SimHQ.com - Motorsports Zone - GTR2 vs rFactor vs LFS Shootout #2: The Caterhams

This is how far our hobby has come: Such is the feedback from the sims that we are now actually able to feel and discuss parameters such as stiffness of suspensions and chassis. I find that quite amazing.

I really like all the renditions of the Caterham whether it be the Live for Speed version, the one from RACE or the rFactor mod. All offer credible and workable slip angles on the limit with the proper reactions to throttle-on and throttle-off. If I were to sum up my personal impressions in one or two brief sentences (impossible, I know) it would go like this:

Live for Speed Caterham

I feel very comfortable throwing the car around the track close to and on the limit as it gives me a "seat-of-my-pants" feeling.

The Live for Speed car generated the largest grin factor for me as it is inexcusably good fun braking into the corners setting up the slide and then attempt to steer it clear and straight with bursts of throttle. With the LX4 and LX6 models being the only two versions available, the contents in terms of quantity is not lacking, but not quite as diverse as in the rFactor mod.

Simbin RACE Caterham

I'm very careful with the pedal below my right foot and have to be very precise in my driving and maintain presence of mind at all times.

RACE's rendition impresses with extraordinary attention to detail in the area of the car models including an interior to die for. Furthermore, the car feel-on-the-limit is exceptional. But the lighting and the limitations regarding not being able to add 3rd party tracks means that the desire to drive it is somewhat curtailed for me.

rFactor Caterham Mod

A brilliant and diverse mod going where no modder has gone before, and for powering out of turns on any of the many add-on tracks!

The rFactor mod is an outstanding achievement by the mod group and I especially noted how nice the cars are to drive on the beautiful Paul Ricard 88 circuit.

But really, there can only be one conclusion from this shootout. I want a real Caterham.

"Boss; I really need a new staff car, or a raise in pay. Or both."

"Okay, at least let me rent one for a day or two. Otherwise I can't finish the article properly, you see? ...... Boss ...... Boss?"

Caterham's Rock

Reviewer’s System Specs:

AMD Athlon 64 FX-57 2.8 GHz
Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe motherboard
2GB RAM (Kingston and Danelec)
Western Digital External 300 GB HDD
ATI Radeon X1800, Catalyst v7.4 drivers
SoundBlaster Live external sound card
Logitech G25 / v5.00 drivers
Windows XP Home SP2

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