I've been spoilt by my Griff
Discussion
So being a long time Griff owner (10 years now!!) I have finally decided to retire the Griff as my main car and begun planning some TLC for her next year (it was supposed to be this year, but life got in the way).
I sensibly (ok, I changed jobs and couldn't afford 2 cars, so my Elise had to go) downsized to a bike and used that for about 18 months every day and only used the Griff on nice days and when I HAD to use a car.
Having changed jobs again and moved in with the gf, I have recently decided to go back to the car fold for this winter at least as the gf is not too keen on pillion in wet/freezing weather.
So I looked for a fun, non-convertible, reliable and reasonably fast car. I came up with a BMW Z4 Coupe. As a life long anti-BMW driver I was converted after driving one. Whilst not the best looking cars out there, they are definitely a good drive. But I have always had a soft spot for the shooting brake style Z4 Coupe.
I read up on them, decided I couldn't justify the M Coupe, but with 265bhp, up to 40mpg and BMW reliability I figured it ticked all the boxes. I was told by many that I would never drive the Griff as the BM was going to be a far better car, having similar power and layout, but more modern.
Well they were wrong. After 2 weeks of ownership, I have to say it's not a patch on the Griff. There is no drama, no punch and whilst it is quick it's not Griff quick. Very refined and nice to be in, and I do like it, but it's not enough to get me out of the TVR. Parked next to each other there is just no contest either.
Many people have raved about how good they are and they are an exciting sports car. But, nothing.
I have decided that my 20 year old Griff has just spoilt me for appreciating fast, newer cars. Having said that, there is something to be said for being able to demist the car in 20 seconds and not having the boot strut mount break and leave a massive lump on you head (I think that was the Griff punishing me for buying another car!).
I sensibly (ok, I changed jobs and couldn't afford 2 cars, so my Elise had to go) downsized to a bike and used that for about 18 months every day and only used the Griff on nice days and when I HAD to use a car.
Having changed jobs again and moved in with the gf, I have recently decided to go back to the car fold for this winter at least as the gf is not too keen on pillion in wet/freezing weather.
So I looked for a fun, non-convertible, reliable and reasonably fast car. I came up with a BMW Z4 Coupe. As a life long anti-BMW driver I was converted after driving one. Whilst not the best looking cars out there, they are definitely a good drive. But I have always had a soft spot for the shooting brake style Z4 Coupe.
I read up on them, decided I couldn't justify the M Coupe, but with 265bhp, up to 40mpg and BMW reliability I figured it ticked all the boxes. I was told by many that I would never drive the Griff as the BM was going to be a far better car, having similar power and layout, but more modern.
Well they were wrong. After 2 weeks of ownership, I have to say it's not a patch on the Griff. There is no drama, no punch and whilst it is quick it's not Griff quick. Very refined and nice to be in, and I do like it, but it's not enough to get me out of the TVR. Parked next to each other there is just no contest either.
Many people have raved about how good they are and they are an exciting sports car. But, nothing.
I have decided that my 20 year old Griff has just spoilt me for appreciating fast, newer cars. Having said that, there is something to be said for being able to demist the car in 20 seconds and not having the boot strut mount break and leave a massive lump on you head (I think that was the Griff punishing me for buying another car!).
.. you could be right there... 
Wildfire said:
I read up on them, decided I couldn't justify the M Coupe, but with 265bhp, up to 40mpg and BMW reliability I figured it ticked all the boxes. I was told by many that I would never drive the Griff as the BM was going to be a far better car, having similar power and layout, but more modern.
I am a bit confused, did you not go for an M Coupe? The M Coupe is about 340bhp, not 265?Gassing Station | Griffith | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff