Caterham 170 vs Lotus Seven

TL;DR : yes (but what's even the question?)

I've always heard and read that the Kei Caterham (Suzuki-based 160/165 and 170) are in fact a back to the roots iteration of the Seven. That's actually very accurate.

As I'm seriously considering getting the real thing for myself, I had to do my due diligence and learn all that's to know about the O.G. Lotus Seven, especially the S2.

Compared to the Caterham 170, the similarities are plenty :

same weight (~460kg)
same track width
same narrow rear wheel arches
similar tyre dimensions (equiv. width of 155 for the S1, 145 for the S2, in both instances with an overall diameter within 2% of the 160-170)
similar live axle
same "A" frame to locate the rear axle
same brake configuration with front discs and rear drums
similar engine power (1500 Cosworth ~90-95bhp)
hydraulic clutch
with the S2 came the first side screens and full hood with rear windows
exhaust on the left-hand side
a silent transmission, both the gearbox and differential, compared to a 275 or 340

As we got to have a first drive with it this afternoon, I can confirm it felt very familiar, although the carburettors could do with some cleaning and tuning.

We really liked the feel and size of the Intertech steering wheel, a very close match for my beloved 10" Moto-Lita.

The view of the clamshell wheel arches is very pleasant from behind the wheel.

It got quite toasty in there, despite the lack of a heater. We never got our feet so hot in the 170, ever; it's at times uncomfortably cold in the 170. In the Lotus the tunnel got pretty warm as well.

The Simpson harnesses are great. We set off with only the lap belts but didn't drive long before stopping to get the shoulder harnesses from the boot.

As it is, the tyres are a but too wide for my taste, I would replace them with a set of Uniroyal Rainexpert in 155/80 R13. They're past their prime anyway...

Cherry on the cake, it's the same as the one used in "The Prisoner" series. That's not a real surprise as the S2 is the Lotus Seven with the most units built, but the one in the opening of The Prisoner was a 1500 Cosworth too.

A lot more to come soon, there is very little doubt about that.