TVR S or Alfa GTV V6...?

[robsco]

Right, so I broke the news to Miss Robsco this afternoon that I'm going to scour the market for one more toy before we start looking at moving in together. Its not a dead cert, but usually once I get the itch, its only a matter of time (like many on here!). The only thing is, there are two cars in the picture and I can't work out which one to go for. The options are the Alfa GTV 3.0 V6, as a natural progression from what I've got now. The advantages being the extra power, that glorious Arese V6, beautiful styling inside and out, and the fact that the rear seats are virtually unusable. The fewer people who can fit into it, and the less shopping it can hold the better. The 156 is just too damned practical.

The other is the TVR S-Series. A completely different car I suppose, probably in need of far more attention far more of the time, and not a daily proposition. Thankfully, regular use isn't a concern, as the company hack eats up the work miles. I've always wanted a TVR for the looks, the noise, the performance and for the exclusivity. So, over to the PH masses. If the choice was yours, which would it be? Any advice would be useful.

Thanks.

[David87]

Rob, I can in no way be held responsible if you follow my advise and have no money because of it, but I'd go for the TVR. You've done the Alfa thing twice already, so go for the mad one.

Anyway, an Alfa or a TVR? Do you particularly enjoy breaking down?

[GadgeS3C]

I'm biased, already got the S, best not to listen to any of my advice.

[Gio G]

Driven both, they are very different cars as you say. Owned a TVR S3C for a year. They just sound great and go well. Unfortunately mine broke down, just before I got it to the trader.. He knocked £500 off... was gutted..If was for summer use, go for the TVR, otherwise the Alfa, in red with nice momo leather..

[robsco]

Aah David, typical of you to rock up!

Thanks for the advice mate, dad has fallen in love with the 156 and has said he'd buy it off me (for a lower price of course). So everything fits in that the 156 gets to stay in the Robsco family, and I can still buy another motor. How's that?

[wanacoop]

I have a TVR S3c, and love it! I also would love the Alfa.
I think if you don't mind it being less practicable, I'd go for the TVR.

It feels very special every time I use it, the old school British sports car looks, the sound it makes is stunning! The option of having the hood off is great, it's tiny and nimble, quick under a ton, and is rear wheel drive I also love TVR's, it's great going to any TVR meet, driving in the middle of a TVR convoy will put a grin on your face!

and in the 3 years I've had mine it's been cheap to run. Not bad on fuel, gone through m.o.t's with no faults. I changed the front shocks to get the ride I wanted, and the the throttle cable has needed replacing. Not bad for a 20yr old TVR!

But I would still say drive each and see how you feel after that. Both great though.

[_Batty_]

Ive had both
What would you like to know?

[robsco]

Hi Batty. How did they compare in terms of running costs, performance etc? I'm of course aware that S-Series TVRs are not as rapid as their modern equivalents, but how did it compare with the GTV? I'm open to the fact that both cars could be a minefield of niggles, which of course I'm willing to accept considering they're both performance cars and both over a decade old, double that in the case of the TVR. When I mention running costs, I'm more interested in what the TVR would cost to put right; I'm presuming that a lot of the car being based on other manufacturers' parts, that they're relatively cheap to repair? How readily available are parts?

Lastly, should you have a mrs, how did she feel about the TVR?

[_Batty_]

robsco said:

Hi Batty. How did they compare in terms of running costs, performance etc? I'm of course aware that S-Series TVRs are not as rapid as their modern equivalents, but how did it compare with the GTV? I'm open to the fact that both cars could be a minefield of niggles, which of course I'm willing to accept considering they're both performance cars and both over a decade old, double that in the case of the TVR. When I mention running costs, I'm more interested in what the TVR would cost to put right; I'm presuming that a lot of the car being based on other manufacturers' parts, that they're relatively cheap to repair? How readily available are parts?

Lastly, should you have a mrs, how did she feel about the TVR?

I'll write a detailed post later, (on iPhone) however I covered 12k in the tiv, and 30k in the alfa.
Both useless on fuel, both have niggles. Both used daily, alfa much nicer to do so with, tiv makes you feel much more special. Tvr will have issues with chassis rust, but has cheap ford derived parts. Alfa main dealers are useless so a specialist will be required. TVR much more DIY friendly. Neither car ever left me stranded, both left huge smiles on my face.

[GadgeS3C]

Robsco, if you want lots of info might be best to post the same question in the TVR/S-series forum on here. Lots of helpful types.

I guess there's probably an Alfa forum for those thats bits fall off in Italian

Edited by GadgeS3C on Friday 14th January 18:44

[The Lukas]

Both sound awesome but this is a clear winner for me. Best sounding V6 :cloud:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kkqDN05zXw

[Ace-T]

Currently have a GTV V6 (with a Ragazzon exhaust and subsequently nicknamed the Asbo Alfa ) and a TVR Chimaera (such a wonderful car ). Love TVRs and would happily have an S too. I would argue that you need to tell the missus you need at least 2 toys before you settle down and get sensible.

Or don't settle down and get sensible at all.

No help at all, sorry!

Trace

[Ace-T]

The Lukas said:

Both sound awesome but this is a clear winner for me. Best sounding V6 :cloud:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kkqDN05zXw

I think this gives it a run for its money!

http://www.youtube.com/user/krakead#p/f/7/nfiwc9Mb...



Trace

[toast boy]

I'd say TVR. I love those Alfas but since you have a work car for sensible duties you may as well go daft with your fun car. Whilst they'll both have niggles (and they wouldn't be as much fun if they didn't) the TVR I'd say would be easier to fix yourself. TVRs may have a bit of a reputation for being a bit unreliable but it's generally smallish jobs that you can do yourself quite easily, they are pretty basic beasts, just make sure you get one with a good chassis.

[judas]

Ace-T said:

The Lukas said:

Both sound awesome but this is a clear winner for me. Best sounding V6 :cloud:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kkqDN05zXw

I think this gives it a run for its money!

http://www.youtube.com/user/krakead#p/f/7/nfiwc9Mb...



Trace

Some in-car footage of a Ragazzon equipped GTV here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scFNcpnCNFE

[toast boy]

Ace-T said:

The Lukas said:

Both sound awesome but this is a clear winner for me. Best sounding V6 :cloud:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kkqDN05zXw

I think this gives it a run for its money!

http://www.youtube.com/user/krakead#p/f/7/nfiwc9Mb...



Trace

Oh my. I'm very TVR biased but that...

[The Lukas]

Ace-T said:

The Lukas said:

Both sound awesome but this is a clear winner for me. Best sounding V6 :cloud:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kkqDN05zXw

I think this gives it a run for its money!

http://www.youtube.com/user/krakead#p/f/7/nfiwc9Mb...



Trace

Shall we start a poll?

[robsco]

GadgeS3C said:

Robsco, if you want lots of info might be best to post the same question in the TVR/S-series forum on here. Lots of helpful types.

I guess there's probably an Alfa forum for those thats bits fall off in Italian

Edited by GadgeS3C on Friday 14th January 18:44

If I post this question in the S-Series forum, I won't quite get the same balance in opinion as I get here?

[GadgeS3C]

You expect balance from TVR or Alfa owners...

[robsco]

That's a very valid point. Probably the two brands with the most evangelistic owners. There's a flaw to my plan...