Performance Review: TVR Chimaera 4.5 - [1993]

Figures & Specs Summary:

TVR Chimaera Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the TVR Chimaera 4.5 is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1993. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1994 McLaren F1 6.1 V12 and the 1993 Jaguar XJ 220 S 3.5 V6 Turbo.This particular TVR Chimaera has a 4546cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The Chimaera shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Chimaera's Rear Wheel Drive, Cabriolet combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1060 kgs (2336 lbs) this makes the TVR Chimaera 4.5 in the same weight category as the 2016 Abarth 124 Spider 1.4 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The TVR Chimaera shares the same bhp with the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp)

In terms of power the 4546cc 16V V8 engine produces 285 bhp (212 kW) @ 5500 rpm similar to the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 300 lb-ft (406.7 Nm) @ 4500 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (295 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (310 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the TVR Chimaera you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2002 Ferrari 575 M Fiorano (293.6 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the TVR Chimaera.

The TVR Chimaera has a Power to weight ratio of 268.8 bhp per ton and 283.0 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1993 Chimaera competing with the 2002 Ferrari 575 M Fiorano (293.6 bhp per ton) or the 2012 Jaguar F Type 5.0L V8 S Cabriolet (293.0 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the TVR Chimaera generating around 283.0 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 6.2 V8 C8 (307.7 lb-ft per ton) or the 2011 Morgan Aero Coupe 4.8L V8 (307.2 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 5.20 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 5.4 secs, this made the TVR Chimaera 4.5 as fast as the 2021 Honda Civic Type R 2.0 16V Limited Edition (5.20 secs) the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD (5.20 secs) the 2018 Tesla Model 3 Mid Range (5.20 secs) the or the 2018 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (5.20 secs). This TVR Chimaera 4.5 is also faster than the 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (5.30 secs) the 2019 Renault Megane RS 1.8 Turbo 300 Trophy-R (5.30 secs) the 2017 Mercedes G Class 63 AMG (5.30 secs) the and the 2017 Land-Rover Velar 3.0 V6 Supercharged 360 (5.30 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Chimaera and the 1961 Jaguar E Type 3.8L Roadster

When talking about the performance of the TVR Chimaera on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 12.74 secs @ 107.4 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1961 Jaguar E Type 3.8L Roadster (12.68 secs), the 1967 Chevrolet Impala SS 427 (12.68 secs), and the 2020 KIA Stinger GT 3.3 V6 Turbo AWD (12.68 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1993 version of the TVR Chimaera 4.5 has a maximum speed of 160mph.

Top Speed of the 1993 Chimaera equals the 2018 Porsche Boxster T 2.0 Turbo 982 (171 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1993 TVR Chimaera 4.5 then how about the 2018 Porsche Boxster T 2.0 Turbo 982 (171 mph), the 2018 Porsche Boxster T 2.0 Turbo PDK 982 (171 mph), or the 2013 Jaguar F Type S 3.0 V6 (171 mph).

Related Links:

1993 Chimaera Rivals List.

A Brief History of TVR

Car Comparison