TVR 400 3.9 (272 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.4 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 3.5 / 5
Performance 4.5 / 5
Comfort 2.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

TVR 400:

The TVR Griffith Series 400 is a 2-door coupe sports car produced by Griffith Motor Company in Plainview, New York , between 1964 and 1967. It was the successor to the TVR Griffith 200, featuring improved cooling via a larger radiator with twin electric fans, redesigned rear suspension, and a redesigned rear with better visibility and the round taillights sourced from the Ford Cortina Mark I.
The standard engine in the 400 was the more powerful Ford 289 'HiPo' Windsor engine producing 271 hp that was available in the Series 200 as an option. The 400 weighed a few more pounds than the 200 due mostly to the new Salisbury independent differential with a higher gear ratio giving it a higher top speed....(Read more on Wikipedia)

400 Overview:

TVR 400 (400). With 366 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1120 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.5 s). The top speed reaches 220 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
As a vehicle from the late 1980s, the TVR 400 predates modern safety standards and was not subjected to Euro NCAP testing. Safety features are minimal compared to contemporary vehicles, focusing more on driving dynamics than passive safety.

3.9 (272 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The 3.9-liter V8 delivers robust performance, characteristic of TVR's raw power philosophy. With 272 Hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds, it offers exhilarating acceleration and a thrilling driving experience for its era.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is typical for a powerful V8 sports car of its time, with urban consumption around 16 l/100 km. It's not an economical choice, but acceptable for a performance-oriented vehicle.

Best Use Case: Weekend / Enthusiast Driving

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exhilarating V8 performance and sound
  • • Distinctive and timeless British sports car styling
  • • Engaging and raw driving experience
  • • Relative exclusivity and classic appeal
  • • Lightweight and agile handling

Cons:

  • • High fuel consumption
  • • Challenging reliability and maintenance demands
  • • Limited practicality and comfort for daily use
  • • Lack of modern safety features and driver aids
  • • Potentially expensive parts and specialized servicing

Specifications:

General:
Brand:TVR
Model:400
Generation:400
Modification (Engine):3.9 (272 Hp)
Start of production:1988
End of production:1991
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Cabriolet
Seats:2
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:272 Hp @ 5500 rpm.
Power per litre:68.9 Hp/l
Torque:366 Nm @ 3500 rpm.
Engine displacement:3947
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:94 mm mm
Piston Stroke:71.1 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.75:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:16 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:10 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:6.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:6.5 sec
Maximum speed:220 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:4.1 kg/Hp, 242.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:3.1 kg/Nm, 326.8 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:6.2 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1120
Max. weight:1425
Max load:305
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:225 l
Size:
Length:4015 mm mm
Width:1730 mm mm
Height:1205 mm mm
Wheelbase:2385 mm mm
Front track:1450 mm
Rear (Back) track:1480 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):9.6 m
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Tires size225/50 R15
Wheel rims size8J x 15
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionDouble wishbone

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