1959 Berkeley Foursome vs. 1996 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 1996 TVR Chimaera is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley Foursome. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley Foursome would be higher. At 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 TVR Chimaera (225 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 TVR Chimaera should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 TVR Chimaera weights approximately 557 kg more than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 TVR Chimaera is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 TVR Chimaera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley Foursome, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 TVR Chimaera (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley Foursome. (58 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley Foursome.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley Foursome | 1996 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | Berkeley | TVR |
| Model | Foursome | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 692 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 94.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 468 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3340 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1990 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 57 L |
