RE: rthierry's TVR Chimaera 450
Discussion
Hi
I'm in the market for my first TVR. I'm thinking of a 4.5, but due to the sheer numbers of 4 litre cars available, I am tempted to go in at the base model.
Can I ask what made you decide to go for the extra 500cc? Was it the increased torque, of the free revving nature of the engine? Do you think there is a greatdeal of difference between the 4 and 4.5?
Thanks
Bazza
I'm in the market for my first TVR. I'm thinking of a 4.5, but due to the sheer numbers of 4 litre cars available, I am tempted to go in at the base model.
Can I ask what made you decide to go for the extra 500cc? Was it the increased torque, of the free revving nature of the engine? Do you think there is a greatdeal of difference between the 4 and 4.5?
Thanks
Bazza
Bazza,
Actually it was the other way around, i.e. why didn't I get a 5 litres ? :
I hired TVR Centre's Griffith for a couple and was just blown away by the sheer raw power of it. Blown away and... a bit scared as well. This engine is fantastic but I don't think I've got the skills to handle this. Also, having spent over a year reading posts on this site I felt that % ltr V8 were more prone to problems - nothing really surprising here ,the same bloc put under - even - greater strain! When I tried the 4.5 ltr, I had similar - mad - feelings but slightly more controllable. The fact that I live in central London made the difference: I have to go through heavy traffic every time I use the car and I think the 450 is better as this than the 500.
No back to your question: why not a 400? Well, I have never driven one! However, many Pheaders on this have one and they obviously enjoy them. Ah, just one more thing, 450 are a lot rarer than 400, which I should be a plus when I will want to sell the car.
So, it is all down to you. One thing is for sure though: If you have never driven a TVR, a 400 will blow you away and, unless you're a hardcore PetrolHead, it is unlikely you'll be craving for more power.
All this IMO of course.
Rgds
Actually it was the other way around, i.e. why didn't I get a 5 litres ? :
I hired TVR Centre's Griffith for a couple and was just blown away by the sheer raw power of it. Blown away and... a bit scared as well. This engine is fantastic but I don't think I've got the skills to handle this. Also, having spent over a year reading posts on this site I felt that % ltr V8 were more prone to problems - nothing really surprising here ,the same bloc put under - even - greater strain! When I tried the 4.5 ltr, I had similar - mad - feelings but slightly more controllable. The fact that I live in central London made the difference: I have to go through heavy traffic every time I use the car and I think the 450 is better as this than the 500.
No back to your question: why not a 400? Well, I have never driven one! However, many Pheaders on this have one and they obviously enjoy them. Ah, just one more thing, 450 are a lot rarer than 400, which I should be a plus when I will want to sell the car.
So, it is all down to you. One thing is for sure though: If you have never driven a TVR, a 400 will blow you away and, unless you're a hardcore PetrolHead, it is unlikely you'll be craving for more power.
All this IMO of course.
Rgds
Bazza, depends on your budget really!
They stopped making the 4l a couple of years ago so most of the cheaper older ones are 4l.
They only started making the 4.5l around 97/98 so if they're in your price range then go for a 4.5l.
If money's not a problem then go for a Tamora! I had a 4l but have had a Tamora for 1 week and it's way ahead!!!
Cheers....... Andrew
They stopped making the 4l a couple of years ago so most of the cheaper older ones are 4l.
They only started making the 4.5l around 97/98 so if they're in your price range then go for a 4.5l.
If money's not a problem then go for a Tamora! I had a 4l but have had a Tamora for 1 week and it's way ahead!!!
Cheers....... Andrew
Cheers fellas
I was thinking the 5 was a bit much, I've currently got a 320bhp Porsche 944 Turbo, so maybe the 4 might not be enough.
I took a 4.5 out last weekend for a spin and was amazed by the torque, the thing is as you say, they are rare, and really only appear in numbers on dealer forecorts, (and I dont want to pay dealer prices)
I think the thing to do is to test a 4 and make up my mind for myself.
thanks for the help
I was thinking the 5 was a bit much, I've currently got a 320bhp Porsche 944 Turbo, so maybe the 4 might not be enough.
I took a 4.5 out last weekend for a spin and was amazed by the torque, the thing is as you say, they are rare, and really only appear in numbers on dealer forecorts, (and I dont want to pay dealer prices)
I think the thing to do is to test a 4 and make up my mind for myself.
thanks for the help
I had a 4 ltr Griff before the 5 ltr I now own, and although the 5 ltr is more powerful and has a slightly better chassis/suspension set up, the 4 ltr cars are excellent.
Compared to most other cars, the 4 ltr TVRs are still unbeleivably quick, particularly the mid-range/overtaking (30-70 mph in 4.5 secs) and will embarrass most current sports cars. Even the new M3 only does 30-70 mph in around 4.1 secs.
Hope you enjoy, 4, 4.5 or 5!
Compared to most other cars, the 4 ltr TVRs are still unbeleivably quick, particularly the mid-range/overtaking (30-70 mph in 4.5 secs) and will embarrass most current sports cars. Even the new M3 only does 30-70 mph in around 4.1 secs.
Hope you enjoy, 4, 4.5 or 5!
quote:
I was thinking the 5 was a bit much, I've currently got a 320bhp Porsche 944 Turbo, so maybe the 4 might not be enough.
Also bear in mind that a Griff or Chimaera only weigh 1050 Kg and I suspect that is around 2/3 of the Porker. Which means that the power to weight ratios are very interesting.
Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk
I owned a 4Ltr, then bought a 4.5
I think there is quite a bit of difference between them, the 4.5 seemed a fair bit faster. I think the 4.5 is about right for the chassis, but I can understand why people go for the 5Ltr.
I also found it miles easier around town, as it seemed a lot smoother.
The 99T 4.5 I had was faultless in every respect.
I think there is quite a bit of difference between them, the 4.5 seemed a fair bit faster. I think the 4.5 is about right for the chassis, but I can understand why people go for the 5Ltr.
I also found it miles easier around town, as it seemed a lot smoother.
The 99T 4.5 I had was faultless in every respect.
I drove a few 4.5's before I drove a 5.0 and was immediately aware of the extra power, I was very careful with it, but now, after owning one for over a year would not consider anything less. From what I've heard though if you have to drive in town a lot the smaller ones are less grumpy
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