Noticeable difference?

[funkyboogalooo]

I was hoping to buy a 450se but it appears they are about £750 above my budget and I won't go into debt for one and certainly am not the saving type so I have thought perhaps I shall look at a 400se. These seem to be more affordable. Is there likely to be a noticeable difference from one to the other? And what actually are the differences?
Thanks
Mike

[matt-man]

Welcome to the forum!

Don't want to dampen your parade but I wouldn't look on a budget which is model specific over that sort of money...I was advised to keep a couple of grand back for the first few months and that was great advice... Wedges are awesome but don't think they are porsches and you get what you see... It's far nots complicated than that!!!

[TVRleigh_BBWR]

There was a large thread about 450SE v 400SE a while back,

But have to agree with MAT-MAN, you want some money kept back, also saving 1K on purchase price on either a car could end-up costing you 2-4K down the road.

[Flares&Chestwig]

The 450 was exactly £3000 dearer than the 400 when new and the comparison of whether its worth the extra would have been valid then. But now the cars have aged, with different history, condition, mileage, owners etc, it would be difficult to really compare apples with apples. Mike, you should enjoy the search for the right car and use you head as well as your heart. Theres a lot of experience on this forum and people are very willing to offer advice. Theres a broad selection of cars on classifieds at mo, which should suit your budget and needs and feel once you have seen two or three you will quickly realise which one is right for you.

[pwd95]

Bodily identical Mike as you know but a good 450 feels noticeably stronger that a good 400 deffinately. The engines were prepaired very well by NCK with larger bore plenums etc. Having said that, there are a good few 400's that have had 450 & even 500 engines fitted. So it's a matter of waiting for the right machine to come along I suppose. Your very welcome to pop over the weekend Mike & I'll take you for a blast, no problem at all.

[funkyboogalooo]

Thanks everyone for their much appreciated input. Having owned a S3c and variuos other marques such as Maserati, Porsche etc im aware of the outlay involved in running and maintaing a car like this. Most works I carry out myself and paying for ongoing improvements has never been an issue financially for me and is basically how I got myself from a £1500 Porsche 928 2 years ago to now having a £6k budget. Putting money into improving a car is the only way I can save.
I always spend every penny I earn. In fact if I have anything left at the end of the month in the bank account I feel like a failure
Mike