944 or tvr 390
Discussion
I guess it'll come down to whether you prefer to spend your time doing maintenance or driving 
The Porker will be a *hell* of a lot more reliable than an old TVR - the Chim and Griff are pretty dependable as far as TVRs go, but earlier models can be rather random. That said, there are some 944 cabrio dogs out there...
One big difference - if you love cars with great engine notes, then the 4-cyl Porkers may disappoint. Not the most characterful 4-pot made in the first place, and definitely nowhere near the sound of a TVR V8.
These sorts of TVRs are a heart purchase though - I'd be surprised to see anyone choosing one on an objective basis vs. pretty much anything else. If you've fallen in love with the V8 TVR thang... I'd still say get a Chim or Griff
The Porker will be a *hell* of a lot more reliable than an old TVR - the Chim and Griff are pretty dependable as far as TVRs go, but earlier models can be rather random. That said, there are some 944 cabrio dogs out there...
One big difference - if you love cars with great engine notes, then the 4-cyl Porkers may disappoint. Not the most characterful 4-pot made in the first place, and definitely nowhere near the sound of a TVR V8.
These sorts of TVRs are a heart purchase though - I'd be surprised to see anyone choosing one on an objective basis vs. pretty much anything else. If you've fallen in love with the V8 TVR thang... I'd still say get a Chim or Griff
944 Cabs are very user friendly, both in driving and maintaining. There is a wealth of websites detailing home maintenance and numerous 944 forums for help and chatter.
Properly looked after, most engines will go on past 200k before serious work is needed. They are simple 4 bangers that just need regular oil, filter and sparks as well as 4 yearly belt changes (and chain if its an S2).
Properly looked after, most engines will go on past 200k before serious work is needed. They are simple 4 bangers that just need regular oil, filter and sparks as well as 4 yearly belt changes (and chain if its an S2).
Remember that if you are driving 944 and enter a bend travelling too fast you are likely to get through in one piece. Your biggest risk is that you encounter a TVR driver who has also entered the bend too fast from the opposite direction and is now coming towards you on your side of the road!
But seriously, when I got my 944 I found it very bland and quiet. I'm still not really used to it but the only thing I've done to improve matters is to buy and fit a second airbox in which I've drilled three 2" diameter holes which I've covered with expanded aluminium mesh. This has had the effect of letting out the sort of full throttle sound which means I no longer hit the rev limiter because now I can hear the engine.
Speaking personally I think that old Porsches will have been better when new and better maintained (which I why I bought one). But I still hanker for a V8.
Guy.
(edited for grammar)
>> Edited by glpinxit on Tuesday 3rd May 12:12
But seriously, when I got my 944 I found it very bland and quiet. I'm still not really used to it but the only thing I've done to improve matters is to buy and fit a second airbox in which I've drilled three 2" diameter holes which I've covered with expanded aluminium mesh. This has had the effect of letting out the sort of full throttle sound which means I no longer hit the rev limiter because now I can hear the engine.
Speaking personally I think that old Porsches will have been better when new and better maintained (which I why I bought one). But I still hanker for a V8.
Guy.
(edited for grammar)
>> Edited by glpinxit on Tuesday 3rd May 12:12
This is NOT a head or heart decision.
This is a heart or heart decision.
Both cars are going to require a great deal of TLC.
I *love* the eighties excess of the TVR Wedges. They sound fantastic. Look fantastic. They perfectly sum up their era. Wonderful. But I could never own one. This is because of how I like to run cars - and I DO run a Chimaera. You, if you are handy with the spanners, might enjoy the inevitable tinkering you will need to keep up.
Yer 944 is also going to need care. But, on the other hand, it was originally made by men in white coats in Stuttgart, whilst the TVR was made in Blackpool by men with hammers.
You pays your money you takes your choice.
I'd get the 944. But not the cabrio. Turbo.
This is a heart or heart decision.
Both cars are going to require a great deal of TLC.
I *love* the eighties excess of the TVR Wedges. They sound fantastic. Look fantastic. They perfectly sum up their era. Wonderful. But I could never own one. This is because of how I like to run cars - and I DO run a Chimaera. You, if you are handy with the spanners, might enjoy the inevitable tinkering you will need to keep up.
Yer 944 is also going to need care. But, on the other hand, it was originally made by men in white coats in Stuttgart, whilst the TVR was made in Blackpool by men with hammers.
You pays your money you takes your choice.
I'd get the 944. But not the cabrio. Turbo.
Don said:
But I could never own one. This is because of how I like to run cars - and I DO run a Chimaera. You, if you are handy with the spanners, might enjoy the inevitable tinkering you will need to keep up.
As ~15 year old cars 944s also require certain levels of tinkering if you want to keep them perfectly "tight".
I have recently completed the rebuild of a spare torque tube, and that was quite a lot of hassle.
>> Edited by Thom on Wednesday 4th May 09:12
A few years ago, I was looking to buy a TVR wedge. As I'm sure you're aware, they're much rarer than 944's, and I found it very hard to find any good ones for sale. As such, the good ones were more expensive than a good 944.
After a year of looking, I gave up and bought a very nice 944. Never regretted it.
After a year of looking, I gave up and bought a very nice 944. Never regretted it.
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