Discussion
I'm going to buy an S Series - its just a matter of when.
Question is - V6 (2.9) or V8 ?
The V8's are obviously more money - is it worth the extra ?
Any major issues with reliability between the two ?
Having owned a V6 (3 litre) capri some time ago I know the ford mechanicals slightly better (probably because it broke down alot).
I know the old 3 litre and 2.9 lumps aren't the same but if I have a major mechanical issue isn't it more likely that I would source the ford spares, even a complete engine for far far less than a V8 ?
Is there a major difference in economy / insurance ?
All advice appreciated - though I guess what you own will dictate what you prefer !
I'd be particularly interested to hear from anyone that has had both engines.
Or do I save up a bit more and buy a cheap Chimeara ? (I'll go and wash my mouth out now!)
Chris
Question is - V6 (2.9) or V8 ?
The V8's are obviously more money - is it worth the extra ?
Any major issues with reliability between the two ?
Having owned a V6 (3 litre) capri some time ago I know the ford mechanicals slightly better (probably because it broke down alot).
I know the old 3 litre and 2.9 lumps aren't the same but if I have a major mechanical issue isn't it more likely that I would source the ford spares, even a complete engine for far far less than a V8 ?
Is there a major difference in economy / insurance ?
All advice appreciated - though I guess what you own will dictate what you prefer !
I'd be particularly interested to hear from anyone that has had both engines.
Or do I save up a bit more and buy a cheap Chimeara ? (I'll go and wash my mouth out now!)
Chris
Edited by barkychoc on Monday 16th April 16:48
Hi mate
take a look in here and you might get some ideas...
www.tvrsseries.com/
good luck whatever you choose
K
take a look in here and you might get some ideas...
www.tvrsseries.com/
good luck whatever you choose
K
I'd rather a quality S than a cheap chim,cheap brings big bills later.Thats why they are cheap
IMHO apart from the power there isn't too much between them,the V8 probably costs 20-30% more to run
Both are great driver cars but the V6 is possibly a little more fun on the roads as you are working the car more at legal speeds than the V8.Insurance is slightly higher for the V8 but nothing silly
Its really a case of you pays your money......
AIMHO
IMHO apart from the power there isn't too much between them,the V8 probably costs 20-30% more to run
Both are great driver cars but the V6 is possibly a little more fun on the roads as you are working the car more at legal speeds than the V8.Insurance is slightly higher for the V8 but nothing silly
Its really a case of you pays your money......
AIMHO
Definitely recommend the S over a Chim. The S just has so much personality. It never 'breaks down', its just acts a bit like a sulky teen 
As for V6 or V8 -well, if you can't be bothered to change gear then get the V8.
You really need to drive (or be driven in) one. It'll either be love at first sight... or it won't. 4 years on and I still love my S as much as the first time I drove it
As for V6 or V8 -well, if you can't be bothered to change gear then get the V8.
You really need to drive (or be driven in) one. It'll either be love at first sight... or it won't. 4 years on and I still love my S as much as the first time I drove it
The thing thats the attraction is the noise - if there's nothing to choose between the two then I think I'll for for a V6 and keep some money for 'improvements'.
The old V6 capri I had was a wreck but it still sounded great (especially when the exhaust started to dismantle itself, though the neighbours weren't so keen).
If its half as good as the capri I'll have constant smileache.
The old V6 capri I had was a wreck but it still sounded great (especially when the exhaust started to dismantle itself, though the neighbours weren't so keen).
If its half as good as the capri I'll have constant smileache.
Go for the S4 or V8, you get better brakes and the LSD which both help with the handling, and with the V8 of course you get the extra grunt to exploit the fabulous S series chuckability. The V8 version costs more to maintain and insure (from memory roughly 30% more, funnily enough) so you have t oweigh that against the glorious noise, improved performance and did I mention the noise?
i have had both and there is no comparison in my opinion. the v8 is a superb piece of kit and the v6 is a lovely car but there really is no contest my v8 is more sure footed and immensely more powerful granted mine is not standard. my v6 just wasnt in the same league.all my opinion and not meant to upset the v6 brigade.
I own a S2 with the 2.9 V6, I also have a different car with the V8 in, I'm convinced that the V8 is a far superior engine, that said I can go out in the S2 and exploit the engine fully and I really enjoy it, I don't beleive I am a good enough driver to do the same if it had the V8 in.
Chimaera or S? Depends what you want the car for.
I had an S then Chim as everyday cars and am now back in S land using it as a weekend car only. Chim's more refined for everyday use, but nowhere near as "involving" if it's a toy you're after. And as has been said before for cheap Chim money you'll get a top notch S with less chance (it's never no chance!) of having big bills in the near future.
Both of my S's have been V6's, partly cos of running costs so can't comment on the V8S. Try 'em both and you'll know. On a cosmetic front I do know that the S2 is my favourite S series dash though!
Try emailing Petclub - he's got a V6 & V8 S (and a cerbera but we wont mention that in this forum
)
Good luck,
Longers
I had an S then Chim as everyday cars and am now back in S land using it as a weekend car only. Chim's more refined for everyday use, but nowhere near as "involving" if it's a toy you're after. And as has been said before for cheap Chim money you'll get a top notch S with less chance (it's never no chance!) of having big bills in the near future.
Both of my S's have been V6's, partly cos of running costs so can't comment on the V8S. Try 'em both and you'll know. On a cosmetic front I do know that the S2 is my favourite S series dash though!
Try emailing Petclub - he's got a V6 & V8 S (and a cerbera but we wont mention that in this forum
) Good luck,
Longers
V8 or V6...???
I have owned both and for me the V6 was a good car but the V8 a great car, I really enjoyed both but the extra grunt of the V8 just adds to the already massive smiles you get from the V6. I found that the V6 feels fast and gives lots of smiles per gallon but out on runs with the newer TVR boys I would always get left behind. In the V8 (although mine isnt strictly standard) I can easily keep up and in some cases (standard Chim/Griff 4/4.5) my car is actually quicker.
Soooooooo V6 or V8, well it really depends on budget as far as I am concerned, because if you can afford to get the V8 do it or, like me, you will soon find yourself wanting the extra grunt. I see many that have the V6 upgrade to Chims/Griffs pretty soon after buying them wanting more grunt, people who have the V8's seem to hang onto them longer as the need isnt as evident, IMHO.
Whichever you choose you will have fun for sure as both cars are a hoot, buy the best you can and you will love it. Having a son I have had thoughts of buying a 911 but I just cant bring myself to sell.
All IMHO
Mike
I have owned both and for me the V6 was a good car but the V8 a great car, I really enjoyed both but the extra grunt of the V8 just adds to the already massive smiles you get from the V6. I found that the V6 feels fast and gives lots of smiles per gallon but out on runs with the newer TVR boys I would always get left behind. In the V8 (although mine isnt strictly standard) I can easily keep up and in some cases (standard Chim/Griff 4/4.5) my car is actually quicker.
Soooooooo V6 or V8, well it really depends on budget as far as I am concerned, because if you can afford to get the V8 do it or, like me, you will soon find yourself wanting the extra grunt. I see many that have the V6 upgrade to Chims/Griffs pretty soon after buying them wanting more grunt, people who have the V8's seem to hang onto them longer as the need isnt as evident, IMHO.
Whichever you choose you will have fun for sure as both cars are a hoot, buy the best you can and you will love it. Having a son I have had thoughts of buying a 911 but I just cant bring myself to sell.
All IMHO
Mike
Dave - Many Thanks for the offer I've sent you an email outside of this.
For info for anyone else I am located in Bingham, near Nottingham.
Longers I emailed you a few days ago re your car for sale but missed it.
Guys I appreciate all your help & comments, hope to get along to some of the events once I have the S.
Chris
For info for anyone else I am located in Bingham, near Nottingham.
Longers I emailed you a few days ago re your car for sale but missed it.
Guys I appreciate all your help & comments, hope to get along to some of the events once I have the S.
Chris
Longers could not agree with you more - S1/S2 dash far better than later models.
I'm guessing that the later S3 on dash was to cut down on costs for Left hand drive conversion ? Anyone have a better idea ?
S3 on terribly dull compared to S1/S2 dash, but I note that the later ones have extra air vents, I assume poor ventilation is a 'feature' of earlier S models ??
(Well poorer, from what I've read its never been much cop in any of them. Better to get the roof off!)
Chris
I'm guessing that the later S3 on dash was to cut down on costs for Left hand drive conversion ? Anyone have a better idea ?
S3 on terribly dull compared to S1/S2 dash, but I note that the later ones have extra air vents, I assume poor ventilation is a 'feature' of earlier S models ??
(Well poorer, from what I've read its never been much cop in any of them. Better to get the roof off!)
Chris
I've also posted this under the insurance thread - but thought it might also be useful here.
See insurance below - not an issue whether V6 or V8 hardly any difference.
Rang Haggerty
I have had 3 accidents in last 3 years, 2 recovered 1 in dispute.
6 points on licence (3 come off next month).
S3 1992 3000miles £6000 value
£50 excess £177.45
£150 excess £159.60
V8S 1992 3000 miles £7000 value
£50 excess £183.75
£150 excess £165.90
All quotes are for vehicle garaged at night.
I'm 39 turn into an old fart next month.
At these prices I don't really think I can be arsed to ring round.
Chris
See insurance below - not an issue whether V6 or V8 hardly any difference.
Rang Haggerty
I have had 3 accidents in last 3 years, 2 recovered 1 in dispute.
6 points on licence (3 come off next month).
S3 1992 3000miles £6000 value
£50 excess £177.45
£150 excess £159.60
V8S 1992 3000 miles £7000 value
£50 excess £183.75
£150 excess £165.90
All quotes are for vehicle garaged at night.
I'm 39 turn into an old fart next month.
At these prices I don't really think I can be arsed to ring round.
Chris
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