Older 4.2s

[Tripps]

I've heard quite a lot that the older 4.2s were more of a beast than the newer 4.2s and 4.5s, which I've presumed was to do with the clatter cams and perhaps a lack of refinement in the first cars.

However I was speaking to a dealer yesterday about a '97 4.2 I'm test driving tomorrow and he said it would be fast.

Are they that bit faster? I recall the article in Sprint about the fellow who was disappointed with his 4.5 after owning a 4.2 but how much of a difference does it make?

[shadowninja]

interested in the reply too...

[GCerbera]

Probably referring to the initial 'get away'

My old 96 4.2 was much quicker out of the blocks than my new current Cerbera, but
once at around 60mph, the newer 4.5 takes over and pulls much better.

Have fun with the test.

[christmc]

To be honest iv had both 4.5 and now have a 4.2 ,,there is bugger all differance below about 150mph in my opinion,,and if you get passed by a 4.5 at that kind of speed,,then bow your head ,youv just been passed by a legend

[Tripps]

GCerbera said:

My old 96 4.2 was much quicker out of the blocks than my new current Cerbera, but once at around 60mph, the newer 4.5 takes over and pulls much better.

I've seen a Griff 500 out-pull a 4.5 too (not racing - just vigourous driving) is it something to do with the torque curve then?

[christmc]

not easy to tell,,the rover v8 is torquey ,,butit could have been modded or the cerb might have just had a bad start

[GCerbera]

Tripps said:

GCerbera said: My old 96 4.2 was much quicker out of the blocks than my new current Cerbera, but once at around 60mph, the newer 4.5 takes over and pulls much better. I've seen a Griff 500 out-pull a 4.5 too (not racing - just vigourous driving) is it something to do with the torque curve then?

Indeed - My brother's 5.0 Griff can stay with me for the first few seconds before I move away.

[christmc]

I must admit with the cerb ,,its very rare if your setting off quickly you will ever get the same start twice imo,,,its an art form

[kojak69]

There is lots of talk which one is the faster. 4.2, 4.5 and even the Griff 500 has been mentioned. Lets face it. Theres not a lot in it, and you might not even notice the difference. What I do know, is they all go like shit off a shovel.

[christmc]

kojak69 said:

There is lots of talk which one is the faster. 4.2, 4.5 and even the Griff 500 has been mentioned. Lets face it. Theres not a lot in it, and you might not even notice the difference. What I do know, is they all go like shit off a shovel.

Yep good answer,,i think perhaps we are all splitting hairs,,as jeremy clarkson once said "its fast enough to create its own weather"

[Tripps]

christmc said:

Yep good answer,,i think perhaps we are all splitting hairs,,as jeremy clarkson once said "its fast enough to create its own weather"

I thought that was GCerbera

OK from another angle then, as my only car (I work from home and we have a family car) would either be preferable?

[shadowninja]

Tripps said:

christmc said: Yep good answer,,i think perhaps we are all splitting hairs,,as jeremy clarkson once said "its fast enough to create its own weather" I thought that was GCerbera OK from another angle then, as my only car (I work from home and we have a family car) would either be preferable?

i reckon for your daily commute owning either car will give you the same commute time

[Tripps]

shadowninja said:

i reckon for your daily commute owning either car will give you the same commute time

You don't commute on the M25 often at a guess then...

Few weeks back J1 to J10 (around 50 miles all told), 4.5 hours

Was thinking in terms of slow-speeed smoothness, ease of clutch etc.

If only my criteria was the top speed I could reach on the way to work

[J_S_G]

Tripps said:

Was thinking in terms of slow-speeed smoothness, ease of clutch etc. If only my criteria was the top speed I could reach on the way to work

Have driven both the V8 Cerb and the S6 Tuscan to work for the last year in nasty rush-hour traffic.

Unless it's been upgraded (which it may well have - I'd check if I were you), a '97 4.2 will have the old, heavier clutch, and will probably be generally less fun to drive whilst crawling along at 2mph.

[shadowninja]

Tripps said:

shadowninja said: i reckon for your daily commute owning either car will give you the same commute time You don't commute on the M25 often at a guess then... Few weeks back J1 to J10 (around 50 miles all told), 4.5 hours Was thinking in terms of slow-speeed smoothness, ease of clutch etc. If only my criteria was the top speed I could reach on the way to work

you missed the point. he said he works from home. his commute time is zero seconds...

[Tripps]

shadowninja said:

Tripps said: You don't commute on the M25 often at a guess then... Few weeks back J1 to J10 (around 50 miles all told), 4.5 hours you missed the point. he said he works from home. his commute time is zero seconds...

It was me you made the point!

I didn't mention that while I work from home I do have to visit clients, which if they aren't based within London generally means a circular trip on the M25