4.2 or 4.5 ?

[rabbitrunner]

I'm sure this question has been asked before but here goes.

I've had and driven plenty of cars but the option is starting to get to me.

Reason,
Cerbera's I see have the spec I would consider (colour, mileage, distance etc) but not the 4.5 engine i feel I should be going for and when i see a 4.5 it's got some ghastly colour combination, not that I'm greedy, I just want to get the best I can with out having to upgrade to another at later date should I feel I made the wrong choice and could have got better.

As an example, my first ever Audi was an RS6 and my first ever Porsche was a 996tt, i didn't ever regret my choice, although people advised me to get a lower engine model before the purchase.
Going on peoples opinions reading other posts regarding Cerbera engine sizes it may be wise as an all rounder to go for the 4.2.

Have you owned a 4.2 and a 4.5? Was or is there a huge difference? I would be grateful for as much feedback regards peoples opinions on engine sizes.

I think going on what I know and read I'm not too keen on getting the speed6, plus it hasn't got that v8 sound about it, I know ref the "Strictly not a V8".

On paper there is quite a difference in performance but is it really that different while the car is rolling?

I'm struggling to express myself on a forum post but I hope you get the position I'm in. I'm willing to pay top dollar for a top dollar car, but i don't always beleave you get what you pay for so I wouldn't go for "More £ means better car"


I look forward to reading some replies.

Thanks

RR


Ps. The car also needs to compete in a European Rally where 1000+ miles are covered in 3-4 days, Would the 4.5 better a 4.2 for these reasons alone?

[Gazzab]

Hi - have you driven one?
They dont sound like V8s!
the two ajp engines are much the same when driving but the tuneability of the 4.5 sets it apart.
If you want a glory car then you need to find a 4.5 Red Rose.

[jammy_basturd]

There really isn't much difference in power output between the 4.2 and 4.5 from the factory. They do have slightly different characteristics though, the 4.2 accelerates more aggressively due to the 'wilder' cam profile. The 4.5 is probably slightly more liveable around town. As Gazzab says, the 4.5 can be tuned more than the 4.2. Both can get roughly 100bhp/litre though with the right mods.

Go and test drive a number, regardless of colour and engine size. Buy on condition and what they're like to drive.

[vroom]

My 4.5 has much better table manners compared to my 4.2 I owned a while a back.

And both scare(d) the living c**p out of me whenever I press the loud pedal more than half way.

[Byker28i]

Up to 100mph I'm convinced the 4.2's are slightly faster, but in all honesty it's probably down to the driver.
The 4.5's are easy to get 400+bhp out of. The 4.2's top out at around 380-390, but do come with around 350 as standard and are pretty well sorted. My 4.2 has been mapped which means the torque bangs in at 2k revs now rather than 3k so is very drivable and the 35 extra bhp isn't really noticable 'cos it still feels blooming fast when you push it.

Distance is no issue. Several people have cruised Europe, including JensenA, and reported no issues and the locals love them. I've done around 1000 miles in 4 days in mine, excellent, comfy, long distance tourer.

Buy on condition and colour - no point buying it if you hate the colour/interior - but condition/history is a major point.

[Gazzab]

I've done 500 miles in a day in my 2nd cerb cruising at well over 100, often cruising at 150 and once hitting 185. The only issue was the rate at which it drank fuel (at those speeds).

[RUSSELLM]

I've had them both. Think my 4.5 ended up at 380 & I reckon the 4.2's about 360.

There's nothing in it IMO. In my case I prefer the madness of the 4.2, it feels A lot more free revving.

I've not had A drive of the 400 HP stuff, but in anything other than perfect conditions, it's hard to see how they can get anymore traction than the 350 cars. Something like VMAX or the higher reaches of Fighting Torque would be a different kettle of fish I suppose.

Swallows the distance up very well. I've done B'ham to Reims, Reims to Milan B'ham to Nurburgring A couple of times, San Remo to Reims was 630 miles. You can get loads in the boot & A couple of good size bags across the seats.

Don't rule out the 4.2's if you find the right colour/condition combo

[Gazzab]

I agree re conditions. My standard 4.5s were able to be driven more easily in poor conditions than my (virtually!) 440 bhp 4.5.
A bit of short shifting and more considered use of the loud pedal and you'll be ok. Use it as an on/off swtich and then it'll bite you.

[greenm]

No question as you know, bigger is always better 4.5 you will only be told otherwise from an owner with a 4.2?? Lol

[gruffalo]

Gazzab said:

Hi - have you driven one?
They dont sound like V8s!
the two ajp engines are much the same when driving but the tuneability of the 4.5 sets it apart.
If you want a glory car then you need to find a 4.5 Red Rose.

I have to say that they do sound like V8's, just flat plane crank V8's, bit like the old F1 cars used to be.

[redeye]

ive got a 4.2 only had it since june this year
hard choise 4.5 or 4.2 i got the 4.2 as it was the best in my price range and i could not tell much differant in either
what ever you get you will not be sad about it

[JensenA]

They sound nothing like what people call a 'V8'. It's 2 screaming 4 cylinder engines bolted together sharing the same crank, it's a unique 'hard' sound, and it bark, not rumbles, when you press the loud pedal - wonderful noise.
I've had a 4.2 and a 4.5, The 4.2 is a bit freer revving, and a has a definite V-tec like power band when accelerating. The 4.5 has a more linear feel to acceleration, both are amazing cars. In all honesty if you are looking for one, ignore the engine size, it's irrelevant. Just go for the best you can get.

[1Dog74]

I'd second that.

I had a budget to finally join the TVR club, I looked at 4.2's and 4.5's and in the end the best car colour/interior and engine was a 4.5, but if I'd have found a 4.2 that ticked the boxes I'd have bought that.

Spend that budget you have on the best you can find, simples......

Although i'm secrectly pleased mine is a 4.5

[rabbitrunner]

Thanks people for all the good replies.
Going on most of you, whether it's the 4.2 or 4.5 it's not going to be that noticeable, thanks.

Watch this space, soon to be a proud owner )

[rabbitrunner]

Another topic, we're converting our double garage into a living room.
Should i have any concerns leaving the car on the drive 27/7 or is it a must to get another garage built else where in the garden?

[jammy_basturd]

Are you really asking the question, or are you just after the best excuse for why you have to build a big double garage with workshop to your missus?

[vroom]

rabbitrunner said:

Another topic, we're converting our double garage into a living room.
Should i have any concerns leaving the car on the drive 27/7 or is it a must to get another garage built else where in the garden?

I'm just buying a new house.

My garage will be beneath the adjacent coach house.

Should I push the car in and out or start it a normal and vibrate the bedroom above?

[billy no brakes]

1) I have had my 4.2 for ten years and loved every minute of it
2) It all depends on the nut holding the steering wheel in terms of speed
3) It is true that the 4.5 can be modified more
4) Still not a lot in though you only need to miss a gear change
5) I have done 2850 miles in a week in an other country where the roads are stunning Top Gear has done them too and lets just say they drove the roads like learner drivers compared to the way we drove and the only problem I had was to fry the brake switch Ballistic Banana knows that as he had to try and keep up with me till we fixed it.
6) What else can you buy for the money that can keep up at warp speed.
7) They do break down but if you know what to look for most of the silly problems would have been sorted out by previuos owners.
8) Just make sure you keep on top of things and look after the car and it will give you years of fun I ahd it for ten years and still get out of it with a silly grin on my face.
9) The prices are starting to stable out now so should keep thier price more and so many have been written off that they will be and are a classic BRITISH SPORTS CAR.
10)If you buy one I hope you get as much enjoyment driving the car meeting people with the same views as you.
11) Enough said

Billy of the No Brakes

[verminator]

I had the same dilemma. Took the advice of a lot of people in the-know who said unless you intend to tune the car then there is no difference that you can tell. As a previous poster has said, some say the 4.2 is quicker accelerating. I was tol;d to go for the best conditioned car I could find. It happened to be a 4.2 which I have had for 8yrs and love it. Good hunting.

[rabbitrunner]

You guy's are great, thanks.

Looks like I'm going to have to get a wide wooden garage and plasterboard the insides to get Loads of echo!