T350 or aTuscan?
Discussion
good soil pete said:Go to a dealer and drive both back to back to see which one you prefer, they are quite different, but equally not that far apart in some ways.
So, I would like to know a few view points on this topic......
Who has switched from one of these to the other?
What are the Pros/cons?
Got a preference to which one you like best (and why?) or are they completely different beasts?
My preference would be the T350 every time, due to the handling and looks, but as ever on PH there are plenty of different opinions on offer!
>> Edited by Tripps on Wednesday 14th December 13:40
If you ever plan on selling the car at some point the Tuscan is probably the better bet, ingoring all build version issues that may arise out of older tuscans (and t350s), T350s seem hard to shift (not that i'd imagine selling a tuscan would be easy).
I think this is because the Tuscan is more "mainstream" than the T350, and that may only be due to exposure (in films etc), that and the fact the Sagaris has "upstaged" its older cousin (T350) whereas the Tuscan (can) stand alongside the Sagi in the model line-up. I'm not saying that its a better car as that is probably down to personal preference.
I think this is because the Tuscan is more "mainstream" than the T350, and that may only be due to exposure (in films etc), that and the fact the Sagaris has "upstaged" its older cousin (T350) whereas the Tuscan (can) stand alongside the Sagi in the model line-up. I'm not saying that its a better car as that is probably down to personal preference.
unrepentant said:
Advantages of Tuscan;
You can take the roof off and it's a convertible.
You can leave the roof on and it's a coupe.
You can get a fortnights luggage in the huge (and secure) boot as well as the roof.
It looks awesome.
Advantages of a T350;
It's a bit cheaper.
Disadvantages of Tuscan;
You can take roof off, but you then no longer have any idea how fast you're going due to the all digital display (new models)
You can take the roof off, have no idea how fast you're going, wind the windows down & blow the rear screen out
Advantages of T350;
Its a bargain (£22,500 gets you an 03 plate easily)
If you fancy doing a bit of track work, the T350 will be quicker (until it breaks down due to overheating)
Looks better (IMO)
Negative of T350;
People will assume you can't afford a Sagaris
Only joking. Try both & see which you prefer.
Just don't buy a Boxster S (a personal thing)
hobo said:
Disadvantages of Tuscan;
You can take roof off, but you then no longer have any idea how fast you're going due to the all digital display (new models)
You can take the roof off, have no idea how fast you're going, wind the windows down & blow the rear screen out
If you fancy doing a bit of track work, the T350 will be quicker (until it breaks down due to overheating)
Hmm...
The new "pod" works perfectly with the replacement screen, all instruments clearly visible even with the roof off and sun out, thanks to the efforts of 2 phers.
I have driven at well over 100mph with the rear screen in and the roof off. It does buffet a bit I grant you but most people (including me) usually take the rear screen out when they take the roof off. An alternative when it's v v hot is to take the rear screen out, wind the windows down and leave the roof on.
If the check the top gear lap times the Tuscan 2 absolutely walloped the T350 around a track . (Tuscan 2 1m 24.8 - T 350 1m 27.5).
Indeed the Tuscan 2 did beat the T350, although I suspect something to do with the stig being different 
(also think the 'slower' stig was in the Sagaris, which beat a standard Tuscan by 0.2 seconds. Something not right there either).
>> Edited by hobo on Wednesday 14th December 16:09
(also think the 'slower' stig was in the Sagaris, which beat a standard Tuscan by 0.2 seconds. Something not right there either).
>> Edited by hobo on Wednesday 14th December 16:09
I'm struggling to see which part of it you don't understand.
a) that thier are/were more than one 'stigs'
or
b) that in the hands of 2 completely different people, the times would be different
As much as I love the Tuscan, it ain't 2s quicker than a T350 around a track, and it certainly ain't only 0.2s slower than a Sagaris.
a) that thier are/were more than one 'stigs'
or
b) that in the hands of 2 completely different people, the times would be different
As much as I love the Tuscan, it ain't 2s quicker than a T350 around a track, and it certainly ain't only 0.2s slower than a Sagaris.
Bloke, best try and get a go [long one] in both. They are BOTH great cars. I went for the T350 as it seemed more,,,, No, not worth saying as I'll only get flamed by someone in tuscan tinted spectacles. [again]. Anyway, best of luck with whatever you choose. PS. T350 IS the better handler.
hobo said:
Disadvantages of Tuscan;
You can take roof off, but you then no longer have any idea how fast you're going due to the all digital display (new models)
You can take the roof off, have no idea how fast you're going, wind the windows down & blow the rear screen out
TAKE THE REAR SCREEN OUT!!! (Honest guv, it was designed to do so) PS. on a tusc1 you cant see the computer read out due to damp affecting the LCD display. Its all part of the joy in owning the best looking TVR that there is.
PPS. Thats the real reason you buy a Tuscan and not a T350.
hobo said:
I'm struggling to see which part of it you don't understand.
a) that thier are/were more than one 'stigs'
or
b) that in the hands of 2 completely different people, the times would be different
As much as I love the Tuscan, it ain't 2s quicker than a T350 around a track, and it certainly ain't only 0.2s slower than a Sagaris.
Sorry Hobo, I'm not meaning to be controversial and I love all TVR's, not just the one I own myself. You started from the premise that the T350 was faster around a track than the Tuscan. All I'm pointing out is that it isn't according to Top Gear. (I don't accept that Stig 1 or 2 makes 2.5 sec difference anymore than you accept that the Tuscan is 2.5 sec faster than the T350).
What I can tell you having owned both is that the Tuscan 2 handles much better than the Tuscan, possibly because it has the suspension and steering set up from the T350 (as I understand it).
I think it also depends on your engine. I am certain my 3.6 T2 is faster than my 4.0 Tuscan. It shouldn't be but I'm sure it is. I also know someone who went from a T350 to a Sag and, the last time I saw him, reckoned the T350 was quicker!
They are all quick
Depends what people mean by the word 'quicker'.
Straight line or bends.
I think a T350 is quicker than a Sag once you get to around 120mph as the Sag's aero's compromise its straight line speed (as proved at a recent Vmax).
However, introduce bends & the Sag will blow the T350 away, as I found at Croft
I know the latest Tuscan handles way better than the original, and I suspect this is why its quicker, as it gives you more confidence. Also, TVR's power outlets of old were a little 'hopeful'. But this is the same of the latest T350's, which now have the improved suspension.
The T350 on topgear was the old spec & it was also driven by what is openly known as the slower of the 'stigs'.
Sag & T350 are quicker around the bends. Tuscans are quicker on straights.
Straight line or bends.
I think a T350 is quicker than a Sag once you get to around 120mph as the Sag's aero's compromise its straight line speed (as proved at a recent Vmax).
However, introduce bends & the Sag will blow the T350 away, as I found at Croft
I know the latest Tuscan handles way better than the original, and I suspect this is why its quicker, as it gives you more confidence. Also, TVR's power outlets of old were a little 'hopeful'. But this is the same of the latest T350's, which now have the improved suspension.
The T350 on topgear was the old spec & it was also driven by what is openly known as the slower of the 'stigs'.
Sag & T350 are quicker around the bends. Tuscans are quicker on straights.
Tuska said:
Disadvantages of Tuscan;
You can take roof off, but you then no longer have any idea how fast you're going due to the all digital display (new models)
You can take the roof off, have no idea how fast you're going, wind the windows down & blow the rear screen out
PS. on a tusc1 you cant see the computer read out due to damp affecting the LCD display. Its all part of the joy in owning the best looking TVR that there is.
I've never had such a problem with mine.
As for the rear screen, mine exploded out of the back with the roof on and the windows wound up! I was making very good progress at the time though.
unrepentant said:
Disadvantages of Tuscan;
You can take roof off, but you then no longer have any idea how fast you're going due to the all digital display (new models)
You can take the roof off, have no idea how fast you're going, wind the windows down & blow the rear screen out
If you fancy doing a bit of track work, the T350 will be quicker (until it breaks down due to overheating)
Hmm...
The new "pod" works perfectly with the replacement screen, all instruments clearly visible even with the roof off and sun out, thanks to the efforts of 2 phers.
I have driven at well over 100mph with the rear screen in and the roof off. It does buffet a bit I grant you but most people (including me) usually take the rear screen out when they take the roof off. An alternative when it's v v hot is to take the rear screen out, wind the windows down and leave the roof on.
If the check the top gear lap times the Tuscan 2 absolutely walloped the T350 around a track . (Tuscan 2 1m 24.8 - T 350 1m 27.5).
Agreed. Have done 150mph (not public road before anyone asks!) with roof off and rear screen stayed firmly in place. Mk1 Tuscan no probs with reading dials!!! Plus the Tuscan just looks better!
I think the looks are a personal thing and subjective anyway. If I'm honest I like the looks of the Cerb best of all (and I sold a S1 E-Type to get the first TVR and that was prettier than any of them IMO) but I went for Tuscans because of the versatility they offer. Differences in performance are too marginal to matter to most people.
I have owned both-went from a series 1 Tuscan to a T350 because of the handling-but the series 2 I have driven was just as good at the T350.
Frankly they evolve such a lot with every new generationit depends on what the going rate will get you. I found a big difference between a series 1 3.6 Tuscan and a series 1 Tuscan S with the bigger engine and sorted suspension let alone a different model.
What do I miss about the Tuscan?
The targa top
The 4litre engines torque
The Captain Nemo interior
What do I not miss about the Tuscan S
The build quality
The skittishness at high speed
Your going to have to try them all out,bum job but someones got to do it!
Frankly they evolve such a lot with every new generationit depends on what the going rate will get you. I found a big difference between a series 1 3.6 Tuscan and a series 1 Tuscan S with the bigger engine and sorted suspension let alone a different model.
What do I miss about the Tuscan?
The targa top
The 4litre engines torque
The Captain Nemo interior
What do I not miss about the Tuscan S
The build quality
The skittishness at high speed
Your going to have to try them all out,bum job but someones got to do it!
hobo said:
Depends what people mean by the word 'quicker'.
However, introduce bends & the Sag will blow the T350 away, as I found at Croft
Probably due to the 4.0 against the 3.6 speed 6. I have owned 2 3.6 car and 2 4.0 red rose cars, and the different is night and day... you can drive the car with the torque in the 4.0 which I found very hard with the 3.6 engine...
Mr F
[quote=good soil (pete)]So, I would like to know a few view points on this topic......
Who has switched from one of these to the other?
What are the Pros/cons?
Got a preference to which one you like best (and why?) or are they completely different beasts?
[/quote]
New or used.....
used: t350 can get a BARGAIN with change for a rebuild (if you ever need one)
new: tuscan, guess residuals are better, as its a sports car, with a removable roof or convertible (i know t350t - might as well get the tusc or tamora if you want roof down) - 3 year warranty
B
Who has switched from one of these to the other?
What are the Pros/cons?
Got a preference to which one you like best (and why?) or are they completely different beasts?
[/quote]
New or used.....
used: t350 can get a BARGAIN with change for a rebuild (if you ever need one)
new: tuscan, guess residuals are better, as its a sports car, with a removable roof or convertible (i know t350t - might as well get the tusc or tamora if you want roof down) - 3 year warranty
B
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