a 4 ltr or 4.5 ltr ?
Discussion
I have the the 4.5, but all the 4.0l owners I know have a grin exactly the same width as mine!
Dont let technicalities like engine size, colour, interior colour or mileage put you off a purchase. Look for service history, condition, chassis condition and generally whether you feel the car has been looked after. These cars are getting on in years now and I would expect to see some replacement parts and work carried out by previous owners to keep them in good condition.
'My garage' page has some info on ownership/costs if your interested, but at the end of the day the 4.0/4.3/4.5/5.0 cars all cost the same to tax, insure and service and they all enjoy a drink of super unleaded.
Dont let technicalities like engine size, colour, interior colour or mileage put you off a purchase. Look for service history, condition, chassis condition and generally whether you feel the car has been looked after. These cars are getting on in years now and I would expect to see some replacement parts and work carried out by previous owners to keep them in good condition.
'My garage' page has some info on ownership/costs if your interested, but at the end of the day the 4.0/4.3/4.5/5.0 cars all cost the same to tax, insure and service and they all enjoy a drink of super unleaded.
I told myself I wanted a 5 litre (or that I could make do with a 4.5) but ended up with a 4.0 (OK - so it's an HC but it's still a 4.0) ...
How often do I wish I'd bought a 4.5 or 5.0?
Hmmm ... probably only a couple of times when I've been overtaking on motorways and thought "I wonder how much quicker the bigger engined cars are at this?" but I've never felt that I wished I bought the bigger engined car over my own.
I drive mine every day so have become a bit complacent with its performance - it gets hooned regularly and I think that a bigger engined car would be the same - if you drive it every day you get used to it. Any of them will kill you if you're stupid (mind you that applies to anything without all the modern safety aids) and none of them will be quick enough (as standard) if you want to do "Run what you brung" days.
Phil
How often do I wish I'd bought a 4.5 or 5.0?
Hmmm ... probably only a couple of times when I've been overtaking on motorways and thought "I wonder how much quicker the bigger engined cars are at this?" but I've never felt that I wished I bought the bigger engined car over my own.
I drive mine every day so have become a bit complacent with its performance - it gets hooned regularly and I think that a bigger engined car would be the same - if you drive it every day you get used to it. Any of them will kill you if you're stupid (mind you that applies to anything without all the modern safety aids) and none of them will be quick enough (as standard) if you want to do "Run what you brung" days.
Phil
LOL - My old RX-8 was quicker down the backroads than any of them... 
The 5's are obviously better numerically and do have more overtaking urge but most of the time you can't cane a 4 litre without killing yourself or losing your license and you won't be dissapointed by the smaller engined cars.
Phil
The 5's are obviously better numerically and do have more overtaking urge but most of the time you can't cane a 4 litre without killing yourself or losing your license and you won't be dissapointed by the smaller engined cars.
Phil
The 5's are obviously better numerically and do have more overtaking urge but most of the time you can't cane a 4 litre without killing yourself or losing your license and you won't be dissapointed by the smaller engined cars.
Phil
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yep absolutely agree with that and i've had 5.0 Chim & Griff + Tuscan & Cerberas - the 4litre is fast enough for most occasions - just get the best condition you can...
I have had my Chimaera 12 years now was 400HC with 120000 miles on it then got a great 450 engine put it in 3 years ago, the difference, 450 heavier drinker, more power better than the 400 no / yes. each had its great points likewise its low points.
A 500 is great, but power speed is not everything, look for a full history file good chassis, new outriggers is a must now. Interior in good nick, all will show some wear now and need a little work, paint work will also new a little work on most.
If I had to do it again it would be a Chimaera and I would be torn between 400 / 450 the desider would be the history file
Hope it helps,
Colin l
A 500 is great, but power speed is not everything, look for a full history file good chassis, new outriggers is a must now. Interior in good nick, all will show some wear now and need a little work, paint work will also new a little work on most.
If I had to do it again it would be a Chimaera and I would be torn between 400 / 450 the desider would be the history file
Hope it helps,
Colin l
i started wit a 4.0 Chim. it sounded better and there were a few times it felt not quick enough. i then went to a 5.0 and it seems much quicker, doesnt sound as nice though. i just bought a cerb ( which i am now thinking of selling) and my 5.0 (290 bhp) chim "seems" quicker than the cerb as well. i had the same grin in the 4.0 and the 5.0 but i am certain i drive the 5.0 quicker.
but i agree what the others say, get the one in the best condition you can.personally i would try the 4.0 first get to know the chim and then decide if you want a little more
Lester
but i agree what the others say, get the one in the best condition you can.personally i would try the 4.0 first get to know the chim and then decide if you want a little more
Lester
pwd95 said:
Bassfiend said:
LOL - My old RX-8 was quicker down the backroads than any of them...
Gauntlet down. I accept. 
The RX-8 was definitely more chuckable and much much more forgiving and definitely much quicker (in my hands) down the twisty stuff than the Tiv...
...but I didn't want the Tiv for that - I wanted the Tiv because of what she is and that's why I love her!
Phil
I've never owned a 4 / 4.5 litre, but I drove a few of each before buying my car.
5 litre Chimaeras were rare on the dealer forecourt even in '98, in fact the first 500 I drove was a Griffith, because they were available.
That drive in the Griff was enough to pretty much convince me that nothing short of a 500 would ever do.
My first drive of a Chim 500 was the ultimate convincer.
The result of a second drive of a Chim 500 sits in my drive today.
That said,
On my first solo drive, leaving the dealer, heading to work, driving cautiously; the little b
h tried to kill me. She hasn't stopped trying to this day, and I have learned that it's 'just her way'.
However, after about 2-3 months of silly grinning plus constant heart palpitations, I was already wishing for more power in the middle to top end.
Even the 500 can prove to be not quite enough at times.
5 litre Chimaeras were rare on the dealer forecourt even in '98, in fact the first 500 I drove was a Griffith, because they were available.
That drive in the Griff was enough to pretty much convince me that nothing short of a 500 would ever do.
My first drive of a Chim 500 was the ultimate convincer.
The result of a second drive of a Chim 500 sits in my drive today.
That said,
quattrophenia said:
I have the the 4.5, but all the 4.0l owners I know have a grin exactly the same width as mine!
I have to concur.On my first solo drive, leaving the dealer, heading to work, driving cautiously; the little b
h tried to kill me. She hasn't stopped trying to this day, and I have learned that it's 'just her way'.However, after about 2-3 months of silly grinning plus constant heart palpitations, I was already wishing for more power in the middle to top end.
Even the 500 can prove to be not quite enough at times.
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