CSL vs. 996 GT3

[Ade]

Don't get me wrong, the csl & GT3's are awesome on track and I rate them very highly. They are immensly capable for what they are. But they will always be barges due to their weight! Also very expensive to run regularly on track compared to a lighweight nail.

True on the cost. BUT Caterfields/Atoms etc are a PITA for anything other than dry and sunny trackdays within an hour of home. Which pretty much rules out Euro trips. Unless you wanted to trailer... in which case it's still a PITA.

If I wanted the flies in the teeth experience, then I'd stick to 2 wheels which gives even greater thrills than 4 wheels ever could. Caterfields give you less thrills than bikes, with all the downsides of cars (roadspace etc), and none of the upsides...

[spanner]

True on the cost. BUT Caterfields/Atoms etc are a PITA for anything other than dry and sunny trackdays within an hour of home. Which pretty much rules out Euro trips. Unless you wanted to trailer... in which case it's still a PITA.

If I wanted the flies in the teeth experience, then I'd stick to 2 wheels which gives even greater thrills than 4 wheels ever could. Caterfields give you less thrills than bikes, with all the downsides of cars (roadspace etc), and none of the upsides...

Agreed to a degree - a bike is more fun on the road but I have completely given up on going quick on the roads, well, properly quick anyway!

I trailered to the ring a few times & yes, it became a complete PITA hence the csl to now do that job.

I completely disagree on the dry & sunny bit though, I used to pray for rain when I was going somewhere in the caterham or elise. I am much more wary of the weather these days running a csl on cups!

The trailering to uk events could be a bit of a faff but again, I tend to take 2 sets of wheels / tyres with the csl too which is at least as much of a pain.

The reality is, a barge can't entertain like a dedicated lightweight toy on track, whatever the weather.

a little caveat to say that I did once not enjoy myself at the ring in really torrential rain in a screenless caterham and I ended up using my tow barge for the rest of the day instead! But I also wouldn't have been out on cups at the time either!

[Ade]

I'm really debating the whole Cups thing on the CSL given the inclement weather we so often get, although this year has proven to be a fine year for Cups!

It was just as much fun (perhaps even more!) on a torrential half day at Snetterton on PZero Neros (I'd normally run PS2s) as I had on Cups when it was dry.

But yes, Caterfields are massive fun. :beer:

[m33ufo]

I'd actually almost completed a deal on a new Lotus 2-11 a few weeks ago and then realised that I wouldn't be able to get it into my garage without grazing the front splitter on entering. They only have 90mm ground clearance and my drive runs slightly downward to my garage - just enough to be a problem! Totally fantastic cars to drive.

[Ade]

I'd actually almost completed a deal on a new Lotus 2-11 a few weeks ago and then realised that I wouldn't be able to get it into my garage without grazing the front splitter on entering. They only have 90mm ground clearance and my drive runs slightly downward to my garage - just enough to be a problem! Totally fantastic cars to drive.

Just beware, IIRC that's the same clearance as my old GT3 had with MMKWs on it. It's not so much the height, it's also the distance from the front to the wheels that creates the max angle of attack!

[spanner]

I'd actually almost completed a deal on a new Lotus 2-11 a few weeks ago and then realised that I wouldn't be able to get it into my garage without grazing the front splitter on entering. They only have 90mm ground clearance and my drive runs slightly downward to my garage - just enough to be a problem! Totally fantastic cars to drive.

oh dear! Surely a couple of bit of wood could solve the problem?

Sounds like you may need to move house:whistle:

[Andyk]

Actually it's the opposite for me, I think the Mk1 front end looks much more dated than the Mk2.

Would have to agree with that as well...mrk1 will always be a classic but it does look a tad dated..

[Jeff]

Would have to agree with that as well...mrk1 will always be a classic but it does look a tad dated..

It's a damn lot newer looking than the old kit though

I went with the Mk1 996 GT3 as I just couldn't bare to pay all that money for a car that looked like it was from the 70's. I must admit though I've matured in my taste and would consider one, like a 993 or even 964, but I just don't have the budget required to maintain an air cooled engine.

To comment on some previous posts - the thing that can be forgotten when thinking caterfield is that they are cheaper to run thanks to their lightness, meaning brakes are cheaper, use less petrol, their engine are generally less sophisticated and can be bought for next to nothing etc. Initial outlay can be higher if you build from scratch, but overall it should be a cheap ownership experience (after you invest in good wet weather gear )

[shane@mbtech]

Erm....yes, I'm sure that I could have made something up to slide into place if needed. Kind of makes a nonsense of my electric garage doors though, having to open the garage - position the "contraption" - drive out - get out of the car - recover the "contraption" to the garage - get back in car and drive off...

I know the CSL doesn't have the same problem so I'll stick with that :thumbs: OR there's the non CS GT3 I now have a test drive in tomorrow which should (probably) be ok. I've got the Cobalt car down to £40K which doesn't sound a bad deal, just still not convinced I won't be happier in a CSL - hopefully after a spin tomorrow I'll be better placed to make a decision.

bet you buy the porsche:whistle:

[m33ufo]

oh dear! Surely a couple of bit of wood could solve the problem?

Sounds like you may need to move house:whistle:

Erm....yes, I'm sure that I could have made something up to slide into place if needed. Kind of makes a nonsense of my electric garage doors though, having to open the garage - position the "contraption" - drive out - get out of the car - recover the "contraption" to the garage - get back in car and drive off...

I know the CSL doesn't have the same problem so I'll stick with that :thumbs: OR there's the non CS GT3 I now have a test drive in tomorrow which should (probably) be ok. I've got the Cobalt car down to £40K which doesn't sound a bad deal, just still not convinced I won't be happier in a CSL - hopefully after a spin tomorrow I'll be better placed to make a decision.

[m33ufo]

bet you buy the porsche:whistle:

At the moment my thoughts are that I'll go with the CSL. The Porsche will have to be VERY good to change my mind.

Then again, what about an M6

[shane@mbtech]

At the moment my thoughts are that I'll go with the CSL. The Porsche will have to be VERY good to change my mind.

Then again, what about an M6

Ive owned a 996 turbo ( my favourite car as a boy growing up), not same league as a gt3 but it was special just like the csl.
The fact that you are test driving one, says to me you are thinking of buying.

You will have to have great restraint.:thumbs:

M6 is a totally different car, not one bit of rawness, which gt3 and csl have in abundance

[m33ufo]

Ive owned a 996 turbo ( my favourite car as a boy growing up), not same league as a gt3 but it was special just like the csl.
The fact that you are test driving one, says to me you are thinking of buying.

You will have to have great restraint.:thumbs:

M6 is a totally different car, not one bit of rawness, which gt3 and csl have in abundance

Yep, I'd buy it if the price was right and I liked the car. But the only reason I'm even looking is that my CSL deal has been postponed (hopefully for not too long!). I'm rubbish at waiting.

I apprciate that the M6 is aimed at a different audience but it still has appeal and would be terrifying (but fun) on a track day:hahaha:

[Pacman]

Already said you can buy mine...no waiting...
See the pictures posted by Jay in Detailing.....

[m33ufo]

Already said you can buy mine...no waiting...
See the pictures posted by Jay in Detailing.....

I'll just go and take a look


Edit....great condition!