Tuscan/Chimaera comparison
Discussion
Now I have had the Tuscan for a couple of days I thought I would compare it with my Chimaera before I forget.
The driving positions feel different. I felt more laid back in the Chimaera whereas in the Tuscan the seating position feels more aggressive which I do prefer.
The pedals take a bit of getting used to as does the clutch biting point but I seem to have it nearly sussed now. The gear change seems longer to, possibly due to the longer gear stick. Initially I drove with the stereo off mainly because I wanted to make sure I wasnt over revving when pulling away as the accelerator is more sensitive.
There are a couple of things with the interior which initially stood out at me but hopefully in a few days I wont care 2 hoots about.
There doesnt seem to be a highly visible alarm LED indicator to indicate to the outside that the alarm is set as the immobiliser socket is buried to the left of the steering wheel out of view of anyone looking through the drivers window. The manual does mention an LED which will flash to indicate if the alarm has been triggered (the same as the Chimaera) but I am not sure which one this is. If it is the one on the interior door lock then this too is not highly visible through the drivers window being just to the left of the immobiliser socket
Reflections. Whenever I look in my wing mirror I see a reflection of the wiper stalk on the side window (easily solved by winding the window down!). Similarly the upper dash air vents are reflected in the windscreen. As I said above, I only notice these at the moment because it is new, I am sure I wont notice them for long.
I did like the 2 cubby holes behind the seats in the Chimaera. These are missing in the Tuscan although I am sure somebody will know what is behind the seats which prevents them being there. The elasticated pocket about the passengers feet was also useful. This again is missing.
The one thing I am disappointed about is the stereo. Firstly the head unit aint easy to reach being further away and also it is angled away from the driver so that you cant even see the display. The speakers also leave a little to be desired so I shall see what upgrades I can make. Interestingly, the threads I have seen about adding speakers to the Tuscan has mentioned adding them to the rear but I think I will try adding them to the front if this is at all possible.
On the whole I am very pleased I have made the swap. If anyone is interested in my old Chimaera 500 then drop me a line and I will gladly pass on the dealers details.
Paul
The driving positions feel different. I felt more laid back in the Chimaera whereas in the Tuscan the seating position feels more aggressive which I do prefer.
The pedals take a bit of getting used to as does the clutch biting point but I seem to have it nearly sussed now. The gear change seems longer to, possibly due to the longer gear stick. Initially I drove with the stereo off mainly because I wanted to make sure I wasnt over revving when pulling away as the accelerator is more sensitive.
There are a couple of things with the interior which initially stood out at me but hopefully in a few days I wont care 2 hoots about.
There doesnt seem to be a highly visible alarm LED indicator to indicate to the outside that the alarm is set as the immobiliser socket is buried to the left of the steering wheel out of view of anyone looking through the drivers window. The manual does mention an LED which will flash to indicate if the alarm has been triggered (the same as the Chimaera) but I am not sure which one this is. If it is the one on the interior door lock then this too is not highly visible through the drivers window being just to the left of the immobiliser socket
Reflections. Whenever I look in my wing mirror I see a reflection of the wiper stalk on the side window (easily solved by winding the window down!). Similarly the upper dash air vents are reflected in the windscreen. As I said above, I only notice these at the moment because it is new, I am sure I wont notice them for long.
I did like the 2 cubby holes behind the seats in the Chimaera. These are missing in the Tuscan although I am sure somebody will know what is behind the seats which prevents them being there. The elasticated pocket about the passengers feet was also useful. This again is missing.
The one thing I am disappointed about is the stereo. Firstly the head unit aint easy to reach being further away and also it is angled away from the driver so that you cant even see the display. The speakers also leave a little to be desired so I shall see what upgrades I can make. Interestingly, the threads I have seen about adding speakers to the Tuscan has mentioned adding them to the rear but I think I will try adding them to the front if this is at all possible.
On the whole I am very pleased I have made the swap. If anyone is interested in my old Chimaera 500 then drop me a line and I will gladly pass on the dealers details.
Paul
Paul,
I too am considering swapping my Chimaera 500 for a Tuscan within the next few months. What about the most important comparison before your memory fades; how do the two compare to drive? In sheer performance, is the difference noticeable?
Vmax
>> Edited by Vmax500 on Monday 13th May 19:52
I too am considering swapping my Chimaera 500 for a Tuscan within the next few months. What about the most important comparison before your memory fades; how do the two compare to drive? In sheer performance, is the difference noticeable?
Vmax
>> Edited by Vmax500 on Monday 13th May 19:52
Dont own a Tuscan but had a test drive recently to check out if I really wanted to trade up. Driving is VERY different. Its quite funny really, the TVR dealer must be able to spot a Chimaera / Griffith driver a mile off in a Tuscan...
You know you have the very long pedal travel on the C/G (cant be bothered to type that all the time) and it is very linear on its response. The same can be said of the Tuscan, but its inital response is much more immeadiate (sp?). In fact you are constantly having to let the revs die off before coming up the clutch so that you dont wheel spin off.....Just a comment and not a criticsm - I guess you get used to it. However, just like the C/G - foot down, power comes in and "OH MY GOD" (my words) you are off... power delivery is amazing and you fly. I would say that it is more dramatic than the C/G due to the higher end power delivery of the SP6 engine.
Steering is amazing and instant. However, would take a little to get used to. Possibly a little too direct, but again cant really complain a you get used to it. Ride and comfort are good also. Dont expect a smooth ride as in a Chimaera, it is harsher but that must have something to do with those 18" wheels. However, ride is still pretty good.
I didnt get a chance to really boot it, but then again I probably wouldnt - the dealer made me sign a "you have 100% responsibility" letters and I didnt fancy the pain...
Try one, they are really good. But VERY different in characteristics.
Cheers,
Paul
P.S. Yes, I do want one now... but cant decide, Cerbera (got a 1yr old), Tuscan (love the looks), Tamora (they just rave about the handling).
You know you have the very long pedal travel on the C/G (cant be bothered to type that all the time) and it is very linear on its response. The same can be said of the Tuscan, but its inital response is much more immeadiate (sp?). In fact you are constantly having to let the revs die off before coming up the clutch so that you dont wheel spin off.....Just a comment and not a criticsm - I guess you get used to it. However, just like the C/G - foot down, power comes in and "OH MY GOD" (my words) you are off... power delivery is amazing and you fly. I would say that it is more dramatic than the C/G due to the higher end power delivery of the SP6 engine.
Steering is amazing and instant. However, would take a little to get used to. Possibly a little too direct, but again cant really complain a you get used to it. Ride and comfort are good also. Dont expect a smooth ride as in a Chimaera, it is harsher but that must have something to do with those 18" wheels. However, ride is still pretty good.
I didnt get a chance to really boot it, but then again I probably wouldnt - the dealer made me sign a "you have 100% responsibility" letters and I didnt fancy the pain...
Try one, they are really good. But VERY different in characteristics.
Cheers,
Paul
P.S. Yes, I do want one now... but cant decide, Cerbera (got a 1yr old), Tuscan (love the looks), Tamora (they just rave about the handling).
Hi Al,
I havent yet had a chance to give it a good blast but I would say that it feels better to drive than the Chimaera although the Chimaera did feel more solid. The weather today hasnt helped much and the leaks around the doors are annoying me but the sun will shine soon( See post
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=10277&f=5&h=0)
It does look like the alarm indicator light (the one that indicates the alarm is armed) is the one hidden from view to the left of the steering wheel. Still can't understand the placement of this and the stereo!
I reckon once I get the niggles out of the way this will be one hell of a car.
Paul
I havent yet had a chance to give it a good blast but I would say that it feels better to drive than the Chimaera although the Chimaera did feel more solid. The weather today hasnt helped much and the leaks around the doors are annoying me but the sun will shine soon( See post
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=10277&f=5&h=0)
It does look like the alarm indicator light (the one that indicates the alarm is armed) is the one hidden from view to the left of the steering wheel. Still can't understand the placement of this and the stereo!
I reckon once I get the niggles out of the way this will be one hell of a car.
Paul
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