From Chim to Cerb
Discussion
Hi,
I have a Chim and sometime in the future (maybe a year, maybe 2) I know that I'd be interested in a Cerb.
Id just like to hear responses from people who have had both a Chim, mines a 450 and a Cerb. I'd like to understand the pro's and cons, how they drive differently, how the engine performs (top end, mid, etc). How much did you mss the soft top?
I'd probably only be looking at an AJP.
Thanks in advance. .
(PS I posted a similar request last night but it was removed. No idea why. I know somebody did reply to that post as I ave the notification but the post and reply have been deleted before I could read it).
I have a Chim and sometime in the future (maybe a year, maybe 2) I know that I'd be interested in a Cerb.
Id just like to hear responses from people who have had both a Chim, mines a 450 and a Cerb. I'd like to understand the pro's and cons, how they drive differently, how the engine performs (top end, mid, etc). How much did you mss the soft top?
I'd probably only be looking at an AJP.
Thanks in advance. .
(PS I posted a similar request last night but it was removed. No idea why. I know somebody did reply to that post as I ave the notification but the post and reply have been deleted before I could read it).
I had a Chim, loved it, was reliable and fairly cheap to run. I could never understand why they said the engine was a lazy V8 (4ltr) until I bought a Cerbera. The Cerbera was a pain to start off with as the engine blew 3 times (Speed Six) from new, but I was lucky in that the factory sorted it (sort of) each time, so didn't cost me anything. Each time I thought that's enough and I'll move on to something else, then a run out giving it a few beans and I just couldn't get rid. The Cerbera has more comfort but yet handles better than the Chim and has more power. The Cerbera sort of keeps your pocket half empty but bordering on emptying them. Parts cost more and aren't as readily avalible but you will get them.
12 years on I've still got mine an I still love it (sort of a love/hate relationship), yes I've thought about something else but I just think that why should I spend quite a bit of money on a new car that won't thrill as much as the Cerbera unless I spend a shed load of money.
You would be advised to have a second car for daily transport though.
12 years on I've still got mine an I still love it (sort of a love/hate relationship), yes I've thought about something else but I just think that why should I spend quite a bit of money on a new car that won't thrill as much as the Cerbera unless I spend a shed load of money.
You would be advised to have a second car for daily transport though.
I have a 5.3 Chimarea and a 4.2 Cerbera...... They are both fun cars - but the Cerbera is the one that gets used more.
Combination of reasons - more practical, more comfortable - and way way louder. Acceleration is about the same - top speed the Cerbera has it - but after 130mph it is all a mute point.
The Cerbera is slightly more comfortable to have sideways - but again not recommended for either.
If you are old - get the Chimarea - it is very much easier to get in and out of - but once in - the Cerbera is more comfortable.
In terms of operation the buttons and switches are more logical on the Chimarea - I am convinced a monkey did the switch-dash design on the Cerbera.
Combination of reasons - more practical, more comfortable - and way way louder. Acceleration is about the same - top speed the Cerbera has it - but after 130mph it is all a mute point.
The Cerbera is slightly more comfortable to have sideways - but again not recommended for either.
If you are old - get the Chimarea - it is very much easier to get in and out of - but once in - the Cerbera is more comfortable.
In terms of operation the buttons and switches are more logical on the Chimarea - I am convinced a monkey did the switch-dash design on the Cerbera.
natben said:
Never ever seen a post saying
"Have a Cerbera want a Chimaera"
Tells me everything , chimaera is good but Cerbers are Awesome.
That's because most people start TVR life with a Chimaera."Have a Cerbera want a Chimaera"
Tells me everything , chimaera is good but Cerbers are Awesome.
Both are good cars I wouldn't say one was any better than the other tbh they are just different.
I have both and have had for 6 years, I still can't decide which is the better car.
Edited by Dave 500 on Sunday 15th September 09:50
Tanguero said:

natben said:
Never ever seen a post saying
"Have a Cerbera want a Chimera"
Tells me everything , chimaera is good but Cerbers are Awesome.
Couldn't have put it better.. "Have a Cerbera want a Chimera"
Tells me everything , chimaera is good but Cerbers are Awesome.
Gazzab said:
Exactly. Chim was a stepping stone back in the day.
As you say they are very different. Chim is an Mgb on steroids. A Cerb is a classic Aston on even more steroids.
As you say they are very different. Chim is an Mgb on steroids. A Cerb is a classic Aston on even more steroids.
Like that analogy.. What these guys said really. I didn't go from a Chimaera to a Cerbera but added a Cerbera and there is no comparison to be made between the 2.
Chimaera is a great car, I thought it was reasonably quick too, it's great fun to be in and pootle around with the V8 burble enjoying the sunshine.
The Cerbera though is another thing all together, such an event every time you go out. An involving drive that needs your constant attention and respect. Was chatting to a couple of ex-Cerb owners at the revival on Saturday and we all agreed that the Cerbera redefines fast no matter what you've driven before. One word of warning though, it's a pesky beast with a constant quiet whisper in your ear. "go on, you know you want to", "give me some beans", "you're not going to let him pass are you?", "do it again, put me in 3rd and stand on the loud pedal".
It's like one of those naughty kids at school that you can't help but like but usually ends up getting you in trouble.
Chimaera is a great car, I thought it was reasonably quick too, it's great fun to be in and pootle around with the V8 burble enjoying the sunshine.
The Cerbera though is another thing all together, such an event every time you go out. An involving drive that needs your constant attention and respect. Was chatting to a couple of ex-Cerb owners at the revival on Saturday and we all agreed that the Cerbera redefines fast no matter what you've driven before. One word of warning though, it's a pesky beast with a constant quiet whisper in your ear. "go on, you know you want to", "give me some beans", "you're not going to let him pass are you?", "do it again, put me in 3rd and stand on the loud pedal".
It's like one of those naughty kids at school that you can't help but like but usually ends up getting you in trouble.
I did actually go from a Cerb to a Chimp because... it was complicated... Anyway, I really enjoyed the Chimp on a nice day, roof off (which is a right pain in the arse, doesn't fold properly and if the boots full you have to leave it behind), lovely sound but I really missed the experience of the Cerb. The Cerb is so quick and makes the most amazing noises, it does bring out the devil in you but you never stop smiling... I sold my Chimp and bought another Cerb....
Warwick67 said:
I did actually go from a Cerb to a Chimp because... it was complicated... Anyway, I really enjoyed the Chimp on a nice day, roof off (which is a right pain in the arse, doesn't fold properly and if the boots full you have to leave it behind), lovely sound but I really missed the experience of the Cerb. The Cerb is so quick and makes the most amazing noises, it does bring out the devil in you but you never stop smiling... I sold my Chimp and bought another Cerb....
me too. griff, cerb,chimaera,cerb. ( various others in there as well)Gassing Station | Cerbera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff




