Logical upgrade...

[pupp]

Currently run a 4.0 Chim (97) and am, after some initial doubts, pretty happy with it. Now fancy upgrading and it comes down to 500 Griff (maybe one of the last 100) or an early Tuscan.

Wisdom please...and be gentle

[plotloss]

Depends on what you want really.

If you want the 'look at me' factor the Tuscan screams it and its ludicrously fast. However the downsides are that its going to cost a considerable amount more to run than your Chim. It is also going to be arguably more unreliable.

The Griff doesnt have the same visual clout IMO that the Tuscan provides and being a Rover lump isnt going to be as quick. On the upside however there, like your Chim is a lot of experience of working with that engine and its an experienced model that has all the best things about TVR's in bucket loads.

Just to confuse matters have you considered the Tamora? Logical replacement for the Griff in the model line and some say most sorted TVR. Styling seems to be a love or hate affair but the handling everyone is bound to adore.

Matt.

[angusfaldo]

quote:
Depends on what you want really.

The Griff doesnt have the same visual clout IMO that the Tuscan provides and being a Rover lump isnt going to be as quick.

Griffith 500 to 60 mph - 4.1 secs, 0 to 100 mph - 10.5 secs, Max. speed - 167 mph

Tuscan Speed6 0 to 60 mph 4.3 secs
Maximum 175 mph

I rest my case M'lud.

Not much in it.

[julianhj]

Love my Griff. but always saw it as a stepping stone to a Tuscan.

The Griff. is unreasonably fast, amazing to look at and never ceases to put a smile on my face ('cept when the transmission goes bang on a roundabout in rush hour taffic ). Wanted a TVR for a couple of years, damn glad I now have one. Still dreaming of the Tuscan.

I was told by a Tuscan owner to avoid early versions like the plague, this was backed up by a dealer who advised that they didn't get properly sorted until late 2001. Lots of early cars were upgraded - suspension tweaks were the main thing, so I'm told.

If I had the budget for an upgraded early Tuscan, I'd definitely go for it, but the Griff. is a damn fine second option...

[flasher]

quote:

quote:
Depends on what you want really.

The Griff doesnt have the same visual clout IMO that the Tuscan provides and being a Rover lump isnt going to be as quick.

Griffith 500 to 60 mph - 4.1 secs, 0 to 100 mph - 10.5 secs, Max. speed - 167 mph

Tuscan Speed6 0 to 60 mph 4.3 secs
Maximum 175 mph

I rest my case M'lud.

Not much in it.

In reality Angus there is a difference. All TVR's are quick cars and on normal roads it is almost impossible to shake another TVR off. However, when you put them on a track the difference is far more noticeable. The Griff is very quick in a straight line but when you put a few bends in the later cars are much quicker. It's all down to the chassis/suspension set up which has obviously improved over the years. Track days have become more and more fashionable over the last few years and TVR have built the latest cars with that in mind, particularly the Tamora and Tuscan S.

I think the Griffith is going to become an all time classic and it's becoming harder to find.It's definitley going to be the TVR that holds it's value well, IMO....

It's a clear choice between a Griff 500 limited edition (for classic status and good residuals) or a Tamora (for track days and performance) for me. Early Tuscan's are going to cause you a whole lot of grief. Only a later Tuscan or a Tuscan S is worth buying and they are going to cost you almost £40K. Some dealers have Tamoras for sale for £33K, go for one of those...

>> Edited by flasher on Monday 29th July 08:25