Noble M14 v Griff v 996 Turbo

Noble M14 v Griff v 996 Turbo

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Discussion

Horse_Apple

Original Poster:

3,795 posts

249 months

Wednesday 26th May 2004
quotequote all
OK.

Currently driving a Griff and a BMW 540.

Looking to chop the BM for something else next year.

Have looked at:

SL55 AMG
996 Turbo
DB9

Wouldn't buy new, but rather at least 12 months old.

Have ruled out the AMG and the DB9 for various reasons and I keep coming back to the 996. I'm not actually a huge fan of Porkers but this wagon is so damn good that I kep finding myself about to chop the BM in.

However, I've always like Noble, recently they have struck me as the mature man's TVR and one quick question is: While it will almost certainly corner better than a porker how does it compare overall on performance?

It's going to be £20K cheaper and British. One could be tempted ever so easily.

kentviking

576 posts

247 months

Wednesday 26th May 2004
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nobody on here is going to tell you to go for anything other than the M14...if I had the cash I would! unfortunately only the GTC falls within my open top spec and price range...see the other thread for full spec on the M14.

hunttheshunt

1,093 posts

247 months

Wednesday 26th May 2004
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Hmm I've had a 996TT which was fantastic, but now I have a 3R. I'd say the performance was pretty similar. In fact the 3R is probably quicker up to 120 or so.

Me, I'd buy a 3R, perhaps order an M14 or M400 and then trade once it/they were available. That said, if you like your comfort and the toys (sat nav, stereo) etc then perhaps the 996...but most shops sell maps and who wants to listen music anyway!!

joust

14,622 posts

266 months

Wednesday 26th May 2004
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V6GTO

11,579 posts

249 months

Wednesday 26th May 2004
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V6GTO

11,579 posts

249 months

Wednesday 26th May 2004
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Horse_Apple

Original Poster:

3,795 posts

249 months

Thursday 27th May 2004
quotequote all
Thanks for the info.

Pretty much had decided to switch the BM for a 996T next year but then I saw this.

I think the cruncher will be to find out how Nobles fair with a large ammount of city driving. The Griff is a pig (due to various engine mods) and fills your lungs with fumes and the BM is superbly lazy being a big auto.

The 996T auto was the one I was going to go for but a nw Noble would be the same price and offer something very different and alltogether more classy than the 996 which in North London is more common than a ord Escort.

Only 2 concerns are that in a world of speebumps and potholes will it rattle and shake, which the 996 doesn't and will I be able to go back to a manual for city driving.

As I spent much of the 80's as a teenager this car looks beautiful and with the added impact of being British.

Tough call but I will be reading all the posts on this wagon very closely.

Thanks again.

Marki

15,763 posts

277 months

Thursday 27th May 2004
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Horse Apples ,, tell me why did you discount the SL55 ?

Horse_Apple

Original Poster:

3,795 posts

249 months

Thursday 27th May 2004
quotequote all
I live in North London. You should see the filty scrotes whacking around in SL55s. (fat house wives, medalion boys, crooks etc)

Absolutely nothing against the car, it is wonderful. Just a huge image problem where I live.

It's the same with M3's and Porkers and now I think about it: Lambos, Ferraris, etc

When I bought the Griff 10 years ago you always got a cheery wave from fellow owners. This does not happen in NW these days. Wrong people have thrown cash at the wrong cars.

Marki

15,763 posts

277 months

Thursday 27th May 2004
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Ok i get it , i have only ever seen 1 SL55 on the road , that was in Copenhagen .

Looked and sounded awesome , but as you say too many nob`s driving them

Horse_Apple

Original Poster:

3,795 posts

249 months

Thursday 27th May 2004
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It's very sad. Most people are buying them, not because they like them, but because their next door neighbour does. The curse of London.

obes

3,298 posts

251 months

Thursday 27th May 2004
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We talked about this a while ago, when another query about switching to a noble came on.

I bought my M12 instead of a porsche or a TVR not only because it was a great car, but because I liked the exclusivity of it. It was rare and quirky, makes people stop and stare. The M14 will be even more so!

I know where you're coming from with cars though, It's a shame when vehicles are bought because of an associated image and not because of how good they are.

crb1

922 posts

249 months

Thursday 27th May 2004
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Mercedes in Silver
Mercedes in Silver
Mercedes in Silver
Better have your Mercedes in Silver, sir, otherwise the residuals could be affected.
Basically a one colour make.

Marki

15,763 posts

277 months

Thursday 27th May 2004
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The Silver thing is quite strange

joust

14,622 posts

266 months

Thursday 27th May 2004
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I quite often use mine in and around London without any issues - the tractability of the engine makes it an ideal town drive.

As for speedhumps etc - just take them slowly, and the nasty ones at a slight angle and you'll be fine.

J

Horse_Apple

Original Poster:

3,795 posts

249 months

Thursday 27th May 2004
quotequote all
Thanks Joust,

It's a matter of already having one car which you have to pussy foor over bumps and live in fear of potholes and having seen how much wear and tear it has put on it by London roads that makes me wary.

I don't want to fork out £75 notes and be left with a rattling mess in 2 years time. Hoe are the current stable of Nobles holding up to rough city driving?

As for silver cars, fashion will change and they will be much cheaper to buy than any other colour.

When next in North London check out any supermarket carpark. More than half the cars are German and more than half of those are silver. BTW my BM is silver

joust

14,622 posts

266 months

Thursday 27th May 2004
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As the M12 has double wishbone suspension front and back it is very strong, there is very little to "rattle apart", and it copes with bumps and holes amazingly well.

Mine's over 18 months old and still feels "as fresh as the day I bought it".

Top front ball joints are known to expire, but they are less than £100 all in to get changed at the same time as a service so don't worry too much about that (although the newer ones seem to stand up to punishment better).

Danny (Goodlife) ran one as his only car - check out some of his postings about using it every day.

J

pbrett

11,809 posts

247 months

Thursday 27th May 2004
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I've only hit a speed ramp once (with the splitter), but looking at it, lots of other people had. I've been over it since very slowly and it was fine. You can wizz over those pointless, square humps without any issues.

It's my only car at the moment and I use it every day. I don't have too, it's just that good.

The only thing I can fault it on around town is the steering lock. It's not terrible...not quite. Just a bit of forward thinking and it's no problem.

Oh and Indigo Blue IS the right colour.



>> Edited by pbrett on Thursday 27th May 20:36

Horse_Apple

Original Poster:

3,795 posts

249 months

Friday 28th May 2004
quotequote all
Thanks Brett.

I love the griff but all the rattling and jerkyness would drive me mad if it was my everyday car.

If the Noble is as refined as it is claimed then it would be very tempting.

It's definately going on the list, which to date is:

996T (so far the winner)
M5 (The mature persons choice)
AMV8 (Waiting to see if I fit in it as I can't even get into a DB7)
Noble (least practical but then.....)

Will keep visiting this forum to find out how things are going.

Thanks for everyone's input, much appreciated and have un with your toys.

DanH

12,287 posts

267 months

Friday 28th May 2004
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If you are going through a lot of London traffic, and want a reliable car that doesn't need any fettling and just works, I reckon your current first choice is right.

If you want more of an enthusiasts car, with all that it entails, then the Noble's great. Its not directly comparable to a Porsche though.

I've not had the pleasure but I get the impression that the Porker is a bit sterile to drive? Then again, imho Nobles are too quick to really enjoy on the road too.