Chimaera v 944 Cabrio
Discussion
I've had TVR for close on 20 years, 3 x Chimaera, 2 x 350i Wedge.
When I sold my last Chimaera I said I wanted a change from TVR, then bought another 350i......just cannot keep away.
I'm considering yet another Chimaera, hoping it's not sold before I view at the weekend.
But I keep looking at 944 & 968 Cabrio. Stylish, reputedly handle well (never driven one) 240bhp, useless rear seats, reputedly well built etc.
Anyone gone from a Chimaera to a 944 or the other way? I assume they are just a little more civilised, but less charismatic?
When I sold my last Chimaera I said I wanted a change from TVR, then bought another 350i......just cannot keep away.
I'm considering yet another Chimaera, hoping it's not sold before I view at the weekend.
But I keep looking at 944 & 968 Cabrio. Stylish, reputedly handle well (never driven one) 240bhp, useless rear seats, reputedly well built etc.
Anyone gone from a Chimaera to a 944 or the other way? I assume they are just a little more civilised, but less charismatic?
I could see how you'd like a 968 very pretty cars, a 4 pot wouldn't be special enough for me (but mine is my first V8, having had a succession of highly tuned 4 pots and 1 V6 turbo) but after 20 years of V8's you don't have to scratch that itch.
In your position I'd try it even if it was only for this summer, you aren't likely to lose anything on it when you sell it on if you don't feel it's special enough as there are plenty that will.
In your position I'd try it even if it was only for this summer, you aren't likely to lose anything on it when you sell it on if you don't feel it's special enough as there are plenty that will.
It is great to have a car choice so enjoy the experience!
Like you, I really missed my other TVR, (Cerbera) when I sold it and literally jumped on the first opportunity to get another one - 4.0 Chim. When comparing cars it is always tough as the only real way to do it thoroughly is to drive one of each on the same road. This is really the only way you will convince yourself you have made the correct choice. The Chim is way slower and more of a GT cruiser but I don't spend half as much time fettling with it during my spare time. I'm also less scared of the Chimaera breaking as I try to do everything myself and parts are less expensive. I'm opening myself up to ridicule, but I would feel a Porsche would incur more expense when it goes wrong (arrrrggghhhh - waiting for the Porsche guys to come along)!
There are so many choices out there that it then becomes annoying when attempting to narrow down the cabrio/ t-top options. I toyed with the thought of a VX220, Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, Westfield, AC Cobra kit etc. In the end the TVR just jumped out as so different and more of an an event. For example, I loved my Merc 320 CLK, Saab 9-3 Aero and Mk1 MR2 but they ultimately were boring and had no "soul" in comparison to the TVR. Good luck with the purchase!
Like you, I really missed my other TVR, (Cerbera) when I sold it and literally jumped on the first opportunity to get another one - 4.0 Chim. When comparing cars it is always tough as the only real way to do it thoroughly is to drive one of each on the same road. This is really the only way you will convince yourself you have made the correct choice. The Chim is way slower and more of a GT cruiser but I don't spend half as much time fettling with it during my spare time. I'm also less scared of the Chimaera breaking as I try to do everything myself and parts are less expensive. I'm opening myself up to ridicule, but I would feel a Porsche would incur more expense when it goes wrong (arrrrggghhhh - waiting for the Porsche guys to come along)!
There are so many choices out there that it then becomes annoying when attempting to narrow down the cabrio/ t-top options. I toyed with the thought of a VX220, Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, Westfield, AC Cobra kit etc. In the end the TVR just jumped out as so different and more of an an event. For example, I loved my Merc 320 CLK, Saab 9-3 Aero and Mk1 MR2 but they ultimately were boring and had no "soul" in comparison to the TVR. Good luck with the purchase!
Thank you, yes the 968 is a pretty car and the 944 too in a more classical line.
Driving experience is reputedly good with a well balanced car.
Did wonder about the "power", Chimaera 4.0 about 240 questionably, the 944 a bit less and heavy by comparison. 968 has 240 bhp.
I did buy a 500SL Merc a couple of years ago, lovely classical lines, 350 something BHP in a rather heavy body made it a luxury tourer but general driving it just felt floaty and soulesss too. And an auto which I hated. Was doing a side by side comparison with the Chimaera I had at the time. Sold the SL after less than a year.
Porsche spares/service pricing is probably higher but I used to get some scary bills with the various Chimaera I had too.
To add I've a Caterham (crossflow Ford) sat in the garage for "extreme" motoring
Driving experience is reputedly good with a well balanced car.
Did wonder about the "power", Chimaera 4.0 about 240 questionably, the 944 a bit less and heavy by comparison. 968 has 240 bhp.
I did buy a 500SL Merc a couple of years ago, lovely classical lines, 350 something BHP in a rather heavy body made it a luxury tourer but general driving it just felt floaty and soulesss too. And an auto which I hated. Was doing a side by side comparison with the Chimaera I had at the time. Sold the SL after less than a year.
Porsche spares/service pricing is probably higher but I used to get some scary bills with the various Chimaera I had too.
To add I've a Caterham (crossflow Ford) sat in the garage for "extreme" motoring
I very almost went for a 944 cabriolet but after sitting in it compare to the chim it had the old school too low steering wheel position and didn’t suit me. actually, from memory it was similar to a wedge which I never got on with.
Why not go the whole hog and, wait for it, go for a Boxster S!
I went from my 5.5 Chim, (For health reasons, don’t ask ) to a relatively rare limited addition very highly speced 2008 987.1
Yes, they are relatively common but for a reason. All day comfy, probably about as quick feeling as a 5.0 Chim but in the real world faster round the twisties and anywhere else. I absolutely love mine and even more so after taking it on track some weeks ago. Even though it was 100 BHP behind my chim , there is no doubt I could’ve lapped faster in the Porsche. As a bonus you have that beautiful flat six howl when pressing on.
If ever you are in the area, I’m happy to show you mine!
Why not go the whole hog and, wait for it, go for a Boxster S!
I went from my 5.5 Chim, (For health reasons, don’t ask ) to a relatively rare limited addition very highly speced 2008 987.1
Yes, they are relatively common but for a reason. All day comfy, probably about as quick feeling as a 5.0 Chim but in the real world faster round the twisties and anywhere else. I absolutely love mine and even more so after taking it on track some weeks ago. Even though it was 100 BHP behind my chim , there is no doubt I could’ve lapped faster in the Porsche. As a bonus you have that beautiful flat six howl when pressing on.
If ever you are in the area, I’m happy to show you mine!
I’ve just been watching some drag racing live at The Pod.
Blumming heck loads of cars are well slow compared to average Tvr.
Audi TT 16’s
Porsche white hard top ( aint got a clue which model but very modern looking ) 14’s but has ran a high 13 so he’s trying.
Porsche Turbo 14’s but can get into the 12’s according to the commentator.
Nissan GTR standard sounding 14’s
Infact 80% of the production stuff are all in the 13’s-16’s
A good standard Chim 400 will do 14’s at a push I’m sure.
Basically my standard engined + MBE ecu 450 did 12.6 with a blinding start.
You should try the S Peter. I reckon you’d be in the 12’s surely!
It felt rapid to me.
Odd but I think the Porsche driver might be inexperienced as mid 14’s seems slow!
Can’t get my head round it.
I’d be winning loads of races going by the times
I think it will be hard to beat a Tvr for the power to weight but does that really matter.
Interesting though.
Blumming heck loads of cars are well slow compared to average Tvr.
Audi TT 16’s
Porsche white hard top ( aint got a clue which model but very modern looking ) 14’s but has ran a high 13 so he’s trying.
Porsche Turbo 14’s but can get into the 12’s according to the commentator.
Nissan GTR standard sounding 14’s
Infact 80% of the production stuff are all in the 13’s-16’s
A good standard Chim 400 will do 14’s at a push I’m sure.
Basically my standard engined + MBE ecu 450 did 12.6 with a blinding start.
You should try the S Peter. I reckon you’d be in the 12’s surely!
It felt rapid to me.
Odd but I think the Porsche driver might be inexperienced as mid 14’s seems slow!
Can’t get my head round it.
I’d be winning loads of races going by the times
I think it will be hard to beat a Tvr for the power to weight but does that really matter.
Interesting though.
Edited by Classic Chim on Friday 23 July 15:40
phazed said:
Interestingly I did a drag day where I first met Derek at Odiham. There was a new 911 Turbo S straight out the box, ran an 11 dead on its first run……….
Amusingly it was the guys wife’s company car!
I read the Turbo S can do it in the 10’s so yeah they are naffing about at the Pod. Amusingly it was the guys wife’s company car!
Run what you brung so all’s possible.
Sorry didn’t mean to offset thread but it just shows why Tvr have charm if a bit brutal.
.
Not bad for that car and engine capacity built in between 91–95. Very nice looking car in my opinion.
I was really looking forward to owning a convertible but as I said previously, the driving position wasn’t for me. Mind you I lusted after an SL 500, the eighties to nineties model and was highly disappointed again with the driving position. I don’t think manufacturers put as much into the ergonomics as they have done for the last couple of decades. The driving position in my daughters Micra was far better!
I was really looking forward to owning a convertible but as I said previously, the driving position wasn’t for me. Mind you I lusted after an SL 500, the eighties to nineties model and was highly disappointed again with the driving position. I don’t think manufacturers put as much into the ergonomics as they have done for the last couple of decades. The driving position in my daughters Micra was far better!
Hi Phazed
I remember your posts when you got the Boxster, full of praise at the time.
There's just something about the Boxster, mainly side view I think, that irks me. Actually prefer the Cayman but that's a FHC.
Thought about a 996 targa but a manual in a colour other than black/grey/silver doesn't seem to exist, certainly not in my budget.
Always like the look of the 944/968 although never driven one.
I'm a TVR guy really although think it's time for a change, incidently the Chimaera I was interested in was sold this afternoon so sitting here a bit glum. Would go looking at Tamoras if they were a little less expensive.
Interesting to note you weren't keen on the SL500, just didn't do it for me.
I remember your posts when you got the Boxster, full of praise at the time.
There's just something about the Boxster, mainly side view I think, that irks me. Actually prefer the Cayman but that's a FHC.
Thought about a 996 targa but a manual in a colour other than black/grey/silver doesn't seem to exist, certainly not in my budget.
Always like the look of the 944/968 although never driven one.
I'm a TVR guy really although think it's time for a change, incidently the Chimaera I was interested in was sold this afternoon so sitting here a bit glum. Would go looking at Tamoras if they were a little less expensive.
Interesting to note you weren't keen on the SL500, just didn't do it for me.
Interesting post.... I have been lucky enough to own some 80's and 90's classics ... E39 m5, mid 90's 500Sl, various old Rover V8 vitesse (superb) , 3 x 928 Porsche, Pre-cat Griff (epic sound), Griff 500 (lairy) and most recently 5.0XKR....my ideal garage would be a 928 S4 (beautiful design, great to drive and sound lovely with the right exhaust) and my current 450 Chim....Still unbeatable... Looks, sound, and not too ruinous from an ownership perspective....
Really fancied the Porsche that Phazed mentioned but just didn't fit! Pal of mine had the 968 Clubsport and reckoned it was the best motor he had ever driven (but no V8 rumble... So enough said).
Really fancied the Porsche that Phazed mentioned but just didn't fit! Pal of mine had the 968 Clubsport and reckoned it was the best motor he had ever driven (but no V8 rumble... So enough said).
Honestly, try a Boxster or an S, they really are an accomplished vehicle.
Agree, I do love the Cayman and will probably eventually end up with one but for the moment I like the soft top option. Who doesn’t like an electric roof that goes up or down within nine seconds even up to 40 miles an hour!
Just so happens my daughter will be selling her low mileage 987.1 Boxster in the next few weeks………………
Agree, I do love the Cayman and will probably eventually end up with one but for the moment I like the soft top option. Who doesn’t like an electric roof that goes up or down within nine seconds even up to 40 miles an hour!
Just so happens my daughter will be selling her low mileage 987.1 Boxster in the next few weeks………………
phazed said:
Honestly, try a Boxster or an S, they really are an accomplished vehicle.
Agree, I do love the Cayman and will probably eventually end up with one but for the moment I like the soft top option. Who doesn’t like an electric roof that goes up or down within nine seconds even up to 40 miles an hour!
Just so happens my daughter will be selling her low mileage 987.1 Boxster in the next few weeks………………
I'm a soft top guy too, always had a convertible since my first car in 1972.Agree, I do love the Cayman and will probably eventually end up with one but for the moment I like the soft top option. Who doesn’t like an electric roof that goes up or down within nine seconds even up to 40 miles an hour!
Just so happens my daughter will be selling her low mileage 987.1 Boxster in the next few weeks………………
Not convinced on the Boxster but if you want to drop me some details of the one your Daughter has.... please say it isn't silver, grey or black...
Depends what you want. If you actually look at how many there are on the road when you are driving, there aren’t that many at all although of course they probably outnumber TVRs by 1000 to 1 at least. Once you get over that, the later the model, the nicer they look in my opinion and it does grow on you.
The Porsche is more of a drivers car whereas the TVR is generally a bit of a cruiser, certainly used that way by the majority of owners.
Of course most Porsche owners drive sensibly but at least you have the choice of driving a superbly handling vehicle with the option of taking it on a track day with pretty much zero preparation.
All in my opinion of course.
The Porsche is more of a drivers car whereas the TVR is generally a bit of a cruiser, certainly used that way by the majority of owners.
Of course most Porsche owners drive sensibly but at least you have the choice of driving a superbly handling vehicle with the option of taking it on a track day with pretty much zero preparation.
All in my opinion of course.
Gassing Station | Chimaera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff