My Ideal car...

My ideal car.

280bhp twin-turbo V6. 4wd with AYC (out of the EVO). Estate (still practical). Looks damn fine...

They're even cheap to buy, but I can't afford insurance, fuel or maintenance...

 

This motor was good for tail out action:

Future classic!!!
And my series 3 landy is very easy to slide the back if it's in 2 wheel drive..

 

All MK1 & II escorts were great for back-end fun, just didnt like going round bends at times.....experience speaking.

 

I worked at Volvo for a time and the 5 pot petrol engines were hit and miss. The standard turbo'd 2.4 was okay, the S60 T5 was pants. The D5's made it look like a old chugger!

 

Anyone remember the Daf Variamatic Rally car? The curse of that gearbox still lives on.

 

My mother had a Daf33 with variomatic. Just loved the "underdrive" switch.

Still, it did have a claim to fame, in that it was one of the few cars that was as fast backwards as forwards.

 

Its absolutely nothing like a TVR in any respect. In fact, it may be fast, but its an absolute abomination.

 

Nice. And I bet you could afford to get one, you might have to give up a certain other expensive hobby, however

 

I think the expensive hobby I might have to give up would be my mortgage...

 

???
Have you tried comparing the two, at least from a spec sheet:
Both are:
- RWD
- Front engined
- 6 cylinders (we're only talking about present production TVRs)
- Similar cost when new (around £40k)
- Over 300hp
- 2 seats
- Relatively light (I know the TVR has the edge on weight, but it's not enourmous)
- Both are something of a handful to drive well

So excluding the above, what have I missed?
Don't tell me looks, as that is all a case of personal preference.

 

Ah thats alright, just stick a mattress in the boot

 

RWD, yes, ok, i'll give you that one.

Front engined, well i'm not sure they all are, but i cant be bothered to look it up.

Most TVRs are V8's.

Relatively light, the Z3M? Dont make me laugh... its about 1.5 tonnes!! TVR's are much lighter.

The TVR looks loads better, sounds loads better, and will be far more entertaining to drive. The BMW is just a refined cruiser with questionable tail happy handling, and even more questionable styling. I can't believe anyone looking for pure driving thrills or adrenaline would choose one of those ugly heaps over a TVR.

 

Have you actually driven either car?

Ref your comments:
- Nope, all production TVRs are now straight sixes
- All production TVRs are front engined
- The Z3M weighs 1350kg, the TVR 350c weights 1100kg. Quite clearly there is a difference, but the Z3M doesn't weight 1500kg

So on specs, you don't appear to be doing so well.

One of my friends has a Tuscan S, sounds like an angry demon with PMT, completely awesome. IMO the Z3M is simply different.

 

actually to be pedantic most tvrs are 'front mid' with the engine actually behind the front wheels. they do use a 6 though - i much prefer their sound to the sound of the bmw though. that said if you want a proper car noise go for an old 420 seac - pre cat and emmissions rubbish - truly awesome - the cerbera and griffith weren;t too shabby either.
the bmw romps home for reliability though everyone i know who's had a tvr has sold it within a year cos it broke down too much (except for one guy with an old s2).

 

BMW has the driver aids an dthe TVR doesn't, the BW will be easier to drive hold its money better but I wouldn't have one its one fugly mother IMO. Tvrs are things of beauty and awsome machines both.

 

For fun, value, performance and practicality (alright its not as big) the Clio 182 is difficult to beat. 0-62 6.3, avg 36 mpg. I realise your love for the Focus isnt all about hot hatch credebility, but I get tired of these bloated family runarounds being sold as if they're a hot hatch. As far as I'm concerned that story goes:
Golf Mk1 (1.8) -> 205 (1.9) -> Clio 182 -> ?
end of story (so far)

 

Guys, let me get this right. You are talking about a money-no-object-ideal-car? And no one has mentioned the M5?

 

Paul, I'm with Mike on this one. I remember the rave reviews the Z3M received for handling when it came out. No one (until last year) has ever praised the TVR for handling. For speed, styling etc. yes, but handling?

Oh and it was quick as well.

 

dev - it wasn't quite money no object. If that was the case there'd be several garages full... Audi RS6, AM DB9 Volante, Lexus LS430, Overfinch 630R, Caterham RST V8, Dodge RAM SRT-10, Ford GT, etc...

 

Probably would be my choice.