Porsche or TVR??
Discussion
Porsche 911 Carrera (993) or TVR Cerbera (4.2 or 4.5)? Thats what I've whittled my new car choice down to. I've owned a TVR before (a 4.0 Chimaera) and loved it, although I did find it in the garage quite often having minor things done to it. However that had to go to help fund a house purchase. Now I'm back for a new motor, but not sure which of the above two to go for.
The car is going to proably be used every day and I need some advice on what you guys think in respect of which to go for, all things considered, ie. daily use, running costs, servicing and work, reliabilty etc...
Anyone?
As a TVR fan I hate to say it, but a second-hand 993 makes more sense than a new Cerbera, however a second-hand Cerbera would make the most sense, a 12 month old sorted 4.5 would have suffered the first years depreciation (high as in ALL cars) and should also be reasonably reliable. With the saving in initial outlay you could also buy a 'runabout' for the odd day or so the TVR will be in the garage. The 993 is a wonderful car, but, its not a TVR!
As Kevin says, the 993 is a wonderful car but it's not a TVR.
Now, we know it's not a TVR when it comes to working like a car should, ie it starts every morning, it doesn't leak, and bits don't fall off at speed.
But Kevin means it's not a TVR in the excitement sense, and I have to agree with him - but only when it comes to the 'normal' 993s.
Buy a Carrera or Carrera 4 and you will be nodding off at the wheel, despite the legendary 911 character (unless you tweak them like Scottster is doing). They are just too refined, too good, for someone who is used to a TVR. Once you've marvelled how it hasn't been designed (and probably built) by the chairman's dog, the novelty of sub-300 bhp may wear off.
The solution is simple, you buy a 993RS or 993 Turbo. And if they are out of your price range, you go for a 964RS or even a 965 Turbo 2. If absolute reliabilty and open topped motoring appealed, the Boxster S is a sensible choice, too.
I am getting a 964RS this week, after months of deliberation. Even the turbos seem *slightly* dull compared to the single mindedness of the RS variants, but then the turbos are much more useable day to day.
Rgds
Domster
Now, we know it's not a TVR when it comes to working like a car should, ie it starts every morning, it doesn't leak, and bits don't fall off at speed.
But Kevin means it's not a TVR in the excitement sense, and I have to agree with him - but only when it comes to the 'normal' 993s.
Buy a Carrera or Carrera 4 and you will be nodding off at the wheel, despite the legendary 911 character (unless you tweak them like Scottster is doing). They are just too refined, too good, for someone who is used to a TVR. Once you've marvelled how it hasn't been designed (and probably built) by the chairman's dog, the novelty of sub-300 bhp may wear off.
The solution is simple, you buy a 993RS or 993 Turbo. And if they are out of your price range, you go for a 964RS or even a 965 Turbo 2. If absolute reliabilty and open topped motoring appealed, the Boxster S is a sensible choice, too.
I am getting a 964RS this week, after months of deliberation. Even the turbos seem *slightly* dull compared to the single mindedness of the RS variants, but then the turbos are much more useable day to day.
Rgds
Domster
...Also, was looking at an oldish Evo where they hammered 10 or so cars round a track. Normal line up, 4*4 Japs, lotus, 993turbo, TVR Cerbera 4.5, bike engined cars.....
Anyway, the TVR got 4/10 and the Porker 7/10. However, the Porker only just beat the Tiv. Probably quite a good summary, TVR f'ing quick in a straight line, but you put your life in your own hands if you want to go round corners at speed. Porker, very refined but maybe lacking the out'n'out seat of your pants ride. If its going to be an every day car then I suggest seat of you pants may become tiresome.
Anyway, the TVR got 4/10 and the Porker 7/10. However, the Porker only just beat the Tiv. Probably quite a good summary, TVR f'ing quick in a straight line, but you put your life in your own hands if you want to go round corners at speed. Porker, very refined but maybe lacking the out'n'out seat of your pants ride. If its going to be an every day car then I suggest seat of you pants may become tiresome.
Went round the factory recently, I was impressed with the way the cars are built, everyone seemed busy. Went away trying to figure out how I could afford a Tuscan.
I’d go for a TVR, after seeing Porsche at the Canary Wharf MotorExpo I can say they do nothing for me. The TVR’s look stunning or what about a Noble?
I’d go for a TVR, after seeing Porsche at the Canary Wharf MotorExpo I can say they do nothing for me. The TVR’s look stunning or what about a Noble?
I've had both.A TVR Chimaera 450 and now a Porsche 930 3.3 Turbo Flatnose.I had the TVR 9 months did 1000 miles. Had my Porsche just over a month and done 1000 miles +!! Reason I find the Porsche much more of a complete car.I always thought the tiv was going to breakdown at any minute(it didn't)The TVR dosn't go round corner as U/V says.
Buy both! I've had a 4.5 Cerby and it was sex on wheels! With a de-catted sports exhaust it popped and banged to truly anti-social levels. Reasonably quick in the 'real world' but with the exception of European superhighways you'll be a lot faster in most 993/996 variants: I remember the first day I drove my (then standard 993TT) after ditching the Cerby - astonishing dynamic superiority. So, fit a sports exhaust to the porker of your choice and whilst it'll never match a Blackpool rocker aurally it'll still sound mighty fine.
Having said that, VERY little matches the sheer grunt of Mr. Wheeler's flat plane crank at 150 MPH+ (where possible, of course!) - you'll destroy an awful lot of fine exotica in Europe if the road's long enough. They are generally a bit 'tempremental' so don't buy it as a main mode of A-B. To be honest, with enough parking space I'd certainly return to a second hand post-98 4.5 job (all the gremlins should have been exorcised by the first owner-ouch!) and IMHO it's right up there with 355s, Diablos and Porkers as a design classic. BUT, knowing what I know now, if you gotta make the choice - it has to be the German. Whatever you get though, you can't really lose in the mindless grin department. Good luck to any who face this choice.
Having said that, VERY little matches the sheer grunt of Mr. Wheeler's flat plane crank at 150 MPH+ (where possible, of course!) - you'll destroy an awful lot of fine exotica in Europe if the road's long enough. They are generally a bit 'tempremental' so don't buy it as a main mode of A-B. To be honest, with enough parking space I'd certainly return to a second hand post-98 4.5 job (all the gremlins should have been exorcised by the first owner-ouch!) and IMHO it's right up there with 355s, Diablos and Porkers as a design classic. BUT, knowing what I know now, if you gotta make the choice - it has to be the German. Whatever you get though, you can't really lose in the mindless grin department. Good luck to any who face this choice.
After 10 years of TVR ownership (wedge/Chimaera/Griffith) which I thoroughly enjoyed, including a stint on the club committee, running the club web site and running the Berks region, I am currently looking for a nice late low mileage 993 C4 to replace both my cars and use every day. Maybe I'm getting old.
I guarantee you will do two things when you get your Porsche, Steve.
1) You'll get a sports exhaust, as the 993 is like a hairdrier without it.
2) You'll watch your words carefully around your TVR mates, as it is very easy to start enjoying your new found build quality at their expense. In fact, I doubt you'll ever own a TVR again after Porsche ownership...
Anyway, sensible decision and welcome aboard the Porsche forum!
Domster
1) You'll get a sports exhaust, as the 993 is like a hairdrier without it.
2) You'll watch your words carefully around your TVR mates, as it is very easy to start enjoying your new found build quality at their expense. In fact, I doubt you'll ever own a TVR again after Porsche ownership...
Anyway, sensible decision and welcome aboard the Porsche forum!
Domster
With the TVR breakdowns are always at the back of your mind and you can face a cartel when changing to a non-TVR afterwards.
If you can put up with the looks and lack of "badge" try driving an M Coupe. EVO Magazine loved theirs. I ended up with a Boxter S, awesome handling and build but lacking in straight line performance - this does get annoying with time.
Do like the idea of the Noble too but don't think it would take Golf Clubs...:-)
If you can put up with the looks and lack of "badge" try driving an M Coupe. EVO Magazine loved theirs. I ended up with a Boxter S, awesome handling and build but lacking in straight line performance - this does get annoying with time.
Do like the idea of the Noble too but don't think it would take Golf Clubs...:-)
Is that you GregE240???
Dropped the Merc monicker now have we
Aha - checking profiles I see that it isn't. We have *two* Boxster S driving Gregs ladies and gents.
Any other 964RS driving Doms?
Anyway, welcome to the board Greg and sorry to both of you for getting you both mixed up. Two Boxster S Gregs. Who'd have thought it.
>> Edited by domster on Monday 5th August 16:56
Dropped the Merc monicker now have we
Aha - checking profiles I see that it isn't. We have *two* Boxster S driving Gregs ladies and gents.
Any other 964RS driving Doms?
Anyway, welcome to the board Greg and sorry to both of you for getting you both mixed up. Two Boxster S Gregs. Who'd have thought it.
>> Edited by domster on Monday 5th August 16:56
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