Anyone gone from a TVR Chimaera to a Boxster or vice versa?
Discussion
I've got both and the experiences are different. The Porsche (a 2003 S) is turnkey quick, no waiting for it to warm up. But, the torque of my Chimaera (although a 4.0) at low revs, compared to a 3.2 flat 6, is something else. Both average about 20 mpg (I expected the Porsche to be better but it hasn't been so far)
You'd miss the noise I expect! There's a nice muted howl in a Boxster S as you pass through 3k rpm, (something to do with the resonance intake) but the V8 growl of a TVR is great.
One major thing I've noticed is that the TVR section of Pistonheads is full of helpful people and those with problems looking for advice. There is a bit of that in the Boxster / Cayman section but also a lot of owners waving their d
s in the air at how much money they have to chuck at a car.
I'm trying to convince myself that at the end of the year I'll choose between the two but on different days, I have different opinions!
Insurance is less on the TVR for me than the Boxster S, possibly because it's older but considering it has no ABS, airbags etc. it surprised me.
You'd miss the noise I expect! There's a nice muted howl in a Boxster S as you pass through 3k rpm, (something to do with the resonance intake) but the V8 growl of a TVR is great.
One major thing I've noticed is that the TVR section of Pistonheads is full of helpful people and those with problems looking for advice. There is a bit of that in the Boxster / Cayman section but also a lot of owners waving their d
s in the air at how much money they have to chuck at a car.I'm trying to convince myself that at the end of the year I'll choose between the two but on different days, I have different opinions!
Insurance is less on the TVR for me than the Boxster S, possibly because it's older but considering it has no ABS, airbags etc. it surprised me.
I've currently got a really nice low miles 986 Boxster S, it's the best car I've owned thus far and is superbly packaged. It feels so alive to drive and has beautifully weighted controls, it is fairly light and doesn't have any needless gadgets or bings/bongs. The only negative is other peoples reaction to it. Not many people let it out at road junctions and dheads seem to be very jealous of it despite relatively low value. Despite these image negatives I love the thing.
However, , I have wanted a TVR for a long time and recently drove one for the first time. I was hooked on the weight of the controls, the noise, the performance, great comfort, cabin space and large boot...but also how everyone seems to smile on sight of it. Needless to say, I put a deposit on a Chimaera 450. Looking forward to picking it up ate the end of the month and running both.
heads seem to be very jealous of it despite relatively low value. Despite these image negatives I love the thing. However, , I have wanted a TVR for a long time and recently drove one for the first time. I was hooked on the weight of the controls, the noise, the performance, great comfort, cabin space and large boot...but also how everyone seems to smile on sight of it. Needless to say, I put a deposit on a Chimaera 450. Looking forward to picking it up ate the end of the month and running both.
billzeebub said:
I've currently got a really nice low miles 986 Boxster S, it's the best car I've owned thus far and is superbly packaged. It feels so alive to drive and has beautifully weighted controls, it is fairly light and doesn't have any needless gadgets or bings/bongs. The only negative is other peoples reaction to it. Not many people let it out at road junctions and dheads seem to be very jealous of it despite relatively low value. Despite these image negatives I love the thing.
However, , I have wanted a TVR for a long time and recently drove one for the first time. I was hooked on the weight of the controls, the noise, the performance, great comfort, cabin space and large boot...but also how everyone seems to smile on sight of it. Needless to say, I put a deposit on a Chimaera 450. Looking forward to picking it up ate the end of the month and running both.
Good choice!heads seem to be very jealous of it despite relatively low value. Despite these image negatives I love the thing. However, , I have wanted a TVR for a long time and recently drove one for the first time. I was hooked on the weight of the controls, the noise, the performance, great comfort, cabin space and large boot...but also how everyone seems to smile on sight of it. Needless to say, I put a deposit on a Chimaera 450. Looking forward to picking it up ate the end of the month and running both.
shake n bake said:
What makes you want to change?
The boxster is a competent car, lacks the rawness and visual appeal of a TVR but it depends on what you want out of your car.
I do love the TVR but just think that possibly the Porsche would be more of an 'everyday' car. Currently do less than 3000 miles a year in the Tiv, and I am conscious of poor weather / chassis issues etc Although without sounding like I'm contradicting myself I have a Mini for everyday use. The boxster is a competent car, lacks the rawness and visual appeal of a TVR but it depends on what you want out of your car.
Just got a hankering for something German, 2 seater and convertible. Boxster seemed to tick the boxes.
I went from Boxster S to a Chimaera About 12 years ago. I have subsequently used the Chimaera as a 20k a year work car and as aplay thing at various times throughout our life together.
Boxster was a brilliant car and I loved it. Would have another one actually and do look occaisionally.
The thing is the Boxster is one of those cars you have for a bit then flog for somethig else. If you can have both then do it. To my mindThe TVR is something special so just ask yourself if you would regret getting rid in a couple of years fora glorified shopping car. Cars have come and gone but the TVR remains. I would never sell it now, it woukd be like losing a limb!
Why not run the TVR as an every day (I am planning to do this again next month). Mine has always been fine in the rain and snow, just need a lighter right foot. What you save in depreciation and servicing on the Boxster (even if an old one) can go towards a chassis refurb whenever required.
Matt
Boxster was a brilliant car and I loved it. Would have another one actually and do look occaisionally.
The thing is the Boxster is one of those cars you have for a bit then flog for somethig else. If you can have both then do it. To my mindThe TVR is something special so just ask yourself if you would regret getting rid in a couple of years fora glorified shopping car. Cars have come and gone but the TVR remains. I would never sell it now, it woukd be like losing a limb!
Why not run the TVR as an every day (I am planning to do this again next month). Mine has always been fine in the rain and snow, just need a lighter right foot. What you save in depreciation and servicing on the Boxster (even if an old one) can go towards a chassis refurb whenever required.
Matt
The Aardvark said:
Title says it all - currently have the TVR but thinking about a Boxster S, probably around 2005-06.
Any thoughts?
How about hiring one for a day or a weekend Any thoughts?
(if it's possible)Fancy a Porker myself, but it would have to be in addition to not instead of... I've bonded with the beast, and we now have a relationship that I don't think either of us would want to lose...
ChilliWhizz said:
How about hiring one for a day or a weekend (if it's possible)
Fancy a Porker myself, but it would have to be in addition to not instead of... I've bonded with the beast, and we now have a relationship that I don't think either of us would want to lose...
Good idea. (if it's possible)Fancy a Porker myself, but it would have to be in addition to not instead of... I've bonded with the beast, and we now have a relationship that I don't think either of us would want to lose...
I had a new one on a 24 hour test.....twice!
The Aardvark said:
I do love the TVR but just think that possibly the Porsche would be more of an 'everyday' car. Currently do less than 3000 miles a year in the Tiv, and I am conscious of poor weather / chassis issues etc Although without sounding like I'm contradicting myself I have a Mini for everyday use.
Just got a hankering for something German, 2 seater and convertible. Boxster seemed to tick the boxes.
So just go out and buy one. Why are you bothered what other people think?Just got a hankering for something German, 2 seater and convertible. Boxster seemed to tick the boxes.
Hi Peter, as the Porker was the same age as my Tiv I thought it would be a good comparison( not) interior felt dated, boot space useless, gearbox like a bag of bolts etc etc. mind you it was half the price I'd want for the Tvr ?
It's interesting to observe how the Boxter has aged, not very good to be honest. Thought of the service costs etc it don't stack up against the Tvr but at least it wants to work, I'm a bit like Daz, fed up with one thing after another with my car but I've gone so far down the track I must be 90% done surely.
My gauges read total nonsence and it annoys me, suspension and shaking really gets on my tits, electrics are playing up and it still leaks like the titanic,,,,,,, other than that it's a great Tvr?
It's interesting to observe how the Boxter has aged, not very good to be honest. Thought of the service costs etc it don't stack up against the Tvr but at least it wants to work, I'm a bit like Daz, fed up with one thing after another with my car but I've gone so far down the track I must be 90% done surely.
My gauges read total nonsence and it annoys me, suspension and shaking really gets on my tits, electrics are playing up and it still leaks like the titanic,,,,,,, other than that it's a great Tvr?
I've got a 4.0l Chimaera and the Mrs has a 2000 2.7 Boxster, I get to drive it when she needs my daily driver for the extra seats. 
It's nowhere near as quick or anything like as scary, it's a very good 'all round' car, very practicle with the 2 boots, and perfectly useable every day, the Mrs does.
Nowhere near as 'special' but much more useable, and the running costs are about 2/3rds.
It's nowhere near as quick or anything like as scary, it's a very good 'all round' car, very practicle with the 2 boots, and perfectly useable every day, the Mrs does.
Nowhere near as 'special' but much more useable, and the running costs are about 2/3rds.
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