Dilema...

[TT Tim]

Having visited my local TVR dealer on Friday to arrange test drives in both their 450 and 400.

My question is which one to go for?

I've been looking throught the classifides and there seem to be a huge number of 400s to choose from. I'm used to 350bhp (ish) in my current car so, if I go for the 400 will I be missing out big time?

Oh btw, anyone on here use Walldonway in Larkfield Kent, for servicing etc? Luc, their salesman seemed like a top bloke.

Tim

[Steve_T]

It's like all things Tim, you will adapt to the car you drive over time and it won't seem as fast as it used to. If you've the self control to keep yourself in check with a bigger engined car while you learn it's habits and you can afford to run one (mainly more petrol, although not that much more), then you won't regret buying one. Some think there's a big step from 400 to 450 and others from 450 to 500. It does vary a lot from car to car, so drive as many as you can and see for yourself.

Happy hunting,

Steve

[V8 Archie]

I'm told that the 400 is slightly underpowered, the 500 a bit too aggressive. But I would say that .

[plipton]

Ignore BHP (many debates on here about this in the past!!)

With a Chimaera (or Griff) V8, the main thing you will notice is the low - mid range grunt. Just soooooooo much of it

Go for a 450 as it's faster than the 400 and not as insane as the 500 (need balls like melons to tame one of those!!)

[Trefor]

V8 Archie said:

I'm told that the 400 is slightly underpowered, the 500 a bit too aggressive. But I would say that .

Yeah, I find my 4.0L a little down on umph. Had to drop it to 4th to completely despatch a new Impreza turbo STi B0llocks Edition the other day. To be honest I find that unacceptable and will be looking to upgrade to a BMW M3. Not.

Most owners (including me) would say they'd love a 5.0L, but this is only one consideration. For instance, if the only 5.0Ls around are in crap colours/trim/condition compared to what you want you've seen on a 4.5 or a 4.0L ... On TVRs condition is more important than anything. A well tuned 4.0L can hold it's own agains't a 5.0L that hasn't been near a rolling road all it's life (see other threads about TVR horsepower vs real world horsepower). However, a well tuned 5.0L will frighten a Cerbie up to 100mph and a std 4.0L won't see which way it went.

Get some drive training, learn how to use your Chimaera towards it's limits and you'll cover ground faster than most other drivers anyway (Tuscan/Cerbera/Griffith or Chimaera - a lot is down to the user interface).

[mje]

Ive used walldonway for servicing.

Good blokes, but not cheap.

[sb-1]

Tim,
They are all quick.Go drive some cars,they are all different.Choose the one that drives the best IMO.
Steve