Wedge vs S series

[stumashy]

Have taken it upon myself to spend the Christmas Hols trying to convince my Dad to join me in the TVR experience. I drive an S2, and he has expressed an interest in a 400SE.
In order to help me with my task, can anyone who has experience of both these cars tell me how they compare in terms of driving and everyday use?

Thanks,

Stuart

[350matt]

i own a much modified 350i and hacve driven the S as well, I'd say that the wedge ( unless you go for the V8 S) will definitly outperform the S even the 350 and a 400 certainly will, the heating / ventilation is better in the S and demists more effectivly and the S is also lighter. Both cars are very similar in any case, in the way they drive but I'd also say the wedges are more solidly constructed ( thicker fibreglass, side impact bars etc) Obviously the S is far prettier but the wedge also has a certain something and will stand out more amongst modern cars.

Obviously I'm a bit biased but either of them are a great way to get into TVR's
so go on you can't take it with you.

Matt

[bobfrance]

Not had this debate for quite a while

For what it's worth, I think a sorted 400SE is a more practical everyday car.

I've owned a 400SE whilst a good friend of mine owned a S3 at the same time.

The Big Wedge has power steering and a really great (quick) steering rack.

The ground clearance is much better than an S and the ride is more accomodating.

The boot (on a 400 anyway) is more capacious and the hood easier to erect and stow away as it is only a single panel. Although it is heavier and therefore more difficult to lift.

I found the heater and blowers to be okay and I ran mine through the winter.

The sound is awesome, although you will be deaf after a couple of hours on the motorway.

It will drink more fuel

It will scare small children and old ladies.

All IMHO of course.



>> Edited by bobfrance on Tuesday 28th December 17:44

[stumashy]

Thanks guys, the fact that the 400SE is a more practical everyday option is beginning to seem very appealing, even to me.
Especially as I decided to go for a post-christmas blast today, and have just removed my exhaust from one of the front brackets by hitting nothing more than a stone in the road (not even a big stone at that!).

[SLB]

I used an s3 as an every day car for several years followed by a 420SEAC as a weekend car for 9 years and I agree with everything bobfrance said.

The S is slightly lighter, say roughly 150kg ??, but I think the 400's are better balanced as you have an ali V8 aginst an iron v6, and you have the limited slip diff. Driving in the wet and snow felt safer despite the extra power and I certainly had more scary moments in the S than the SEAC I think for this reason. In the dry the S was was far more chuckable and rewarding around corners, but I got bored and wanted more grunt.

Maybe this is just a load of rubbish and my driving has improved.

I believe the limited slip was an option on the S3. I would say the only reason against going for the 400 is running/repair costs, but get a good one, look after it and the only difference could be a bit of fuel.