Why do we do it?
Discussion
Now, I regard myself an enthusiast, but consider the following.
I've just had both my cars serviced (an E60 M5 and a TVR t350) at at the same time, the comparisons are interesting:-
SERVICE COSTS
TVR. Last serviced 4,500 miles earlier (numerous problems during this time). Total service cost £2,750 (inc work to head gasket and clutch, even though its mileage is just 14,500)
BMW.Last serviced 16,000 miles earlier (no problems and don't forget its 5 litre V!0 is one of the most technologically advanced productions engines available)
Service cost £208 (at a BMW main dealer!)
PERFORMANCE
Fairly similar up to 100mph (the BMW has the slight edge). Over 100mph the M5 is way quicker.
HANDLING
You'd naturally assume the TVR would take this but it doesn't, despite its far lighter weight. With the M Power button pressesd, the M5 can be hustled with quite astounding confidence.
ECONOMY
Broadly similar
DEPRECIATION
Broadly similar, even though the M5 obviously cost far more.
LOOKS and ROAD PRESENCE
The TVR certainly takes this one, no comparison.
NOISE
M5 sounds rubbish when starting up, sounds fantastic when going for it though. TVR sounds fantastic all the time.
DAY TO DAY COMFORT, SPACE, TOYS ETC
Ok, fairly obvious really.
As a conclusion then, the assumption we all make is that the TVR takes the emotional ticket (and in looks and noise it clearly does). Anyone that takes an M5 for a Yorkshire Dales blast, on a bright summer morning can tell you though - Its breadth of talents is uttely unbelieveable. You sit there after the drive thinking "How can it do all that?' - I've never thought that in the TVR.
Am I losing the faith?...
Perhaps I'm getting old.
I've just had both my cars serviced (an E60 M5 and a TVR t350) at at the same time, the comparisons are interesting:-
SERVICE COSTS
TVR. Last serviced 4,500 miles earlier (numerous problems during this time). Total service cost £2,750 (inc work to head gasket and clutch, even though its mileage is just 14,500)
BMW.Last serviced 16,000 miles earlier (no problems and don't forget its 5 litre V!0 is one of the most technologically advanced productions engines available)
Service cost £208 (at a BMW main dealer!)
PERFORMANCE
Fairly similar up to 100mph (the BMW has the slight edge). Over 100mph the M5 is way quicker.
HANDLING
You'd naturally assume the TVR would take this but it doesn't, despite its far lighter weight. With the M Power button pressesd, the M5 can be hustled with quite astounding confidence.
ECONOMY
Broadly similar
DEPRECIATION
Broadly similar, even though the M5 obviously cost far more.
LOOKS and ROAD PRESENCE
The TVR certainly takes this one, no comparison.
NOISE
M5 sounds rubbish when starting up, sounds fantastic when going for it though. TVR sounds fantastic all the time.
DAY TO DAY COMFORT, SPACE, TOYS ETC
Ok, fairly obvious really.
As a conclusion then, the assumption we all make is that the TVR takes the emotional ticket (and in looks and noise it clearly does). Anyone that takes an M5 for a Yorkshire Dales blast, on a bright summer morning can tell you though - Its breadth of talents is uttely unbelieveable. You sit there after the drive thinking "How can it do all that?' - I've never thought that in the TVR.
Am I losing the faith?...
Perhaps I'm getting old.
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