TVR Chimaera vs Jaguar XJR (X308) - what to get and why?
Discussion
I would go for the TVR. I may be biased, but they are fantastic for a motorway cruise (comfy), yet you can go down the lanes and blast it. Also, there really isn't much that beats the noise of them.
I believe however your MX5 would never leave your garage/driveway again, so you may as well sell it now....
I believe however your MX5 would never leave your garage/driveway again, so you may as well sell it now....
I traded in my xjr for my Chimaera, to me, both epic cars in their different ways.
Of course the jag is a more comfy, cosseted and remote / insulated drive but exciting and grin inducing all the same, something of a sleeper. It's more practical obviously, and despite being a good deal heavier and more powerful, drinks only marginably more fuel. Loads of toys in the cabin, mine had full soveriegn (sic) pack, minilite style wheels and looked a million dollars.
Both cars will have people stand by and gawp when parked sometimes, though the TVR wins on that one.
The TIV will cost you over twice as much to buy in similar condition, but will hold it's value far better, the Jags' day will come however. TIV is easily looked after at home, a very basic car in comparison. The TVR community are a very nice bunch too I would say.
For me, the TVR wins because it's just so special, how it looks, goes, sounds and no car has had such laugh -out-loud ability for me.
Of course the jag is a more comfy, cosseted and remote / insulated drive but exciting and grin inducing all the same, something of a sleeper. It's more practical obviously, and despite being a good deal heavier and more powerful, drinks only marginably more fuel. Loads of toys in the cabin, mine had full soveriegn (sic) pack, minilite style wheels and looked a million dollars.
Both cars will have people stand by and gawp when parked sometimes, though the TVR wins on that one.
The TIV will cost you over twice as much to buy in similar condition, but will hold it's value far better, the Jags' day will come however. TIV is easily looked after at home, a very basic car in comparison. The TVR community are a very nice bunch too I would say.
For me, the TVR wins because it's just so special, how it looks, goes, sounds and no car has had such laugh -out-loud ability for me.
When I saw the title of your post I was expecting to suggest Chimaera (I've owned 3 in the past). However, for long journeys they are tiresome and very loud....I had to wear ear plugs! Unfortunately for your requirements I think the Jag is better - getting the TVR and then something dull/capable for the long haul would be ideal.
LS400/430 not an option? A nice 430 would leave a bit left over compared to XJR price?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LEXUS-LS-430-4-3-V8-AUTO...
On the right driveway for it as well.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LEXUS-LS-430-4-3-V8-AUTO...
On the right driveway for it as well.
Edited by Eski1991 on Saturday 11th May 11:17
Rovinghawk said:
Surely an XKR is somewhere in the middle of your requirements?
RH
Totally agree, it's like a grown up Griff/Chim. I had a Griff and loved it, 10 years later I now have an 03 XKR. I do miss the immense noise of the TVR but the overall refinement/usability of the XKR is fantastic. Plus I can drive it at 8/10ths of what I would drive the TVR at and not upset the OH.RH
RE: Chim vs XJR, they are totally different beasts. How can you compare a 2 seater sports car with a 4 door uber saloon?
I agree an XK/XKR is somewhere between the two, but I prefer the original two extremes! The XK/XKR doesn't do it for me visually.
The XJR is a sports saloon, not a sports car.
The Chimaera is a sports car.
The XK is more of a grand tourer, not a true sports car (in my eyes) plus someone else at work has one!
The XJR is a sports saloon, not a sports car.
The Chimaera is a sports car.
The XK is more of a grand tourer, not a true sports car (in my eyes) plus someone else at work has one!
I have a Chimaera and an X350 XJR. For long distance its the Jag every time , it can be quite tiring piloting the TVR as you really need to concentrate and tend to end up using the loud pedal far too much. The Jag is a fab cruiser and a much more civilised place and it goes like a rocket when you want it to.
I save the chim for back roads and fun.
IME experience running costs and parts cost more on the Jag but then it does a lot more miles than the Chim....
I save the chim for back roads and fun.
IME experience running costs and parts cost more on the Jag but then it does a lot more miles than the Chim....
Something a bit left field here - and I hate saying it as I am very patriotic and have the union flag tatooed on my arse (correct way up, before you ask!), but it sounds like this bloke needs an AMG merc - of the 5.5-litre V8 supercharger variety.
Take your pick, E55K, CL55K S55K can all be had for under 10k. SL55K is a bit more.
I ain't joking boys they will all leave the Jag for dead, keep up with a chimaera 500 AND do 25mpg on a run.
The only reason I don't have one is that I do so many miles - I have a high-powered diesel estate as a daily driver and a mental Landrover 90 with a 6.3 chevy in it to play with at weekends. But if I was doing moderate mileage and wanted a fast V8 that was my only car then these AMGs would be on my list.
Take your pick, E55K, CL55K S55K can all be had for under 10k. SL55K is a bit more.
I ain't joking boys they will all leave the Jag for dead, keep up with a chimaera 500 AND do 25mpg on a run.
The only reason I don't have one is that I do so many miles - I have a high-powered diesel estate as a daily driver and a mental Landrover 90 with a 6.3 chevy in it to play with at weekends. But if I was doing moderate mileage and wanted a fast V8 that was my only car then these AMGs would be on my list.
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