Age Old Question - 4.3 or 500?
Discussion
I just cant decide. I used to own a 95 500 which was awesome but i had to sell for finacial reasons.
I have always loved the decatted early Griffs and really want a 4.3BV this time but i hear the low end torque is not nearly as good. Serpentine engined 500 or not? And besides, alot of you guys seem to prefer the sound of a 500 with a sports exhaust anyway....
Problems problems
500 owners --->
<--- 4.3 owners
hehe
I have always loved the decatted early Griffs and really want a 4.3BV this time but i hear the low end torque is not nearly as good. Serpentine engined 500 or not? And besides, alot of you guys seem to prefer the sound of a 500 with a sports exhaust anyway....
Problems problems
500 owners --->
<--- 4.3 owners hehe
What a choice!
If you had a 500 before then you'll at least be buying a 'known quantity'. Unless you can blag a drive in a 4.3 (BV or not).
What's your budget? 15k will get you a private older 500. I don't know what an immaculate 4.3 would cost – they're all getting on a bit now. There was a BV on here in the classis for a shade under 13k recently – think that was a good price. It was on there all of five minutes before being snapped up.
If it was me, I'd get as new a 500 as I could. Then get the sports exhausts etc.
What do I mean? If it was me, I'd get what I've got – a Chim!
If you had a 500 before then you'll at least be buying a 'known quantity'. Unless you can blag a drive in a 4.3 (BV or not).
What's your budget? 15k will get you a private older 500. I don't know what an immaculate 4.3 would cost – they're all getting on a bit now. There was a BV on here in the classis for a shade under 13k recently – think that was a good price. It was on there all of five minutes before being snapped up.
If it was me, I'd get as new a 500 as I could. Then get the sports exhausts etc.
What do I mean? If it was me, I'd get what I've got – a Chim!
budget and personal choice dictate everthing - i don't think there is a right or wrong choice. i have a 4.3 but if i had a load more dosh i would probably opt for as new as i could afford 500. at least you are getting better build quality/pas/air con(?)etc with reasonable maintainance. 4.3s seem to be at a bargain price at the moment, but do expect to spend quite a few weekends under the bonnet fixing dodgy electrical connections yourself - or in and out of the local dealerships because most 4.3s are now about 10 years old now. however the 4.3 engine/exhaust note is second to none and it makes it worth pressing the load pedal at every opportunity!
In my heart of hearts I want a 4.3BV
The fact that they are so rare nowadays makes it all the more appealing tbh although that may work against me if i spend 6 months looking for one. It would be a second car so no real worries about reliability to a point. My 500 was 100% reliable and I did enjoy the seamless poke at any revs/gear but something tells me I want a de-catted monster
Budget probably anything up to £20k at a push.
I saw that blue 4.3BV for sale in here as you say, sounded perfect but I missed it.
The fact that they are so rare nowadays makes it all the more appealing tbh although that may work against me if i spend 6 months looking for one. It would be a second car so no real worries about reliability to a point. My 500 was 100% reliable and I did enjoy the seamless poke at any revs/gear but something tells me I want a de-catted monster
Budget probably anything up to £20k at a push.
I saw that blue 4.3BV for sale in here as you say, sounded perfect but I missed it.
I would not worry about performance difference.
Initially my new Griff 500, felt no quicker than my old standard 4.3. Did loosen up a bit, but unless you compare back to back, I doubt if you will notice much difference.
I guess the 4.3 has more 'classic' status. Vs Griff 500 'ultimate' and a bit more sorted overall, and newer of course.
Initially my new Griff 500, felt no quicker than my old standard 4.3. Did loosen up a bit, but unless you compare back to back, I doubt if you will notice much difference.
I guess the 4.3 has more 'classic' status. Vs Griff 500 'ultimate' and a bit more sorted overall, and newer of course.
I've owned a 4.3 and now have a Griff 500.
I've also driven a 4.3 BV of a friend of mine.
Performance wise the 500 is better, although a good BV isn't much slower, but doesn't have the huge grunt.
Soundwise, the BV can't be matched. I'll try it with a sport conversion shortly but the 4.3 (BV) has a more racy high pitch note which is unique. I loved the sound of my 4.3.
Handling: the 500 is a lot better than the 4.3 and a bit better than the BV (but this will vary per car quite a bit)
Uniqueness: the BV is a lot rarer than a 500.
Conclusion: it's a very close call - I wouldn't go for a standard 4.3 but to chose between a BV and a 500 is very hard. I think it will depend on the actual cars at hand.
Both cars are awesome!
I've also driven a 4.3 BV of a friend of mine.
Performance wise the 500 is better, although a good BV isn't much slower, but doesn't have the huge grunt.
Soundwise, the BV can't be matched. I'll try it with a sport conversion shortly but the 4.3 (BV) has a more racy high pitch note which is unique. I loved the sound of my 4.3.
Handling: the 500 is a lot better than the 4.3 and a bit better than the BV (but this will vary per car quite a bit)
Uniqueness: the BV is a lot rarer than a 500.
Conclusion: it's a very close call - I wouldn't go for a standard 4.3 but to chose between a BV and a 500 is very hard. I think it will depend on the actual cars at hand.
Both cars are awesome!
Anyone know how many genuine 4.3BVs were made? i heard it was only about 25 cars. Seen one - it was dark blue and grey hide. They were only supplied by the old Birmingham dealership that went out of business under a year ago - re formed in TMS guise I think.
Nick (happy with my cerbera......for the time being)
Nick (happy with my cerbera......for the time being)
James- I was in the same dilema around a month ago. I ended up going for the 4.3
Yes the 500 is quicker, but the sound and rarity of the 4.3 cannot be matched by a 500. I have heard a 500 with a sports exhaust and a 4.3 back to back, and the 4.3 has the meatiest sound.
If you do go for a BV, make sure it is a BV. It should say it on the plenum chamber under the hood.
I agree with Gerjo, the high pitch note is awesome. And through tunnels.......
Yes the 500 is quicker, but the sound and rarity of the 4.3 cannot be matched by a 500. I have heard a 500 with a sports exhaust and a 4.3 back to back, and the 4.3 has the meatiest sound.
If you do go for a BV, make sure it is a BV. It should say it on the plenum chamber under the hood.
I agree with Gerjo, the high pitch note is awesome. And through tunnels.......
10-12 originally built but i believe many more custimer took there's to TVR Power to have them BV'ed.
But just cos it says it on the Head plate i would deffiantly check the History, as i@m sure anyone could of had a plate made as these cars normally warrant more mo money.
Good Luck
Simon
But just cos it says it on the Head plate i would deffiantly check the History, as i@m sure anyone could of had a plate made as these cars normally warrant more mo money.
Good Luck
Simon
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