggles for me. Of course the next upgrade would be an aero screen for me and maybe for you too!
One tip that I was given: I noticed when you came up to the traffic light you turned the wheel to the left as you stopped. It makes sense as you are ready to pull away as the light turns green. However, if you get hit from behind you will be projected into the on coming traffic, which is likely to be a very bad outcome. So better to keep your wheels straight until you are ready to make your manoeuvre. This was the advice I was given and I pass it on to you, to do with as you wish :-)
Have fun and keep it the shiny side up!
This engine is awesome! Super lightweight, super revvy. And you can tune it quite a bit. There is the whole issue of head gasket failure. Do this and you’ll never have an issue: always- always-always allow the water to reach temperature, don’t drive above 2,5-3k before it does, and then always allow the oil to reach temperature before you give it a thrash. Hope you follow my advice.
Absolutely brilliant car you have. Enjoy it!
I always worry a little when people mention they have sold their Elise but I think you'll be OK here.
The VVC K-series is an underrated engine. I have one in my early S1 Elise.
You should buy a helmet to protect your head in case of a flying rock 🤕 Sick car and lovely sound, it is absolutely fantastic 🤩
@antewan68Duuuude! My man! Wow! I’m sssooo happy for you!!!
You did say in the two reviews of those Caterhams that you were so impressed with S7’s handling and overall character that you even had an idea of selling your Elise and purchasing the S7.
And here you go, you did it!
Just wow!!! Congrats!
P.S. Of course the Elise and the S7 are different and should both be in your garage. I wish this very channel of yours or some other activity in your life will bring you the budget to make it happen!
man ill miss the lotus. but i can tell the caterham fits you more after all those test drives and now owning one. congrats man
@weetikveelpik-wq5bxThe chrome colour looks mint 👌
@luml1820I like the view from the camera on the roll bar.
The camera on the rear wheel arch just makes it look like you are driving in the ditch.
holy crappp, sick ride man. awesome aesthetic choice, with the raw aluminum chassis and carbon bits and bobs. congrats B-)
@AdvancedSoulGetting closer to a motorbike!
@Fp-ph7qsCaterham is the one, all day Long.
@gcmarcrodSo viel geld für so wenig auto und aussstattung 😅😢
@giftpiltz8640If you had a little crash you can rebuild it with a new frame from factory. The Lotus with an broken wichbone Sektion couse of the glued Chassis, its nearly impossible to repair. Im the owner of the most showed CSR260 on YT. Your car is realy nice.
@DaEVOthefreakYou are a brave soul. I would suggest wearing a helmet.
For me this would be a step to far in the raw direction. Will be interesting to see how long you keep this death trap.
Geiles Teil 🎉 Das war vor Jahren nach meiner Elise auch eine Option. Schade gibt es die Dinger nicht mit Dach ☀️
@Tom82_wtfMy dream car❤
@r129r16pflCongraats man sick
@clkgtr12What an amazing Caterham—congratulations! 😍 I used to own a CSR 200 that had been upgraded to 260 hp. It was the best car I’ve ever had. The feedback, the confidence it inspired, and the fact that it delivered all of that without any electronic driving aids made it truly special.
If I were to buy another Caterham, I’d probably go for an S3 240 with the 6-speed gearbox. I just love the combination of classic, vintage styling with modern engineering.
Very cool. But at this point, i think you should consider a helmet.
@xxTosteRxxExige 350 with an ex 460 komotech kit would be really cool to be seen on your channel
@AntonyAntony-uj6xb