S or Wedge? YOU DECIDE!
Discussion
I'm having real trouble with this little quandry, so I thought I'd throw it open to you guys.
I currently own a 280i FHC (mine for five years) which is proving to be a real pain to sell, although it's in a really sorted condition and at a reasonable price.
This isn't my problem though. Selling aside...
WHICH TVR SHOULD I BUY NEXT?.
With the kind of money I currently have I'm looking at, either something like a 390se wedge (V8 vroom, vroom!) or an S2 (sensible & pretty).
Given that the old V6 wedges seem to be currently as popular as Islam is in America. Which car is the least likely to turn into a pair sequined flares in the future? (figuritively speaking of course)And which is going to be the most fun - I'll be using it most of the time.
I don't want to hear about running costs and petrol (I run a 4.5L Jag XJ6 as my second car and commute about four miles a day, so petrol doesn't bother me)
I'd like to hear the PERSONAL views of you good people.
So lets have a good clean argument about which is the best all round car, and perhaps which will remain the most desireable should I wish to sell it on in the future (to buy another TVR of course).
Cheers!
Bob.
I currently own a 280i FHC (mine for five years) which is proving to be a real pain to sell, although it's in a really sorted condition and at a reasonable price.
This isn't my problem though. Selling aside...
WHICH TVR SHOULD I BUY NEXT?.
With the kind of money I currently have I'm looking at, either something like a 390se wedge (V8 vroom, vroom!) or an S2 (sensible & pretty).
Given that the old V6 wedges seem to be currently as popular as Islam is in America. Which car is the least likely to turn into a pair sequined flares in the future? (figuritively speaking of course)And which is going to be the most fun - I'll be using it most of the time.
I don't want to hear about running costs and petrol (I run a 4.5L Jag XJ6 as my second car and commute about four miles a day, so petrol doesn't bother me)
I'd like to hear the PERSONAL views of you good people.
So lets have a good clean argument about which is the best all round car, and perhaps which will remain the most desireable should I wish to sell it on in the future (to buy another TVR of course).
Cheers!
Bob.
I have owned an S1 and a Wedge(350i) they are totally different animals..
The wedge is like a tank (heavy clutch, Brakes, just all round mean and meaty really) and the S1 was a much more refined drive...
I'd say though get the wedge.. They are sex on wheels.........I had the S, saw a Wedge and Sold the S to get one though so I could be slightly biased...
The wedge is like a tank (heavy clutch, Brakes, just all round mean and meaty really) and the S1 was a much more refined drive...
I'd say though get the wedge.. They are sex on wheels.........I had the S, saw a Wedge and Sold the S to get one though so I could be slightly biased...
Like the man says two different beasts! I've got an S3C and i love it, having said that I would prefer a real smart wedge, but, and its a big but, it would have to be something real special. Trouble is with that then you seem to be into chimaera or griff money and thats a whole new ball game. Thats my opinion anyway, for what its worth. No doubt someone will disagree though.
Interesting! We seem to have Wedgies slightly in the lead here.
I'm suprised I really thought the S would be the more popular choice.
Perhaps it's true what Chris Ridgers (TVRCC Wedge Consultant) said. about V8's always being more popular than V6's, simply because we're all a bunch of petrolheads.
So how do the big wedges cope for day to day running?
My 280i is great and I trust it to get me anywhere I want to go, but the heaters about as powerful as a gnat's fart and I seem to have a lot of misting problems. Also there's the windscreen wipers - why have only one rubbish wiper? When with a screen that size you could do with six!
Tell me, are things any better in big wedge/S land?
>> Edited by bobfrance on Wednesday 6th February 20:49
I'm suprised I really thought the S would be the more popular choice.
Perhaps it's true what Chris Ridgers (TVRCC Wedge Consultant) said. about V8's always being more popular than V6's, simply because we're all a bunch of petrolheads.
So how do the big wedges cope for day to day running?
My 280i is great and I trust it to get me anywhere I want to go, but the heaters about as powerful as a gnat's fart and I seem to have a lot of misting problems. Also there's the windscreen wipers - why have only one rubbish wiper? When with a screen that size you could do with six!
Tell me, are things any better in big wedge/S land?
>> Edited by bobfrance on Wednesday 6th February 20:49
I think the question of S or wedge aint that simple to answer, it comes down to how big the wedge is you've got to spend. Cos if I had £17-20k i dont think i'd buy a 450 seac! on the other hand if I had £6k to spend i wouldnt buy a 350i! but then again if I had £10k I may buy a 400se! or would I buy a V8S. Ah shit I dont know give me an easier bloody question.
Who started this anyway?
I'll get me coat!
I'd get an S2..(at less than 8K!) but I'm biased.. (Having a 1.5) I think it has a more "acceptable/classic" look so people say.. "theres a nice car" when they see it, without knowing what it is, rather than "what the F$$k was that!!" when a Wedge rumbles by..
I find the S a joy to drive, fairly light to steer etc, and with more than enough go to have fun on any road.. but I've never actually driven a Wedge so don't flame me guys !!
Cheers
Matt
I find the S a joy to drive, fairly light to steer etc, and with more than enough go to have fun on any road.. but I've never actually driven a Wedge so don't flame me guys !!
Cheers
Matt
I agree with you about an S being (or appearing to be) a more acceptable car, But strangely I've noticed that since I've been looking at cars for sale - in particular whats in at the Sports & Specialist Car Co. - He's not sold a V6 S (1,2 or 3) in the last 3 months but he sold a 350SE and a V8S in a week and a 4.5 Stiener converted 350 in not much longer.
So far it seems to me that people just want V8's. Perhaps S's will come into thier own when the weather improves.
Anybody had any good or bad selling experiences?
So far it seems to me that people just want V8's. Perhaps S's will come into thier own when the weather improves.
Anybody had any good or bad selling experiences?
Good thread, for me cost doesn't come into it - I prefer Wedges / Ss over the Chims and Griffs due to the relative exclusivity / rarity.
I had a S3c which was fantastic, good everyday car (with usual 2 seat limitations), reliable and not too expensive to run. When I bought it I was not over keen on the Wedges, however some of the V8 wedges are fantastic (400, SEAC etc).
Whenever I thought about changing the S3c it was only for another S or big Wedge (the Tamora looks temting however). In the end I went for a V8S - fantastic car.
I guess either S or Wedge, but I do like the V8 soundtrack
I had a S3c which was fantastic, good everyday car (with usual 2 seat limitations), reliable and not too expensive to run. When I bought it I was not over keen on the Wedges, however some of the V8 wedges are fantastic (400, SEAC etc).
Whenever I thought about changing the S3c it was only for another S or big Wedge (the Tamora looks temting however). In the end I went for a V8S - fantastic car.
I guess either S or Wedge, but I do like the V8 soundtrack
It's gotta be a wedge.
I own a 350i and have owned an S2 previously, in my humble opinion the wedge blows the 'S' away in, quality, noise, handling and looks!. Not taking anything away from the 'S' cars ('cos I like these as well), but they were meant to be 'entry level' and the 200 odd man hours building them as opposed to the 500 odd on the wedges reflects that.
The 'S' is a very pretty car and for the first few weeks after I changed it for the wedge I cried my eyes out!, but the brutal looks, sheer wall of noise and driving experience of the wedge are so addictive, not to mention the 'what the F*%$K was that' rarety factor which I quite like.
When you turn up to any TVR 'do' the cars that stand from the crowd are either the brand new odd-ball coloured Tuscans etc or the Wedge cars. The bigger wedges SEACS and 400's etc are the same except more so.
Go for it!
Mike
www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk
I own a 350i and have owned an S2 previously, in my humble opinion the wedge blows the 'S' away in, quality, noise, handling and looks!. Not taking anything away from the 'S' cars ('cos I like these as well), but they were meant to be 'entry level' and the 200 odd man hours building them as opposed to the 500 odd on the wedges reflects that.
The 'S' is a very pretty car and for the first few weeks after I changed it for the wedge I cried my eyes out!, but the brutal looks, sheer wall of noise and driving experience of the wedge are so addictive, not to mention the 'what the F*%$K was that' rarety factor which I quite like.
When you turn up to any TVR 'do' the cars that stand from the crowd are either the brand new odd-ball coloured Tuscans etc or the Wedge cars. The bigger wedges SEACS and 400's etc are the same except more so.
Go for it!
Mike
www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk
Well I admit to being biaised but if performance floats your boat then its has to be a Wedge depending on your budget. A well sorted "A" frame 350i will offer serious value for money while the 400SE has probably the best balance of performance and handling while being pretty well sorted. Either will out handle any S and the 400 will match a V8s in a straight line for less money. Depreciation is also negligible in either case. On the down side, if you go down the wedge route you will still have marginal ventilation (but hey thats why the roof comes off!) and floppy wipers can also be a problem although that problem is not that difficult to fix...
I owned a 350i for 4 years, and a 400SE for 2, never had a terminal breakdown and the 400 was even watertight! The only problem is they are addictive hence my current SEAC. Enjoy whatever you buy!
I owned a 350i for 4 years, and a 400SE for 2, never had a terminal breakdown and the 400 was even watertight! The only problem is they are addictive hence my current SEAC. Enjoy whatever you buy!
quote:
Either will out handle any S
You are having a laugh aren't you? The wedge handling was/is notorious, the trailing arm setup was just bizarre and the A frame one isn't much better. Wheel geometry, what wheel geometry? To get them to handle worth a d*mn the first step is stiffen the springs up so far the suspension doesn't move! The 'S' handling on the other hand is superb and they are extremely chuckable and forgiving. But the V6 definitely could do with more power.
OK I may be just a little bit biassed but if your Wedge handles better than an S, there's something badly wrong with the S!
Cheers,
Peter Humphries (and a gren V8S)
quote:
You are having a laugh aren't you? The wedge handling was/is notorious...
Oooh this sounds like a challenge guys! Name your racetrack.
But seriously. Is a V8S better sorted (handling etc.) than a good V8 Wedge?
Just asking cause I might have a chance at one.
>> Edited by bobfrance on Friday 8th February 09:39
what with an early griff or chimera going for 11k -possibly less with a bit of negotiation) presumably wedge and S prices are now pretty reasonable??
From a personal perspective I think they both look nice, with the wedge sounding beautiful but the S perhaps looking a little bit more modern.
Bennno
...[bored at work mode on]
> The wedge handling was/is notorious
Er....what exactly is wrong with handling of mine then Peter?
>the first step is stiffen the springs up so far the >suspension doesn't move!
Ah - ok, mine might be slightly non-std....;-)
>and they are extremely chuckable and forgiving
Exactly like certain 450SEs then !
Come on Peter, I know I'm biased as well but unless a) my driving is exceptional (which I don't believe it is) or b) my car is amazingly well set up (which it might be! then I can't believe there is any reason to criticise the Wedge handling so much. We've been on track together enough times to see the wedge out perform and outhandle Griffs, Chimaeras and 'S' on a regular basis....not to mention even more modern TVRs ;-)
...[/bored at work mode off]
Anyway, in answer to the 'S or Wedge' question, it has to be a 450SE....
> The wedge handling was/is notorious
Er....what exactly is wrong with handling of mine then Peter?
>the first step is stiffen the springs up so far the >suspension doesn't move!
Ah - ok, mine might be slightly non-std....;-)
>and they are extremely chuckable and forgiving
Exactly like certain 450SEs then !
Come on Peter, I know I'm biased as well but unless a) my driving is exceptional (which I don't believe it is) or b) my car is amazingly well set up (which it might be! then I can't believe there is any reason to criticise the Wedge handling so much. We've been on track together enough times to see the wedge out perform and outhandle Griffs, Chimaeras and 'S' on a regular basis....not to mention even more modern TVRs ;-)
...[/bored at work mode off]
Anyway, in answer to the 'S or Wedge' question, it has to be a 450SE....
quote:
quote:
Oooh this sounds like a challenge guys! Name your racetrack.
Bob,
Yeah take Pete on - I'd pay money to see that.
Hey, I wasn't offering! Not in a 280i anyway.
But wouldn't it make a top days racing - The S vs Wedge challenge.
Sounds like a few of you have some differences to settle
I didn't realise this would prove to be such an inflammatory subject.
...or did I?
IMHO and with my naff driving I reckon my 350i was total crap at handling the lanes well, I was often off the gas far earlier than I'd like cause it seemed to wallow a bit ?!?!
The S was a nice point and squirt machine, didn't really have the power to need to ease off too much down the lanes (which is why I broke the rear wishbones when I hit a nasty bump at XXmph) with decent handling to me
The S was a nice point and squirt machine, didn't really have the power to need to ease off too much down the lanes (which is why I broke the rear wishbones when I hit a nasty bump at XXmph) with decent handling to me
quote:
...[bored at work mode on]
> The wedge handling was/is notorious
Er....what exactly is wrong with handling of mine then Peter?
>the first step is stiffen the springs up so far the >suspension doesn't move!
Ah - ok, mine might be slightly non-std....;-)
>and they are extremely chuckable and forgiving
Exactly like certain 450SEs then !
Come on Peter, I know I'm biased as well but unless a) my driving is exceptional (which I don't believe it is) or b) my car is amazingly well set up (which it might be! then I can't believe there is any reason to criticise the Wedge handling so much. We've been on track together enough times to see the wedge out perform and outhandle Griffs, Chimaeras and 'S' on a regular basis....not to mention even more modern TVRs ;-)
...[/bored at work mode off]
Anyway, in answer to the 'S or Wedge' question, it has to be a 450SE....
I'm sure you've felt the back end wandering through the corners, because I certainly have, in yours and others. It feels as if you're on the point of sliding and then driven over a slippery patch so the car 'hops' sideways and then grips. I believe it's caused by the rear wheels getting toe and camber changes under side loads, which correct themselves as the car starts to slide and the loads drop off. Whatever causes it, on some cars it was really noticeable and I imagined the tyre marks would be dotted lines instead of continuous ones! Maybe it depends on the state of the bushes and dampers, I know you keep yours in good condition and it feels a lot better than some I've been in. Anyhow, you coped very well with its limitations Cirks, but imagine how much faster you'd be with a car that had some decent handling?
But seriously, is this the year you *finally* pluck up the courage to come sprinting and show us all how it's supposed to be done?
Cheers,
Peter Humphries (and a green V8S that's ready and waiting to be collected from Tower View)
Well, much as I would like to race you Pete a. You do have a tad more experience than me and b. correct me if I'm wrong but your own 'S' is not exactly standard! The answer is obvious, to be fair the showdown should be between you and Steve H, his wedge also being very slightly modified as we know!
As far as the handling is concerned I agree that it does rely on good condition bushes and shocks but given that, I've always found my wedges to be an excellent compromise for road use (which is what we are talking about here). And After all, if the arrangement is that flawed why did the original racing SEAC do so well?
End of the day though they are all great FUN and that whats important!
Russ
As far as the handling is concerned I agree that it does rely on good condition bushes and shocks but given that, I've always found my wedges to be an excellent compromise for road use (which is what we are talking about here). And After all, if the arrangement is that flawed why did the original racing SEAC do so well?
End of the day though they are all great FUN and that whats important!
Russ
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