My Ideal car...

I have to agree that the M coupe is a similar to a TVR. I havent driven either, but i did read that it was perhaps the most raw bmw in some ways of recent times. I specifically remember Autocar or Evo calling it a reliable TVR. And although reputadly a handfull, id also bet on what i have read and heard, that the M coupe would have the better balanced chassis, some tvr's of both old and recent have reputedly been a snappy/unpredictable on the limit.

And I actually like the looks, far far nicer than the Z3M roadster, and it actually drives properly due to the increased rigidity. The roadsters still look like hairdressers cars.

 

Sorry, missed the points on driver aids on the Z3M, it's also about the last BM with no driver aids worth speaking of, making it even more desirable.

 

So you actually acknowledge they are nothing alike...

Anyone who really believes a BMW Z3M, basically a nose heavy, ugly hatchback is anything like a TVR, which is a work of art, is on drugs IMO.

They are totally different.

I dare you to go on pistonheads gassing station and proclaim the Z3M is similar to a TVR

As for specs, ok smarty pants

http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=30514

V8 Engine

http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=30580

Oh look, another one with a V8.

http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=30481

And another....

You see, you didnt specify which TVR, but AFAIC, none of them are anything like the Z3M.

And as you can see, any muppet can get specifications off the net. Mine was simply a guess from the top of my head, and as the Z3M weighs 1393 kg, I'd say it was quite close....

http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=15510

And anyone who thinks nearly 300 kg extra weight on a car is insignificant, well they are wrong, end of story.

 

None of those are current models Paul.

Can you see any similarity here?:

 

Paul,

As already stated above, none of the v8s you mention are current production cars. Read my previous thread and I was quite specific about that.

Interesting how you put a link to (a) the wrong BMW (you linked to a roadster Z3, not the Coupe), then couldn't read all of the specs listed. If you had, you'd have spotted the weight distribution of 50% to the front wheels, which clearly doesn't make it nose heavy.

Ref the kerb weight, I'm fully aware that it makes a difference, and have said as much. I did check two alternative websites listing kerb weights, both of which stated 1350kg.
Whether it's worth sacrificing 300kg just so that you can sit at the side of the road feeling good about it, whilst awaiting the two truck is another matter.


I think the thing you're missing Paul is that I absolutely love TVRs. My friends Tuscan S just makes me dribble when I see it and get in it. I visited the factory back when the Griffith was not that old and have really wanted one ever since. Problem is that I actually need a car that will make it from A to B. Unfortunately that's not something that their track record states that will be able to do, though I do understand the latest models are much better and come with an appropriate level warranty.

 

Apparently things are improving significantly under Nikolai Smolenski in terms of quality control.

Personally however, I think I will stick with japanese cars. My dad's BMW hasn't exactly been a paragon of reliability (96N, 96000 miles, it's had two new radiators, new fan (it shed the blades when the belt went, piercing one of the rads), new dashboard console (£1k) and has had various minor problems with alarm and brake light sensors. My mitsubishi (98R, 99500 miles) has had only routine servicing, wear and tear items and two suspension arms (one covered under recall notice. It could be argued that these are wear and tear also).

 

I still prefer this



despite the fact that it's British

 

Well after a few years working with Mercs I can tell you the recent models are average at best. Electrics, gearbox's and dodgy paint being a common theme. The US sourced M-Class was simply rubbish, no matter what other car you put it against. If you want quality buy Japanese, ask a Lexus technician what there day involves!

It been a while since TReVor last used Rover V8's, when BMW bought erm, thingy, oh what they called again, British Leyland thats it, he said there'll be nothing german in his car. Being predantic, the Rover V8 is in fact of US parentage, originally being a Buick design. Sorry Mr S, but I hate the things.

If you want the perfect car look no further than the new Porshe 997 (911), purrfect indeed.

 

If it's not air cooled its no Porsche.

I've heard of quite a few 996 owners who have had water cooling problems - ie. complete disintigration of certain parts. Is this sorted in the bloaty over engineered 997?

 

Money object my choices would be:

Everyday car: current BMW M5 (if they end up making a Touring version, that would be even better).

Otherwise: McLaren F1

Oh, and regarding the earlier debate: I'd take a Z3M Coupe over any TVR any day. I'd agree with Mr_Sukebe. It's the thinking man's TVR. The new Z4 coupe even more so...

Michael.

 

I thought (off top of head) it had traction control? I know for a fact it had ABS (contrary to pop beleif can extend braking distances). I'm sure the Z3M is creat to drive but I have issues with its appearance, altough I love TVR and when test driving the 350c was the best car I drove in terms of fun I couldn't cope with reliablity (or lack of), depreciation or running costs. Reliabilty and running costs are much better now so when I change I might have another look.

Isaac, I hate the Z4 (looks like cryten from red dwarf) but that coupe looks quite nice although I bet the interior is just as naf as the roadster? But I dont think its rear (or any other part) look like a 350c one is angular and the other is curvy and organic - go to opticians m8 without delay!

My ideal car would be a 911 (996) GT3 (RS too focused for roads)

Greg 'its not a porsche its water cooled' is nonsence, its 2005 FFS of course its water cooled Porsche would not have the performance if still air cooled. True things go wrong but all cars generate faults (try a ferrari) but cars like this are driven harder so more prone! I would agree the 997 is over engineered and a bit heavy its also too big IMO and has too much electronics, like active suspension. True a 993 may be more raw but is no quicker than a box s, so for me the 996 is the 911 of choice. I love the 997 looks though

 

rsand - the Z3M, like the M3 of the time (E36) doesn't have traction control (I know, I own one - an M3 that is). They do have ABS though. Whilst ABS can extend braking distances in some situations, the ability it gives you to steer around an obstacle whilst braking hard is a huge safety improvement. It undoubtedly saves countless lives.

btw, did you know that, also contrary to popular belief, it's safer to have less worn tyres at the rear than at the front, regardless of which are the driven wheels. See here:

http://www.michelin.co.uk/uk/auto/auto_cons_bib_pqr_neuf.jsp

Michael.

 

I did know that... A few months ago I put my rear tyres onto the front and had the old fronts replaced (FWD). Today I'm getting the fronts replaced so that all 4 will have been changed, but not going to bother swapping because the new rears have only just lost their mould fur (they're harder than the old ones were).

 

Well I dont pretend to be a driving hero, Ive done numerous driving courses including advanced motoring and many hours with a Police pursuit instructor so Im probably above average but wrestling a car round our roads isnt really my thing. You need to drive the 997 (and the 996) on UK roads then it all makes alot of sense. Regarding reliabilty, just look how many have gone past 100k without a blip, how many supercars can do that (NSX accepted)?? Saying that, I cant wait to have a decent look at the new Cayman. Personally I like over-engineering.

 

Indeed. ABS is essential and there's no excuse for not fitting it these days. It would be better if people actually knew how it works and how to use it but still. Theres been plenty of demostration on the TV of how effective it is (Tiff's demonstration was a classic). Those that think they can do better without it can stay away from me thanks.

 

I was being ironic - just repeating the A/C Porsche lovers mantra. The 993 is fun, but its small and has its own problems.

Though I do think, whilst the 996 and 997 are compelling on paper and to look at, they are a bit bloated in every sense. I'm interested to see whether the Aston Martin V8 Vantage proves more compelling - not that the conclusion either way has any bearing on me with my shallow pockets .

 

Yes Greg, my pockets means its all about meaningless to me and to be honest after being in the industry and seeing it from the other side Id have to be very rich indeed to spend that kind of money. The new Skoda vRS will do me nicely.

 

I'm inclined to agree. TBH whilst I greatly admire the engineering and design in many higher end motors I'd never fork out for one even if I had the cash. There so much better use I could put the money to rather than patting myself on the back. I'm not claiming to be an ascetic by any means but I have a number in my head above which I'd feel bad about spending it on a car.

Plus there is so much out there in the used market.

 

I know several people who live very frugal lives just to be able to afford their Boxter S or M3. Not that they'd admit it though. Very silly.

 

I know lads my age (27) who drive very flash motors indeed (usually of the 5 year pcp deal) but still live at home with their mum, apparantly they cant afford to move out........indeed.