Tamora or Chimaera?

[Robertjp]

I posted this one in the Chimaera forum and its created an interesting debate! Only fair to get views from both sides of the fence...

I am interested to know, how would you compare the two cars? How does the 5.0hc Chimeara stand against the Tamora? I am particularly interested in opinions from those who have owned both?

I am put off with £25k for a Tamora knowing that there is an ever present possibility of engine trouble. I couldnt justify putting £5k aside for a just in case rebuild. How do you guys cover for this?

Equally so i dont want to buy a Chimaera and wish 12 months down the line i had the Tamora. To me, they are fairly similar cars in so much as two seat convertable proper sports cars. I know that one is a generation ahead...but still i dont think its clear cut that one is vastly better than the other? I'd like some balanced views though...

And no reply's 'just buy one' 'cause i will, just depends which one and when!!!

[jasperj]

- the Tamora is such a great car (unbiased view !!), never driven a Chimaera so cannot really comment. Obvious statement but you need to test drive both and I think you will decide very quickly !! Otherwise you 'could' end up buying the Chimaera and wishing you had gone for the Tamora.. IMHO.

[targarama]

There are a lot of ex Chimaera owners on this part of the forum. Ask any of them whether they'd swap back to a Chimaera, I suspect 100% of the responses would be no.

The only thing the Chimaera does better is the exhaust noise. The Tamora is better in every other way. Safety, handling, performance, braking, clutch pedal, gearshift etc. etc.

Looks are a personal thing, you decide which you like the look of.

[chris watton]

Well, put it this way, when I sold my Chimaera, I was fine, we missed it, but it wasn't the end of the world, now, when I even so much as contemplated selling my Tamora, I actually had nightmares about it!!!

(Have come back to my senses now, BTW!!!)

[Dougie]

A few points from me, an ex Chimaera now Tamora owner.
(i) Noise from the Chim far better than Tamora (even with the sports exhaust fitted)
(ii) The boot in the Chim is far bigger especially with the roof in therefore more practicle
(iii) It is possible to fit a manual fan override in the Chim to give peace of mind in traffic, with the Tam you just sit there hoping and praying the fans cut in.
(iv) Far better visibilty in the Tam with the roof down, you can actually use the rear view mirror.
(v) The Tam is far more comfortable for a passenger - miles more leg room.
(vi) The chim (IMHO) looks fab but a tiny bit dated when parked next to a Tam
(vii) The overall driving experience in the Tam exceeds the Chim, from ease of clutch to road holding.

Botom line is, I think you are in a win win situation - both are fantastic.

[tvr33]

Dougie said:

A few points from me, an ex Chimaera now Tamora owner. (i) Noise from the Chim far better than Tamora (even with the sports exhaust fitted) (ii) The boot in the Chim is far bigger especially with the roof in therefore more practicle (iii) It is possible to fit a manual fan override in the Chim to give peace of mind in traffic, with the Tam you just sit there hoping and praying the fans cut in. (iv) Far better visibilty in the Tam with the roof down, you can actually use the rear view mirror. (v) The Tam is far more comfortable for a passenger - miles more leg room. (vi) The chim (IMHO) looks fab but a tiny bit dated when parked next to a Tam (vii) The overall driving experience in the Tam exceeds the Chim, from ease of clutch to road holding. Botom line is, I think you are in a win win situation - both are fantastic.

Good post. I ran a Chim 400 for 3 years and switched to a Tam in January. I'd add:
> The Chim was very robust, but is now showing its age. I met a guy on Friday running an N plate with 100k miles on his 450. No problems for him with longevity.
> Chims get hot inside, especially at slow speed. A few have AC. All new Tams have AC and it works. Takes a few mins to kick in, but then good.
> The SP6 RedRose delivers so much grunt it leaves the Chim 400 standing. No comparison.
> The roadholding on the Tam is very assured, especially on tight bends. It is jittery (see other threads) but once you've had a blast on a track day, you know how it feels at speed through a corner, and you can drive with more confidence.
> Getting the roof in the Tam boot is a bit of a pain.
> Windnoise is lower on the Tam but getting a good fit between the seals and the lid is tricky.
> In traffic the Tam is much less of a handful. It doesn't "hunt" the way a Chim does, as the power comes in progressively to 7800 rpm. Tickle a Chim throttle and it wants to be away.

I'd have another Chim tomorrow, but not in exchange for a Tam!

[jedi]

Depends on whether ££'s are an issue and if you are worried about depreciation. Tams will no doubt depreciate more than a chim as most chims now are past their "bulk" loss.

From personal experience I would go for a well sorted chim (500 if poss) with some added extras like sports exhaust, speaker upgrade and a few bits from Leven. The V8 is proven to be more reliable than the SP6 engines and I think you will end up meeting the AA less IMHO.

Also IMHO the tam is pretty ugly whereas the chim may be slightly dated but has much nicer lines