HELP ME CHOOSE THE RIGHT CATERHAM FOR ME

[toolshed]

Hi all,

I'm after some advice on which Caterham to buy. I've always dreamed of building a Caterham and I decided to take the plunge and put down a deposit just before Christmas with kit delivery scheduled for mid August. 

For now I've ordered a 310R but I was planning to go and try the 420R before finalising the order - however COVID has put a stop to that and with my order finalisation deadline coming up in April I though I might turn to this forum for some help and advice.

I test drove the 310R and loved it but I am bit worred that I might find it a bit lacking in torque especially when compared to what I am used to - I've alway been a fan of V8 and used to own a TVR Chimera and currently have an Audi RS4 B7 as a daily driver. I guess I've bee spoilt but I am used to putting my foot down in any gear !

I've read that the 420R doesn't have some of the poitiness and reviness that the 310R has but I've also read that the 310R runs out of grunt expecially on track day. I am planning to take it on the track so that is an important consideration for me but, given I live in London, I also need a car that will behave in town and on the way to those country lanes for a blat. In short I am confident that I could handle the 310R but wondering if the 420R will be too hard core. I get that it is a personal decision but really struggling to make my mind up absent the ability to test drive them side by side.

Spec wise I've pretty much settled but I'm still in too minds about the wheels - leaning toward 6 and 8 inchers and front and rear - and about wether the 4 piston brake upgrade is worth it. 

Any advice gratefully received.

Once that is settled I can start worrying about the build - loving all of the blogs but feeling quite nervous as, aside being a dab hand at building lego technic, I don't have nuch mechanical knowledge !