Why is the Griffith said to be rawer than a chimera?
Discussion
This might be a bit of a school boy error question, but in my research today the Griffith is often described as rawer in driving experience than the Chimera. I am given to understand that the chassis/drive train and suspension designed are identical, so how come one is raw compared to the other? Also by rawer, what actually is meant?
I suspect this question shows my research and understanding is wrong, but nether the less I am keen to know as I consider both as purchase options.
cheers,
I suspect this question shows my research and understanding is wrong, but nether the less I am keen to know as I consider both as purchase options.
cheers,
They were a few differences when first launched. The first 2 years of the Griffith (1991/2) they came without catalytic converters, as a 4.0 or 4.3 litre, so they sounded different (more 'raw' is subjective I think). I'm not sure if pas was an option either. The Chimaera was released (1993) with cats straight away, an anti roll bar (not fitted to the Griff until 1994) and 'softer' Bilstein suspension.
I'm unsure when, but probably from about 1995, the Griffith 500 and Chimaera had the same Bilstein suspension. From 1996, they had the same brakes too (from 1994-1996, only the Chimaera 500 had the larger brakes, 260 mm / 273 mm).
I'm unsure when, but probably from about 1995, the Griffith 500 and Chimaera had the same Bilstein suspension. From 1996, they had the same brakes too (from 1994-1996, only the Chimaera 500 had the larger brakes, 260 mm / 273 mm).
The sad truth is, it was a marketing exercise and apart from that absolutely minor points highlighted above, they are identical.
More importantly as stated above, because of their age and that practically none are completely standard, many more are much better than as standard and therefore they are all equal/unequal depending on their current spec
More importantly as stated above, because of their age and that practically none are completely standard, many more are much better than as standard and therefore they are all equal/unequal depending on their current spec
As per Peter's reply it was purely marketing. TVR ended up with two cars competing in the same space so marketed one as a raw sports car and the other as a grand tourer. The Chim had a bigger boot to fit in 2 sets of golf clubs and more leg room.
As others have said it is the same chassis and although the suspension did differ (early Griffs had Konis) most cars have had a suspension update now anyway so any subtle differences in ride when they left the factory no longer apply
As others have said it is the same chassis and although the suspension did differ (early Griffs had Konis) most cars have had a suspension update now anyway so any subtle differences in ride when they left the factory no longer apply
And irony of irony is I’ve got nigh on 20 year old Koni Griff Shocks on my Chim 
I’m going to get them refurbed as they are soft as cheese now but the quality is still there.
20 years is nothing on a Griff as they are mostly family aire looms and they can only carry a weekend bag in the boot anyway
I’m going to get them refurbed as they are soft as cheese now but the quality is still there.
20 years is nothing on a Griff as they are mostly family aire looms and they can only carry a weekend bag in the boot anyway
Edited by Classic Chim on Monday 30th October 17:48
From my experience you would have to owned both (not at the same time if funds will not allow like me) for a period of time, to decide which suits your needs best.
As previous members have said the Chimaera is more of a sporty/touring car with a generous boot, but the car still has plenty of oomph when needed - but for buying purposes there are a lot more to choose from. The Chimaera has carizma, when you sit in it and drive it you know that you made the right choice! I now own a 450, which for my purposes is the right choice.
The Griffith always felt more aggresive/alive if that's possible in a motor car, but there was always one draw back - that being putting the roof's centre section in the boot (affected me more since I had a dodgy back!). But my memories of ownership are when you take the car out after a bad day at work, it always put a smile on my Face no matter what the weather. The negative point now, is the lack of choice of cars for sale, not forgetting the rocketing prices for them.
It does not matter which TVR you buy, because there's one thing for sure they are not boring nor do they lack style, like some so - called sports cars.
As previous members have said the Chimaera is more of a sporty/touring car with a generous boot, but the car still has plenty of oomph when needed - but for buying purposes there are a lot more to choose from. The Chimaera has carizma, when you sit in it and drive it you know that you made the right choice! I now own a 450, which for my purposes is the right choice.
The Griffith always felt more aggresive/alive if that's possible in a motor car, but there was always one draw back - that being putting the roof's centre section in the boot (affected me more since I had a dodgy back!). But my memories of ownership are when you take the car out after a bad day at work, it always put a smile on my Face no matter what the weather. The negative point now, is the lack of choice of cars for sale, not forgetting the rocketing prices for them.
It does not matter which TVR you buy, because there's one thing for sure they are not boring nor do they lack style, like some so - called sports cars.
I agree with most of the points raised. I’ve driven both and for me there really was hardly and difference in the drive.
I chose the Chim for the extra boot size which is needed particularly for long continental tours, the ease of getting the roof section into the boot and because I preferred the interior.
Apparently the Griffs are increasing in value more tha Chims. I wonder if that’s just because there are less of them? I see the Chim as a better car for the reasons stated.
I chose the Chim for the extra boot size which is needed particularly for long continental tours, the ease of getting the roof section into the boot and because I preferred the interior.
Apparently the Griffs are increasing in value more tha Chims. I wonder if that’s just because there are less of them? I see the Chim as a better car for the reasons stated.
It is purely down to supply and demand. There are less Griffs around and therefore they command more money.
The Chimaera was marketed well and outsold the griff by far, it is as simple as that.
Mechanically, they are identical so one is no more a grand tourer then the other is a sports car.
Choose what you fancy and what you can afford.
All those in the know are aware that the Chimaera is the best looking car and easier to live with!
The Chimaera was marketed well and outsold the griff by far, it is as simple as that.
Mechanically, they are identical so one is no more a grand tourer then the other is a sports car.
Choose what you fancy and what you can afford.
All those in the know are aware that the Chimaera is the best looking car and easier to live with!
phazed said:
It is purely down to supply and demand. There are less Griffs around and therefore they command more money.
The Chimaera was marketed well and outsold the griff by far, it is as simple as that.
Mechanically, they are identical so one is no more a grand tourer then the other is a sports car.
Choose what you fancy and what you can afford.
All those in the know are aware that the Chimaera is the best looking car and easier to live with!
]
Rather like the Aston DB5 being worth more than the 6 which most considered a better car. All because James Bond had a 5.The Chimaera was marketed well and outsold the griff by far, it is as simple as that.
Mechanically, they are identical so one is no more a grand tourer then the other is a sports car.
Choose what you fancy and what you can afford.
All those in the know are aware that the Chimaera is the best looking car and easier to live with!
]
bad company said:
phazed said:
It is purely down to supply and demand. There are less Griffs around and therefore they command more money.
The Chimaera was marketed well and outsold the griff by far, it is as simple as that.
Mechanically, they are identical so one is no more a grand tourer then the other is a sports car.
Choose what you fancy and what you can afford.
All those in the know are aware that the Chimaera is the best looking car and easier to live with!
]
Rather like the Aston DB5 being worth more than the 6 which most considered a better car. All because James Bond had a 5.The Chimaera was marketed well and outsold the griff by far, it is as simple as that.
Mechanically, they are identical so one is no more a grand tourer then the other is a sports car.
Choose what you fancy and what you can afford.
All those in the know are aware that the Chimaera is the best looking car and easier to live with!
]
markcoopers said:
Well that cleared that up. So buy on condition and the one that you like the look of.
Assuming you are comparing a Griff 500 with a Chim 500, then yes, down to condition and personal taste. In my case I've always preferred the exterior and interior of the Griff so you can guess my recommendation!Edited by Englishman on Wednesday 1st November 11:36
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