Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 3 Wheeler compared to Caterham Super seven 7

Well, as I promised [threatened] earlier, I do have a few comments on this thread. I have continuously had a Seven in my garage since 1985, probably over a dozen of them, even having had a Caterham 21 for 5 years. I built practically all of them, including the 21, and have sprinted, [Autosolo'd], Speed Hillclimbed and tracked day'd them for around 15 of those years, and still have a 2.3 Duratec engined CSR sitting next to my Three Wheeler.

To say that the Three Wheeler is like a Seven is like saying the Caterham is a 'four wheeled motorbike', which used to be a favourite cliche of road testers, didn't it Peter?

Yes, they are both small, light, noisey, open, completely impractical and built solely for fun. Beyond that, as has already been pointed out, nothing else is the same, it's all in the detail.

To put it into persepective a little, I've owned Three Wheelers for two summers, [I don't use them in the winter because of the absolute havoc the salt causes], and I've barely done 300 miles in the Seven, yet around 3000 miles in the Mog. The reasons have already been stated, and it is as much to do with the style of driving as the cars themselves, I don't compete any longer, and haven't been on a track day for several years now.

I do drive the Three Wheeler quite quickly, even quicker now that I have the Empire Geometry Correction kit fitted, as it tracks true and straight on bumpy roads, and the steering is now finger light and doesn't load up in the corners any more. The Sevens have never done this, although early live axle Sevens did suffer from Bump Steer, rectified by using spacers under the rack.

The Caterham is now a very profesional product, and I feel that Morgan could learn a thing or two, but I know that will be changing. When Caterham designed the CSR, the only Seven with fully independant rear suspension and inboard front suspension, they used the services of suspension specialists, Multimatic to get it right, and it was, from day one, I hope that Morgan will put aside their pride and do something similar.

In reality, the two cars are very different, and I doubt there will be many, who like me, are daft enough to have one of each. I would say that the Seven is more akin to one of the 4 wheelers perhaps, but then, I don't think I'm old enough for one of those yet, although I do have the facial hair and the sandals! [Joke guys.]

I too prefer that wind in the hair feeling on long runs.

Well said that man..!

PS - Paul, I thought you weren't allowed near a computer..??

Hi Steve, I sneak a look now and then when my good lady has her back turned away.

I realize there is no comparison between the Se7en and the M3W from a performance standpoint, the Seven will spank a Morgan 3W six ways to Sunday on any road, or any test of performance. Also the Caterham seven as as has been stated a very sorted out car with reliability coming close to a modern car.

I guess what I am wondering is if the pure driving experience is preferred one way or the other, and several of you have said you prefer the 3W at this point in your lives. I am wondering it it is because it is the new love of your life, and you are still in the"honeymoon phase" or if you feel there is a lasting love affair there.

I can relate to having fun as slower speed as I get older. I have several 1931 model A fords with 40 Horse power and manual everything and barley any suspension to speak of. These ares are a hoot to drive fast (45 MPH)around town, and in some ways more engaging in the twisty back roads than a 911 turbo, M5, or many other cars I have owned. It sounds like the M3W may deliver that same low speed thrill ride?

To some degree I think Morgan got a bit confused also.
The 3W was hyped as a performance tool when I would guess what most of us wanted, was a new version of the original.
A one litre engine a little more revvy with a little less torque and a top speed of 90mph would have been just fine with me.
However I will be thrilled to get mine back from the dealer with the same engine and a torque converter that actually stays in one piece.
This is going to sound sad but driving the three wheeler is the automotive equivalent of swimming with dolphins. Wonderful therapy and brings out the best in both driver and onlooker.

+1 :))))

http://battlead.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/02se-compensator.html

a little of thread but I wonder if the new compensator will look a little like this

Very well said sir