This could cause quite a stir!!

[M15ley]

I was originally going to buy a Cerbera but as I can only afford a 97 4.2 and having read all the horror stories about these earlier versions I'm now wondering if a 4.5 or even a 5.0 Chimera might not be a better, more reliable and cheaper to own option, even if it's slower!

[RobM]

get a 5.0 chim. they're just as fast, sound better, and you can take the roof off.


bring em on then......

[MikeyT]

I am certainly not in the position to afford a Cerbie – but if I was, I would have one. No doubt.

But I'm not and so a Chim/Griff it will be for me soon.

If you've got the money, do it!

TVR owner one day

[plotloss]

I too was faced by the same dilemma and ended up going for a Chimp 450. Its had its issue but its more than fast enough (Less than a second slower to 60 and only 20 mph top end) and you can take the roof off as has been said.

Whatever you choose you will love it, so hurry and join the club, and this coming from a new member!

Matt.

[AndrewD]

Depends what you want the car for. If you do any track days at all though, the Cerbera is in a different league to a Chimaera, 5l or not, IMHO (having owned 4.3 Chim, Griff 500 and 4.5 Cerbera)

[paulk]

I have a 96 Cerbera 4.2 for the last 15 months with very few problems other than the annual service with my local dealer £600. Which had suppension bushes changed. Yes the later cars are supposed to be better built, but the early cars are no worse than a Griff or Chim. You must try them first not just a quick spin round the block.
Whatever you decide you will love so good luck and enjoy.

[Marshy]

My observation from a couple of track days is that to get the best from a Cerbie on the track you have to be a truly b@lls out driver.

Observation based on pulling away from one or two on the straights (Chim 500) and watching them spin on the way out of corners in my mirrors.

True, one or two trackdays isn't an exhaustive survey, but...

[Stig]

quote:
Depends what you want the car for. If you do any track days at all though, the Cerbera is in a different league to a Chimaera, 5l or not, IMHO (having owned 4.3 Chim, Griff 500 and 4.5 Cerbera)

Then again, if you do any sort of track days then you're better off with a Caterham which will run rings round all of them!


www.locost-racing.com

Car No. 13

[AndrewD]

That's why I've also got the Superlight R!

[M15ley]

Hmmmm, decisions decisions. Need more feed back i think, keep it coming!!

[Jason F]

I`d say take the Chimaera.. Much nicer looking car IMHO. But I am slightly biased...

At the end of the day the roof comes off, and in summer you`ll be grateful for that.. Well, ok, for the 2/3 days a year of sun in England... . And as for the performance ? They are both in brown trousers territory..

As far as I am aware Cerbies are portable people bbq`s..



Edited by Jason F on Friday 16th November 13:38

[Paulk]

What can I say chims better than cerbs on a track day? Not the ones I've been to the only thing the cerbs could not keep up with or pass was the new Tuscan. However I am sure 4.5 drivers would differ. As far as the heat goes they do get hot so make sure you get one with air-con.

Again good luck

Paul

[Marshy]

PaulK, my point was that the driver makes a lot of difference, and unless the cerbie driver is a complete loony, things are (I think) a bit more equal than you might expect from bare figures.

[IanF]

I have just had a Chimp on loan while my Tuscan had it's 12k service. Prior to which I owned a Cerbie 4.2. The Chimp felt dated heavy and slow in comparison. Mind you that Rover Block has been around since the war! If anyone thinks that on a track day a Chimp is quicker than Cerbie or A Tus than they are dreaming.......Ask those who have progressed

[Mike B]

Indeed, I have witnessed a 450 Chim thrash everything else on the track ...tuscans and cerbies alike ......OK so a certain M.
Short was at the wheel

[GasBlaster]

Be aware that Cerby's cost a LOT more than Griffs\ Chimps in servicing expenses.

[lovemytvr]

Being very tall - felt very claustraphobic in a cerbera - especially the view from the front windscreen - much prefer my 450 chimp - but then on wednesday test drove a tuscan - WOW!! - I want one asap - what an engine and what a roar!!

[flasher]

quote:
Being very tall - felt very claustraphobic in a cerbera - especially the view from the front windscreen - much prefer my 450 chimp - but then on wednesday test drove a tuscan - WOW!! - I want one asap - what an engine and what a roar!!

Go back and drive the Tamora. Apache and I did on Saturday and both of us agreed it's the best all round TVR ever.

I put my deposit down then and there, it was that good and apache wants to do the same.
I can't tell you how good it is you just have to go and drive it.

[apache]

thought you wanted to keep the lid on it flash...where's that email?

[AndrewD]

Marshy, interested in why you think a Chimp is more well matched against a Cerbie? The latter is quicker in a straight line, has miles better brakes, more grip, longer wheelbase, etc...