Tuscan v Cerbera
Discussion
I've owned a 4.5 Red Rose Cerbera with short induction and remap dynoed at 430bhp for some time now.
In spite of being perfectly happy with it, having already owned a Griffith and a Chimaera 500 I've a yen now to try a Tuscan; I'm also keen to go back to a convertible car for next summer (if we get one).
However, looking at the Speed Six forum I was quite surprised at how (relatively!) lower powered the speed six is compared to the AJP8 - the highest bhp seriously modified engine I could find was 'only' 430bhp.
I really don't feel inclined to 'downgrade' to a slower car but I do of course recognise that a Tuscan has a different and just as exciting character (and a later one probably handles better than my Cerb).
So my question is has anyone owned both a Cerbera and a Tuscan (preferably an 'S'), and what is their comparative view of them, both in normal use and using them in anger?
In spite of being perfectly happy with it, having already owned a Griffith and a Chimaera 500 I've a yen now to try a Tuscan; I'm also keen to go back to a convertible car for next summer (if we get one).
However, looking at the Speed Six forum I was quite surprised at how (relatively!) lower powered the speed six is compared to the AJP8 - the highest bhp seriously modified engine I could find was 'only' 430bhp.
I really don't feel inclined to 'downgrade' to a slower car but I do of course recognise that a Tuscan has a different and just as exciting character (and a later one probably handles better than my Cerb).
So my question is has anyone owned both a Cerbera and a Tuscan (preferably an 'S'), and what is their comparative view of them, both in normal use and using them in anger?
dempsey said:
I've owned a 4.5 Red Rose Cerbera with short induction and remap dynoed at 430bhp for some time now.
In spite of being perfectly happy with it, having already owned a Griffith and a Chimaera 500 I've a yen now to try a Tuscan; I'm also keen to go back to a convertible car for next summer (if we get one).
However, looking at the Speed Six forum I was quite surprised at how (relatively!) lower powered the speed six is compared to the AJP8 - the highest bhp seriously modified engine I could find was 'only' 430bhp.
I really don't feel inclined to 'downgrade' to a slower car but I do of course recognise that a Tuscan has a different and just as exciting character (and a later one probably handles better than my Cerb).
So my question is has anyone owned both a Cerbera and a Tuscan (preferably an 'S'), and what is their comparative view of them, both in normal use and using them in anger?
You will find the Tuscan a completely different experience to the Cerebra,the Tuscan is not as well planted but still a lot of fun the speed 6 delivers the power more free raving and fast enough. If you are looking for more power than 430bhp it can be achieved In spite of being perfectly happy with it, having already owned a Griffith and a Chimaera 500 I've a yen now to try a Tuscan; I'm also keen to go back to a convertible car for next summer (if we get one).
However, looking at the Speed Six forum I was quite surprised at how (relatively!) lower powered the speed six is compared to the AJP8 - the highest bhp seriously modified engine I could find was 'only' 430bhp.
I really don't feel inclined to 'downgrade' to a slower car but I do of course recognise that a Tuscan has a different and just as exciting character (and a later one probably handles better than my Cerb).
So my question is has anyone owned both a Cerbera and a Tuscan (preferably an 'S'), and what is their comparative view of them, both in normal use and using them in anger?
I came from a Chim to a Tuscan. The Rover V8 is lovely, however I really like the Tuscan and the SP6.
I had a Cobra Replica about 3 years ago dynoed at 400bhp and less tha 1000kg. the standard mk1 tuscan is quicker, as ever it is the way the engine delivers the power, free revving and relentless at the top end.
great car great fun.
I had a Cobra Replica about 3 years ago dynoed at 400bhp and less tha 1000kg. the standard mk1 tuscan is quicker, as ever it is the way the engine delivers the power, free revving and relentless at the top end.
great car great fun.
R44DOR said:
You will find the Tuscan a completely different experience to the Cerebra,the Tuscan is not as well planted but still a lot of fun the speed 6 delivers the power more free raving and fast enough. If you are looking for more power than 430bhp it can be achieved
I have the same feeling as you, Robert.They are completely different.
The Tuscan I S compared to the LW 4.5 Cerb feels more free raving and faster (on normal roads), but also not that refined and planted as the Cerb.
The steering is much lighter in the Tuscan and makes it feel very nervous.
The Speed6 is not that torquey so you find yourself usually in a lower gear,
as you would be in in the Cerb at the same speed.
Maybe thats the reason, why I have a much more agressive driving style in the Tuscan.
Having the same seats in both cars, I find the Cerb much more convenient and relaxed to drive. Especially on long journeys it is very nice to be in the Cerb.
As I value the Speed 6 as it is, I think it is not very refined.
The Speed 8 is the perfect hybrid of Speed 6 and the good old V8 Rover.
Under normal road circumstances it is very difficult to get the Cerb flying above the famous 5000rpms, the same with the Tuscans close ratio gearbox.
All quite useless on speedlimited roads.
What I like:
Cerbera: It feels very high class inside and drives very smoothly and driving it is not tiresome.
Tuscan: agility, interior design, the curvy bonnet in front of you.
In one thing they are similar:
They are really AWESOME!
I've had both, a 4.2 Ceb, then a 4.0 Mk1 Tuscan. Both similar in speed, the Tuscan more civilised, and easier to drive in town, but looses some of the "special" feel that you get with the Cerbera, every drive an adventure. You have one so you'll know what I mean. Tuscan feels a lot more modern, easier to live with, not as raw as the Cerb felt. It was more of a big go cart/ race car. Never really tracked mine so can't comment. Depends what you want out of the car, both quite different.
I've had my Tuscan 4.0 a week, having come from a Cerbera 4.2. First impressions of the Tuscan are that it is feels much more like a normal car than the Cerb. It does a lot of the things we take for granted in our "normal" cars far better than the Cerb. Its much more agreeable round town, more refined, better built (although this will vary from car to car) and easier to drive. Performance wise theres nothing in it, but the Cerbera is more planted and takes a little more provoking to get the tail wagging. This of course means that the Cerb's performance is more accessible more of the time, which may influence your decision.
I have a Cerb 4.2 and a Tuscan S.
I do agree that the Tuscan S feels more like a normal car. Specially in the city with lots of traffic, you can drive kind of normal. Tuscan S feels faster, handles more smooth, more refined, easier to drive, my Tuscan S does not feel nervous.
I must say really very nice car. Sounds great as well, lots of pops and bangs. A/C works better as well...
But all in all i think you just need to have them both
I do agree that the Tuscan S feels more like a normal car. Specially in the city with lots of traffic, you can drive kind of normal. Tuscan S feels faster, handles more smooth, more refined, easier to drive, my Tuscan S does not feel nervous.
I must say really very nice car. Sounds great as well, lots of pops and bangs. A/C works better as well...
But all in all i think you just need to have them both
Thankyou for the informative replies; really very useful.
I believe I'll start researching the Tuscan S in more detail with a view to a purchase.
Two areas that seem important are engine rebuilds on early cars (although I imagine by now that
any engines that might go pop will have done so by now and have been rebuilt to the standard that they should have been in the first place); and secondly having nervous and twitchy suspension sorted.
If anyone can expand in more detail on key issues to look out for I'd be grateful.
Also if anyone knows of someone who might be interested in swapping a Tuscan S for a well sorted
and ferociously fast Cerbera (with cash either way) it could be of interest.
I believe I'll start researching the Tuscan S in more detail with a view to a purchase.
Two areas that seem important are engine rebuilds on early cars (although I imagine by now that
any engines that might go pop will have done so by now and have been rebuilt to the standard that they should have been in the first place); and secondly having nervous and twitchy suspension sorted.
If anyone can expand in more detail on key issues to look out for I'd be grateful.
Also if anyone knows of someone who might be interested in swapping a Tuscan S for a well sorted
and ferociously fast Cerbera (with cash either way) it could be of interest.
dempsey said:
Thankyou for the informative replies; really very useful.
I believe I'll start researching the Tuscan S in more detail with a view to a purchase.
Two areas that seem important are engine rebuilds on early cars (although I imagine by now that
any engines that might go pop will have done so by now and have been rebuilt to the standard that they should have been in the first place); and secondly having nervous and twitchy suspension sorted.
If anyone can expand in more detail on key issues to look out for I'd be grateful.
Also if anyone knows of someone who might be interested in swapping a Tuscan S for a well sorted
and ferociously fast Cerbera (with cash either way) it could be of interest.
It is a personal choice I have used my Tuscan as an every day car for 18k miles following a engine rebuild with out any problems, both cars do different things however the speed 6 engine is more fragile. I believe I'll start researching the Tuscan S in more detail with a view to a purchase.
Two areas that seem important are engine rebuilds on early cars (although I imagine by now that
any engines that might go pop will have done so by now and have been rebuilt to the standard that they should have been in the first place); and secondly having nervous and twitchy suspension sorted.
If anyone can expand in more detail on key issues to look out for I'd be grateful.
Also if anyone knows of someone who might be interested in swapping a Tuscan S for a well sorted
and ferociously fast Cerbera (with cash either way) it could be of interest.
I had a 4.2 Cerb, remapped and made about 385 bhp, although my Tuscan S is standard and making 'only' 380 bhp its still feels quicker than the Cerb, having driven both cars along side a friends RR Tuscan, the cerb struggled to keep up yet my S has legs on it, would imagine a 4.3 or 4.5 wouldn't leave you feeling like you downgraded.
As said, the Tuscan has a slightly more nervous feel to it but more agile which suits my driving style better, but still miss the Cerb.
I also have a none S Tuscan with a rebuild, its had all the upgrades and think its as quick as the S is.
As said, the Tuscan has a slightly more nervous feel to it but more agile which suits my driving style better, but still miss the Cerb.
I also have a none S Tuscan with a rebuild, its had all the upgrades and think its as quick as the S is.
Noisy said:
I had a 4.2 Cerb, remapped and made about 385 bhp, although my Tuscan S is standard and making 'only' 380 bhp its still feels quicker than the Cerb, having driven both cars along side a friends RR Tuscan, the cerb struggled to keep up yet my S has legs on it, would imagine a 4.3 or 4.5 wouldn't leave you feeling like you downgraded.
As said, the Tuscan has a slightly more nervous feel to it but more agile which suits my driving style better, but still miss the Cerb.
I also have a none S Tuscan with a rebuild, its had all the upgrades and think its as quick as the S is.
Hi Noisy,As said, the Tuscan has a slightly more nervous feel to it but more agile which suits my driving style better, but still miss the Cerb.
I also have a none S Tuscan with a rebuild, its had all the upgrades and think its as quick as the S is.
To save me doing a massive search, what in brief are 'all the upgrades'?
Thanks
alot of comments saying the tuscan feels more like a normal car in traffic etc compared to cerb
does this refer to the clutch travel being lighter or shorter, and i guess the lighter steering?
i find the clutch to be very easy on the griffiths ive test driven, i expect the clutch to be alot heavier in the Speed6 cars
does this refer to the clutch travel being lighter or shorter, and i guess the lighter steering?
i find the clutch to be very easy on the griffiths ive test driven, i expect the clutch to be alot heavier in the Speed6 cars
I had a 4.5 Cerbera for a number of years, and had many of the available upgrades to make more powerful and handle better (Remapped/short induction/decatted and brake upgrades/Nitrons) and loved the looks and sounds, and it never failed to put a smile on my face and turn heads. It was an Animal and I loved it....but...I now have a RR Tuscan, that has given me a silly grin, and turned more heads than a naked Penthouse model. Yes I have carried out a few upgrades, mainly better dampers, but the shape of the car IMO is stunning, the sound from the back end, and the handling/driving experience is far more enjoyable and predictable than the Cerbera, not such a chore in traffic and not so "nervous" when being driven "briskly"
went over to ash vale today to test 2 cars in standard set-up
ive owned numerous low volume and fibreglass cars
and i really enjoyed both of these TVRs!
The tuscan mk1 felt easy to drive. The power steering maybe even a little too light, and lacks some feel. The clutch was extremely light, which is a big plus for me.
driving position good, with a place to rest your left foot, but i found that the console below the steering would interfere with my left knee, also made worse by the pedals being slightly offset to the right. shame that the column has no adjustment for reach
Cerbera 4.2, sounded absolutely amazing (decat) and interior more claustrophobic, but i felt more lateral support round corners than in the tuscan. Clutch was a little heavier (no place for resting L foot), but overall driving position (im 6ft) felt better. Steering had more feel than the tuscan.
handing, i suppose would come down to suspension and set-up, as i would want to upgrade to nitros or similar anyway.
Overall a very hard choice, possibly prefer the more understated looks of the cerb.
Could the handling of the cerbera be improved to match the tuscan?
Is it normal for the cerb clutch to feel heavier than the tuscans? as this is a concern for me
any more thoughts appreciated
ive owned numerous low volume and fibreglass cars
and i really enjoyed both of these TVRs!
The tuscan mk1 felt easy to drive. The power steering maybe even a little too light, and lacks some feel. The clutch was extremely light, which is a big plus for me.
driving position good, with a place to rest your left foot, but i found that the console below the steering would interfere with my left knee, also made worse by the pedals being slightly offset to the right. shame that the column has no adjustment for reach
Cerbera 4.2, sounded absolutely amazing (decat) and interior more claustrophobic, but i felt more lateral support round corners than in the tuscan. Clutch was a little heavier (no place for resting L foot), but overall driving position (im 6ft) felt better. Steering had more feel than the tuscan.
handing, i suppose would come down to suspension and set-up, as i would want to upgrade to nitros or similar anyway.
Overall a very hard choice, possibly prefer the more understated looks of the cerb.
Could the handling of the cerbera be improved to match the tuscan?
Is it normal for the cerb clutch to feel heavier than the tuscans? as this is a concern for me
any more thoughts appreciated
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