400se or Griffith
Discussion
The griffith generally keeps better market value and is more likely to appreciate than the 400SE, but the 400SE is value for money as it's normally cheaper to buy, so you get more for your pound. Looks are a matter of taste. I prefer the 400SE and that's why I own one. However, I wouldn't buy anything that is insurance listed, even if it's cheap. You don't know what's been done or how it's been repaired. It would effect it's future value and maybe even your insurance. Don't believe the stories you hear about how superficial the damage was and how easily it was repaired. I have nothing against buying a car that needs some work doing, just make sure it's HPI clear. That is my opinion. Others may see it differently.
Tony. TCB.
Tony. TCB.
400SE is a great car. A healthy Griff 500 is a complete mentalist by comparison. 50-100 more HP & over 150kg lighter.
If you want a very rare, classic performance car get a 400SE. If you want an absolute mentle icon of a car get a healthy 500 Griff.
Notice my careful use of the word 'healthy'.
If you want a very rare, classic performance car get a 400SE. If you want an absolute mentle icon of a car get a healthy 500 Griff.
Notice my careful use of the word 'healthy'.
Does depend what you are looing for.
If you take the sound, looks and emotion out of the equation the Griff 500 is a better car in every department, handling, ride quality, performance, heating & ventialtion, etc. etc. But if you like the 400's looks and sound the decision will be much harder.
If you take the sound, looks and emotion out of the equation the Griff 500 is a better car in every department, handling, ride quality, performance, heating & ventialtion, etc. etc. But if you like the 400's looks and sound the decision will be much harder.
pwd95 said:
400SE is a great car. A healthy Griff 500 is a complete mentalist by comparison. 50-100 more HP & over 150kg lighter.
If you want a very rare, classic performance car get a 400SE. If you want an absolute mentle icon of a car get a healthy 500 Griff.
Notice my careful use of the word 'healthy'.
Go on get your old car back...its dropped in price so you would probably get foe even less!!If you want a very rare, classic performance car get a 400SE. If you want an absolute mentle icon of a car get a healthy 500 Griff.
Notice my careful use of the word 'healthy'.
Best bet is to try and get a show and tell from some owners. I like the Wedge, biased. I know a Griff is bonkers when it is on form but I am of a wedgier persuasion.
The trick is to try to get a good look over them with a knowledgeable owner being honest about the foibles. And for gods sake, put away the TVR goggles or you will buy the first one you see.
Edit. I never really buy cars for investment, I buy them to use and abuse as I see fit. The Wedge is fun car to enjoy. Sod the depreciation.
The trick is to try to get a good look over them with a knowledgeable owner being honest about the foibles. And for gods sake, put away the TVR goggles or you will buy the first one you see.
Edit. I never really buy cars for investment, I buy them to use and abuse as I see fit. The Wedge is fun car to enjoy. Sod the depreciation.
Edited by jmorgan on Sunday 16th June 10:22
Second that.. I love the Wedges over the last 16 years I have tried various models (apart from SEAC) but the key thing is that they have to be used, serviced properly and keep on top of the todo list and they are second to none. You will never get your money back on them they are like children you just shovel money into them when you can! They then pay you back in kind - Le Mans trip - days out in the sun - tunnels - comments from admirers 
CHIMV8 said:
pwd95 said:
400SE is a great car. A healthy Griff 500 is a complete mentalist by comparison. 50-100 more HP & over 150kg lighter.
If you want a very rare, classic performance car get a 400SE. If you want an absolute mentle icon of a car get a healthy 500 Griff.
Notice my careful use of the word 'healthy'.
Go on get your old car back...its dropped in price so you would probably get foe even less!!If you want a very rare, classic performance car get a 400SE. If you want an absolute mentle icon of a car get a healthy 500 Griff.
Notice my careful use of the word 'healthy'.
Ernie321 said:
My wife likes the Griffith and hates the 400se
If you have any sense then, you know which way to go 
Marital/ partner harmony is always a good thing with exotic cars: if she likes it, it'll make it easier to get approval for 'upgrades' or even necessities.
Come resale time there will always be a wider market for a Griffith than a Wedge. You may well say (as many do on here) that you're buying it to keep, you'll never sell, but things change - especially the owner's attitude when they've spent more time and money fettling the car than driving it. Honestly, it happens a lot on here. This is not to say that a Griffith would need less time and money; in the long-term of course it will, but at least when you get sick you'll make a quicker sale.
pwd95 said:
400SE is a great car. A healthy Griff 500 is a complete mentalist by comparison. 50-100 more HP & over 150kg lighter.
If you want a very rare, classic performance car get a 400SE. If you want an absolute mentle icon of a car get a healthy 500 Griff.
Notice my careful use of the word 'healthy'.
While it's I'm sure the Griff is better engineered car no way is it 150kW lighter than a wedge, certainly not a f/g SEAC.If you want a very rare, classic performance car get a 400SE. If you want an absolute mentle icon of a car get a healthy 500 Griff.
Notice my careful use of the word 'healthy'.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TVR_Griffith
Lightweight SEAC would surely be less than 1,000Kg.
Phil
5420 SEAC
Hi Ernie.
Finance aside, I like the 400SE... It stands out, gets noticed wherever I go, and its loud. I like doing a lot of posing, and I guess I'm a little flash. If you are shy, then the giffith may be a better choice as it blends in more with the current traffic, but is still a TVR. They both need TLC from time to time, and TVR ownership is always a hands on relationship. So, Ernie... if your looking for the fastest (milk cart) in the west, 400SE is the way to go.
Tony. TCB.
Finance aside, I like the 400SE... It stands out, gets noticed wherever I go, and its loud. I like doing a lot of posing, and I guess I'm a little flash. If you are shy, then the giffith may be a better choice as it blends in more with the current traffic, but is still a TVR. They both need TLC from time to time, and TVR ownership is always a hands on relationship. So, Ernie... if your looking for the fastest (milk cart) in the west, 400SE is the way to go.
Tony. TCB.
ElvisWedgely said:
Hi Ernie.
Finance aside, I like the 400SE... It stands out, gets noticed wherever I go, and its loud. I like doing a lot of posing, and I guess I'm a little flash. If you are shy, then the giffith may be a better choice as it blends in more with the current traffic, but is still a TVR. They both need TLC from time to time, and TVR ownership is always a hands on relationship. So, Ernie... if your looking for the fastest (milk cart) in the west, 400SE is the way to go.
Tony. TCB.
blends in? Finance aside, I like the 400SE... It stands out, gets noticed wherever I go, and its loud. I like doing a lot of posing, and I guess I'm a little flash. If you are shy, then the giffith may be a better choice as it blends in more with the current traffic, but is still a TVR. They both need TLC from time to time, and TVR ownership is always a hands on relationship. So, Ernie... if your looking for the fastest (milk cart) in the west, 400SE is the way to go.
Tony. TCB.
depends on the colour...
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=tvr+griffith+y...
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=tvr+griffith+w...
Ive owned both and are surprisingly very different cars to drive....the griff feels very modern compared to the wedge, but the wedge as a huge amounts of character as the forum guys will echo
The wedge pound for pound is better value compared to a griff...but if you can stretch the extra dosh the griff will always be the iconic big brother
The wedge pound for pound is better value compared to a griff...but if you can stretch the extra dosh the griff will always be the iconic big brother
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