Going To The Griff

Going To The Griff

Author
Discussion

Schazzar

Original Poster:

104 posts

263 months

Sunday 4th August 2002
quotequote all
Got my sights set on a Griff, just wanted to know if there will be a signifficant difference in ride, performance and handling over my 350.

Drove an early Chimp last week (non-pas) which impressed me as it was smoother and a lot more comfortable than my wedge. Parking was severe though!

As I haven't driven a Griff at all - what is the most obvious thing I can expect?

Andy

apache

39,731 posts

285 months

Sunday 4th August 2002
quotequote all
a sore face from having a permanent grin

Ballistic Banana

14,698 posts

268 months

Sunday 4th August 2002
quotequote all
a sore arse from spending so much time in it

Schazzar

Original Poster:

104 posts

263 months

Sunday 4th August 2002
quotequote all
I get that with my wedge - but I need some facts guys!

simpo one

85,538 posts

266 months

Sunday 4th August 2002
quotequote all
Haven't driven a wedge so can't compare, but a 4.x is much easier and softer to drive than a 500. Depends on budget I guess, but there's nothing to be ashamed of with a 4.0. I had one and it was great.

Ballistic Banana

14,698 posts

268 months

Sunday 4th August 2002
quotequote all
I went from an S3 to my 96 griffith 500 and my main feeling was how much quicker it was and like u said with the Chimeara alot smoother,mine has power steering which is fine and it doesnt seem to follow the road in the tram lines as much as my S did.
The 500 is meant to be a bit more demanding to drive but i find it easier to drive than the S except if im really hammering it and then a seriuos amount of concentration is needed.
I've had mine nearly six months now and have loved every moment of it.

Simon

shpub

8,507 posts

273 months

Monday 5th August 2002
quotequote all
Yes. The 350i is basically Ford Cortina suspension and while it can be modified and greatly improved it is not as good in standard form as a Griff's double wishbone. It is significantly quicker and is about 200 kg lighter.

No comparison.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

shpub

8,507 posts

273 months

Monday 5th August 2002
quotequote all
Yes. The 350i is basically Ford Cortina suspension and while it can be modified and greatly improved it is not as good in standard form as a Griff's double wishbone. It is significantly quicker and is about 200 kg lighter.

No comparison.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

tivhead

6,071 posts

267 months

Monday 5th August 2002
quotequote all
Andy

For a start, what Griff are you going for? 4.0,4.3 or 5.0? Regards to performance, they are all quicker than the 350, but the 4.3 and 500 are markedly quicker.

Expect the ride to be quite nervous. Steering is a touch lighter in my Griff, compared to the 350 I had 5 years ago. The handling is awesome although a bit skittish. You really need a track to explore the limit of grip in the Griff.

Good luck. And drive as many as you can before you buy.

Tiv

Toffer

1,527 posts

262 months

Monday 5th August 2002
quotequote all
quote:


The handling is awesome although a bit skittish. You really need a track to explore the limit of grip in the Griff.




In addition to a track, you need bags of courage and/or skill to exploit the limits in a Griff. I love mine, but am never lulled into a false sense of security!!

Find the nicest one you can afford and enjoy it !

L112JOM

79 posts

285 months

Thursday 8th August 2002
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Andy

You're welcome to come for a spin in my Griff at the weekend if you like

Let me know

Paul

Crimson King 500

553 posts

263 months

Thursday 8th August 2002
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I might be able to offer a drive out as well, I have a Griff 500 so you could compare, e-mail if you are interested.
I totally agree with the big smile on the face problem and I had a 350i before the Griff, they are just so good at everything above 10 miles an hour, less than this and I would rather be driving a Toyota Yaris with A/C and that is saying something!
CK