about to convert to porsche
Discussion
currently own a TVR Tuscan--looks and goes like the dogs danglies but far from civilised.
Question I'd like to ask is have any of you gone from TVR to Porsche and if so does the ability to utilise ABS/Traction control etc etc make up for the lack of sheer power?
And I would like to p/ex--anyone heard of Porsche garages taking TVR's as P/ex?
Regards
2dogs
p.s no bitching about TR's please, they still have a place in my heart!!
Question I'd like to ask is have any of you gone from TVR to Porsche and if so does the ability to utilise ABS/Traction control etc etc make up for the lack of sheer power?
And I would like to p/ex--anyone heard of Porsche garages taking TVR's as P/ex?
Regards
2dogs
p.s no bitching about TR's please, they still have a place in my heart!!
Well. Yes. That would be me, then. I own a Chimaera 450 and a Boxster S. I've posted on the subject of the differences between them a number of times.
On to the Tuscan.
I test drive a Tuscan when I decided to get my S. It was a fine, fine car and when like ordure from a polished digging implement. I was delighted by the improvement in interior fit and finish over our Chimaera. A real achievement for TVR...and I very nearly bought one.
Then I test drove the Porsche.
It just doesn't go like the Tuscan. In fact no Porsche this side of a Turbo will. So that wasn't the reason I got one, then.
The Porsche oozed quality. It shone from every surface. The roof mechanism involves precision engineering which works perfectly. Every time. The sheer class of the car is something to behold - but is subtle!
The drive of my S has been engineered so that it is smooth and easy to control under 4K and (relatively) ballistic above that.
The car is as fast as anything you could want on the road and is a hoot on the track. Yes the 996s and TVRs will go by. Until the corner. Then they won't.
Different Porsche models will provide (very) different experiences of course. All the way from Dom's magnificent 964RS (that's a TVR made by Porsche, that is - and I mean that as a compliment) which is loud and proud to my Boxster S - a fabulous, comfortable, quick, civilised but fun modern roadster.
I love our Chimaera and I wouldn't be without it. But if push came to shove and one had to go I'd keep the Porsche. God its wonderful.
On to the Tuscan.
I test drive a Tuscan when I decided to get my S. It was a fine, fine car and when like ordure from a polished digging implement. I was delighted by the improvement in interior fit and finish over our Chimaera. A real achievement for TVR...and I very nearly bought one.
Then I test drove the Porsche.
It just doesn't go like the Tuscan. In fact no Porsche this side of a Turbo will. So that wasn't the reason I got one, then.
The Porsche oozed quality. It shone from every surface. The roof mechanism involves precision engineering which works perfectly. Every time. The sheer class of the car is something to behold - but is subtle!
The drive of my S has been engineered so that it is smooth and easy to control under 4K and (relatively) ballistic above that.
The car is as fast as anything you could want on the road and is a hoot on the track. Yes the 996s and TVRs will go by. Until the corner. Then they won't.
Different Porsche models will provide (very) different experiences of course. All the way from Dom's magnificent 964RS (that's a TVR made by Porsche, that is - and I mean that as a compliment) which is loud and proud to my Boxster S - a fabulous, comfortable, quick, civilised but fun modern roadster.
I love our Chimaera and I wouldn't be without it. But if push came to shove and one had to go I'd keep the Porsche. God its wonderful.
Ahh yes. ABS and Traction.
These make absolutely no difference to how you drive the car on the road. My S has so much grip the PSM is only there to correct utter foolishness in the wet.
I did manage to get it go off once on a slick surface pulling away. I used to "light-up" the Chimaera wheels regularly in the wet until I learned self-control.
ABS retains assists in retaining steering control under braking. It doesn't make any difference to stopping distances that you can ('d be wise to) use. Clearly on a slick surface in an emergency stop I'd much rather have ABS/PSM than not. I'm a keen advocate of these technologies but I'm used to hopping in and out of cars with and without them and it doesn't change what you can (should) do with the car.
So do they "make up" for lack of power...errr...irrelevant question.
In my car the real joy is the GRIP. Just fantastic. Makes me smile just thinking about it.
I might go and enjoy a few roundabouts on the way home. 
These make absolutely no difference to how you drive the car on the road. My S has so much grip the PSM is only there to correct utter foolishness in the wet.
I did manage to get it go off once on a slick surface pulling away. I used to "light-up" the Chimaera wheels regularly in the wet until I learned self-control.
ABS retains assists in retaining steering control under braking. It doesn't make any difference to stopping distances that you can ('d be wise to) use. Clearly on a slick surface in an emergency stop I'd much rather have ABS/PSM than not. I'm a keen advocate of these technologies but I'm used to hopping in and out of cars with and without them and it doesn't change what you can (should) do with the car.
So do they "make up" for lack of power...errr...irrelevant question.
In my car the real joy is the GRIP. Just fantastic. Makes me smile just thinking about it.


Yes, I was a TVR owner for 10 years including a couple on the TVRCC committee running the web site, and ran the Berks region. I have a 993 C4 now. Paragon took my Griffith in part exchange. They passed it on to a company called Nutley Sports & Prestige Centre who seem to sell quite a few TVRs amongst other things (Ferrari, Lotus etc). Outright power in a straight line is just one attribute of a car. It's pretty unlikely I will be changing back again. Much more likely that a 993TT will be next.
Scottster also went from TVR to Porsche (griff to 911).
I went from Lotus to Porsche and have never looked back.
Derestrictor has also gone from TVR to Porsche, but he is a complete nutcase, so don't mind him
Remember that for TVR rawness you need the RS models or the GT models. Even the turbos are quite civilised.
Most reliable 911 model is probably the 993 Carrera from 1995 onwards, or a brand new 996. The early 996s are prone to problems. Later Boxsters would also be a good choice. I am still waiting for them to do a Boxster RS, which would have a 996 engine but with all unnecessary weight put in the skip where it belongs
>> Edited by domster on Tuesday 17th September 17:43
I went from Lotus to Porsche and have never looked back.
Derestrictor has also gone from TVR to Porsche, but he is a complete nutcase, so don't mind him

Remember that for TVR rawness you need the RS models or the GT models. Even the turbos are quite civilised.
Most reliable 911 model is probably the 993 Carrera from 1995 onwards, or a brand new 996. The early 996s are prone to problems. Later Boxsters would also be a good choice. I am still waiting for them to do a Boxster RS, which would have a 996 engine but with all unnecessary weight put in the skip where it belongs

>> Edited by domster on Tuesday 17th September 17:43
Hi scotty, used to have a Tuscan. Got seduced by the looks, sound and sheer excitement. Was prepared for a few 'niggles'. Didn't have to wait long, (withing an hour of picking it up! some were very serious, (breaking down 5 times), some plain irritating, most to do with bad quality control/cheap materials not up to the job. Sold it after nine months and bought a GT3. I think you'll find the longer you keep a Porsche, the longer you'll appreciate it's qualities. You'll also be able to drive it faster even if it doesn't have as much raw power. Just a more complete package. I've owned quite a few cars/bikes over the past 18 years and one thing I've learnt is that driving fast isn't just about BHP. You need a car that inspires confidence enough that you're about to use ever brake horse power. Could never manage that in the Tuscan.The rear wheels would lose traction, the fronts would tramline, little rear down force at high speed etc....all conspired to reduce the confidence for all but the bravest of drivers!!
quote:
Yes, I was a TVR owner for 10 years
...there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of turning the key and listening to that sound. You got to take it one day at a time. One day at a time. I've been driving a sensible car now for a year. A complete year without a relapse. But you know. When a friend offers you a ride...it can be so difficult sometimes...when TVRs got a grip on you..its deep. Deep in the soul. The devil plays sweet music to you. Tempting you with the V8 roar..you've just got to be strong, brother, strong.
But Hallelujah I've been saved. Saved by my sweet Porsche. That flat-six music takes you straight to heaven. Straight to heaven, brothers and sistsers.
Once you've tasted the delights of Automotive Paradise
you won't need the devil's music. No sir.
Be pure. Be vigilant. Behave. Buy a Porsche.

Me too - Chimaera / Griff / 3 x Cerberas and a Tuscan, now a GT3. Cancelled more Porsche orders than you would believe, such was the wrench to the German way. Once you own one however, you can experience the overall machined integrity of the car, something that TVR just doesn't exude.
I don't actually miss the power or noise (GT3 is a fairly raw experience) or the frequent trips back to the dealer. And boy, does it handle !
Go get one.
I don't actually miss the power or noise (GT3 is a fairly raw experience) or the frequent trips back to the dealer. And boy, does it handle !
Go get one.
Im new to Porsche 911 (996), not from a TVR but Caterham 7 and M5
The best total car ever owned. Very little tramlining, excellent feedback, comfortable, good grip, very fast mid and top range, PSM does not kick in until you are past the limit and then some - perfect. The M5 DSC was cutting in before you had done anything and thus took away the feel. so you drove with it off,.
My wife can drive the 911 and enjoys it, my dog can sit in the back, we are off for a week hol to Cornwall shortly and we can get everthing we need into it. wow it look sooooo good, build quality ace, and it looks soooo goood. wow
The best total car ever owned. Very little tramlining, excellent feedback, comfortable, good grip, very fast mid and top range, PSM does not kick in until you are past the limit and then some - perfect. The M5 DSC was cutting in before you had done anything and thus took away the feel. so you drove with it off,.
My wife can drive the 911 and enjoys it, my dog can sit in the back, we are off for a week hol to Cornwall shortly and we can get everthing we need into it. wow it look sooooo good, build quality ace, and it looks soooo goood. wow
quote:
I think you'll find the longer you keep a Porsche, the longer you'll appreciate it's qualities
I think this is one of the most true statements here. I went from a Lotus to a 993 twin turbo, and of course I loved the performance but I missed the light imeadiate steering of the Liz, but as time goes on the the Porsche just seemed to get better and better, and by the end I just could not fault the car.
If you want Tuscan performance you need to be looking at a turbo model - brilliant in the real world.
quote:
Scottster also went from TVR to Porsche (griff to 911).
I went from Lotus to Porsche and have never looked back.
Derestrictor has also gone from TVR to Porsche, but he is a complete nutcase, so don't mind him![]()
Remember that for TVR rawness you need the RS models or the GT models. Even the turbos are quite civilised.
Most reliable 911 model is probably the 993 Carrera from 1995 onwards, or a brand new 996. The early 996s are prone to problems. Later Boxsters would also be a good choice. I am still waiting for them to do a Boxster RS, which would have a 996 engine but with all unnecessary weight put in the skip where it belongs![]()
>> Edited by domster on Tuesday 17th September 17:43
My Turbo's pretty raw Dom!You obviously need a ride on Sunday.
(SB) (this is my office screen name)
Steve
quote:
currently own a TVR Tuscan--looks and goes like the dogs danglies but far from civilised.
Question I'd like to ask is have any of you gone from TVR to Porsche and if so does the ability to utilise ABS/Traction control etc etc make up for the lack of sheer power?
And I would like to p/ex--anyone heard of Porsche garages taking TVR's as P/ex?
Regards
2dogs
p.s no bitching about TR's please, they still have a place in my heart!!
I own a 930 3.3 Turbo and have just bought a Griff 500 in addition.(Previously owned a Chim 450)I would say that if want the TVR rawness you have to go for a Turbo 930 or an RS.The later Porkers are much more refined.You pays yer money...
Steve
quote:
My Turbo's pretty raw Dom!You obviously need a ride on Sunday.
(SB) (this is my office screen name)
Steve
OK, I admit that the older turbos have a rawness about them. But from the 965 onwards they got more refined as they got more intercontinentally ballistic!!
But you haven't seen The Red Baron yet - and it's a pretty raw driving experience compared to pretty much anything - including being towed in the nude behind a Caterham R500. If your exhaust is louder at idle I'll buy you a beer

quote:
quote:
My Turbo's pretty raw Dom!You obviously need a ride on Sunday.
(SB) (this is my office screen name)
Steve
OK, I admit that the older turbos have a rawness about them. But from the 965 onwards they got more refined as they got more intercontinentally ballistic!!
But you haven't seen The Red Baron yet - and it's a pretty raw driving experience compared to pretty much anything - including being towed in the nude behind a Caterham R500. If your exhaust is louder at idle I'll buy you a beer![]()
The Griff has got a sports exhaust on it Dom,I might have to hold you to that beer!
Steve
cool pic though,nice colour!
>> Edited by wonderwheels on Wednesday 18th September 10:28
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