Guidance needed!
Discussion
I currently have an S2 and have been to-ing ang fro-ing as to whether I should step up to the chimaera. Has anyone here been through this and what did you decide to do? If you made the step up did you regret it or are you happy as larry? If you decided not to do you regret that or are you glad you didnt? Please help, I just cant decide. I have looked at a few, although haven`t taken one for a test drive yet and I really do fancy one, but I,m just so attached to my S2.
HELP!!!!!!!
Roy.
HELP!!!!!!!
Roy.
Rozza - have just done this myself although not due to pick up until tomorrow. will let you know how i got on. thread of interest to you in this one. M&H's summary quite a thorough and honest one.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=48551&f=8&h=0&hw=s3+to+chimaera
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=48551&f=8&h=0&hw=s3+to+chimaera
This is becoming a bit of a hot topic lately.. also seek out Shnozz for his opinion next week, mine has been kindly linked to already, although here it is without the highlights:
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=48551&f=8&h=0
Cheers
Matt.
>> Edited by M@H on Friday 15th August 16:01
Rozza - although i havent collected mine yet i did a fair bit of research and test drove quite a few. I also have a number of mates with Chims. IMHO if it was a weekend only car I would have either:-
1. Bought a V8S or
2. Stuck a cosworth lump in the "old" S.
I was used to the power of the S and needed a bit more speed but the grin factor was still definately there.
However, I decided to go for a chim as I use my TVR daily and it is a faster car with better brakes, more balanced and a generally more modern car. The period of design shows, as does the purchase cost as against the far cheaper S. Not saying a bigger smile is planted on your face, just a more "complete" car IMO.
See if I think the same by next weekend
1. Bought a V8S or
2. Stuck a cosworth lump in the "old" S.
I was used to the power of the S and needed a bit more speed but the grin factor was still definately there.
However, I decided to go for a chim as I use my TVR daily and it is a faster car with better brakes, more balanced and a generally more modern car. The period of design shows, as does the purchase cost as against the far cheaper S. Not saying a bigger smile is planted on your face, just a more "complete" car IMO.
See if I think the same by next weekend
My reasons for changing to a chimaera are simply that I want a car that 'feels' a little less loose on the road (if you can understand what I`m trying to get at). While I`m sure many TVR owners 'want' that in their TVR to get that seat of your pants fun feeling, I cant help feeling as though I`m going to leave the road at any moment. Don't get me wrong, I do REALLY enjoy driving the S, its been a fantastic fun car and very reliable, but I just want a more 'relaxing' type of fun drive. Does this sound like a good reason to make the move?
Roy.
Roy.
Did the journey from Nottingham to southampton via London and v impressed so far. Its smoother, far more refined, quicker, and generally a more rounded car. Far easier to lose track of your speed and at some points found that i was travelling at 3 figure speeds (69.9 mph to you officer ) and will have to be careful to keep the licence 
It is a far more grown-up and useable car. After such a short period I dont know whether the "fun" factor will be missing. I can already see why M@H has drawn these conclusions but other ex-S owners have suggested otherwise. I guess it boils down to what the car will be used for and such like. The Chimaera actually appears more difficult in rush hour traffic, although that of course could be down to the fact I am not used to the car as yet. Plus my work shoes were catching when trying to depress the clutch
I am quite surprised by the attention it has got already. The fact that the Chimaera is a popular TVR and there are quite a number on the roads, coupled with the fairly conservative colour i have gone for, I expected little interest other than from car enthusiasts. However, i have had loads of positive comments already and one old boy in the beer garden at a pub yesterday tell me "lovely car you have there son"
) and will have to be careful to keep the licence It is a far more grown-up and useable car. After such a short period I dont know whether the "fun" factor will be missing. I can already see why M@H has drawn these conclusions but other ex-S owners have suggested otherwise. I guess it boils down to what the car will be used for and such like. The Chimaera actually appears more difficult in rush hour traffic, although that of course could be down to the fact I am not used to the car as yet. Plus my work shoes were catching when trying to depress the clutch
I am quite surprised by the attention it has got already. The fact that the Chimaera is a popular TVR and there are quite a number on the roads, coupled with the fairly conservative colour i have gone for, I expected little interest other than from car enthusiasts. However, i have had loads of positive comments already and one old boy in the beer garden at a pub yesterday tell me "lovely car you have there son"
shnozz said:
However, i have had loads of positive comments already and one old boy in the beer garden at a pub yesterday tell me "lovely car you have there son"
Great isn't it ... I was worried about jealousy and sttitude but that's not been my experience so far.
I've only had mine just over a week and already loads of people have complimented it ... from kids walking past to blokes in cars leaning out of the window as I pass.
Shock to me was the bike rider who gave me an approving nod as I drove it home from the dealer on day 1 ... of course he could have been after a race but I thought I'd own if for more than 30 minutes before indulging in that sort of thing!
Having driven my bro's S3 and owning a Chim myself, I would comment as follows:
The S3 drives like a classic (read old) car - sorry but there it is. Much more like my old spitfire - noisy and tremendous fun! Everytime you go round a corner you feel there is a chance that you will end up in a ditch
The Chim is a 'modern' car. Its a LOT faster, but can't always use the extra speed on the public road. A lot more confortable. Not as much raw fun but for everday or motorway use much better. 300+ miles in a day is no problem - it would be in the S.
You pays your money & you takes your choice. I'm don't regret spending the money on a Chim, but sometimes quite wish I had the S (but there is no going back now) (and my bro will always swop)
In summary:
S
Chim
The S3 drives like a classic (read old) car - sorry but there it is. Much more like my old spitfire - noisy and tremendous fun! Everytime you go round a corner you feel there is a chance that you will end up in a ditch
The Chim is a 'modern' car. Its a LOT faster, but can't always use the extra speed on the public road. A lot more confortable. Not as much raw fun but for everday or motorway use much better. 300+ miles in a day is no problem - it would be in the S.
You pays your money & you takes your choice. I'm don't regret spending the money on a Chim, but sometimes quite wish I had the S (but there is no going back now) (and my bro will always swop)
In summary:
S
Chim
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