1996 TVR Chimaera vs. 1985 TVR 390
To start off, 1996 TVR Chimaera is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 TVR 390. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 TVR 390 would be higher. At 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 TVR 390 (275 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1996 TVR Chimaera. (225 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 TVR 390 should accelerate faster than 1996 TVR Chimaera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 TVR 390 weights approximately 82 kg more than 1996 TVR Chimaera. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 TVR 390. (367 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 TVR 390.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 TVR Chimaera | 1985 TVR 390 | |
| Make | TVR | TVR |
| Model | Chimaera | 390 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3946 cc | 3905 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.1 mm | 89.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1107 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 61 L |
