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triumph tr 4cyl powered cars vs 6cy

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vrod

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For you guys that have spent enough time driving tr3's ,tr4's and tr6's, How would you compare the power and ride between the early 4 cyl cars and the the later 6cyl cars. I have never owned any of the 4cyl triumphs and have only owned the 6 cyl variations. I know the power figures were similar except the torque was a bit more in the 6. I sense there is a big difference a to the level of fatigue after a long drive say 4 to 6 hours of driving.
f
 
My opinion having had 4 and only driven the TR6 a few times-- Yes, more fatigue with my TR3 that the 6 but mine does not have overdrive. Near 4K rpm at 65 mph kinda gets to me.
Those with TR's OD can speak from their experience. I have driven an MGB with OD a long ways (KC to Chi to New Orleans to Ozarks to KC without undue stress in my younger years)
 
Having previously owned a TR6 for 4 years and now a TR4a for 10 years I can tell you my opinion, though others may differ....
1) The 6 cylinder engine has more pull at low revs and is smoother, but the car is no faster accelerating through the gears.
2)Assuming both cars either do or don't have overdrive there is no difference in fatigue, I have driven 400 miles in a day in both cars.
BUT, the TR4 and earlier cars have different seats, I put a folded towel behind the small of my back for back support. Also my seats don't recline, the TR6 seats do.
3)The early cars have sidescreens instead of windows and flat windscreens so more buffeting and wind noise. You often see these cars with wind wings added to reduce these factors.
4)You asked about dide, the independent rear suspension models are more comfortable on tar strips or other bumps. handling is a matter of personal opinion but I think my TR4a feels more sporty to drive than a TR6 because it has less understeer.

There really isn't a "wrong" choice, just a matter of what aspects of owning these cars appeals more strongly to you.
Suggest you go down to the nearest Triumph dealer and go for a test drive! :smile:
Simon.
 
[ QUOTE ]
...Yes, more fatigue with my TR3 that the 6 but mine does not have overdrive. Near 4K rpm at 65 mph kinda gets to me...

[/ QUOTE ]

Without OD, 4K = 80.3 mph. Maybe that's why it was getting to you :^)

I find the (late seat style) 4 more comfortable then the 3 on an all-day high-speed drive (400+ miles) due mainly to the turbulence. But from just a butt-in-the seat aspect the 3 is the more comfortable ride around town and you can't beat the elbow room.

Note that a lot of this subjective and will also vary based on the specific car, condition of the seats and willingness of the engine to run smoothly at high RPM.
 
Qupte:
Without OD, 4K = 80.3 mph. Maybe that's why it was getting to you :^)

OK Geo, so it just seems like 4k RPM-- I didn't feel comfortable at anything past 70 mph but maybe 'cause I'm getting old and have lost the immortal perspective of my youth.
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
Ah, but if you have a wondrous TR-7 DHC, then the 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine with its 5 speed Land Rover transmission/rear end means that you cruise at 2600 rpm at 60 mph, and approach 75 at 3000 rpm. It might require a strong right foot on acceleration, but it does provide enough power for active, daily use at all speeds.

Jeff
 
Hello Vrod,
where, I'm afraid, being in America has the disadvantage that you did not get the real TR 5 (TR250) or the TR6 with the original 150bhp injection engine which gives a much improved performance advantage over the 4 cylinder engined TR3 - TR4.
This is why the TR7 was such a disappointment in the UK as it had a performance disadvantage over the model it suceeded.

Alec
 
Thanks for all your responses. I'll have to try one of these 4cyl either 3 or 4's on long ride sometime. I have been reading about the tr3 owners experiences on this forum and you guys seem like a dedicated group. I like the simplicity and bare bones rawness of the tr3. The only thing that might take getting used to, possibly might be the closeness that you sit to the steering wheel. I,m used to my arms stretched out while driving my 250.
 
Thats why the 3 has the cut-down doors. it follows the natural curve of your arm while you're driving. It's the perfect armrest.
They were commonly available with telescopic columns too.(bet you thought that was a modern innovation)
 
Having owned two TR3s, a TR-250 and a TR7, the first thing I can say is that the TR2-6 are totally different monsters than a TR7. A TR7 is extremely fun, but it is a much more modern car. By far the most comfortable, it offers the best choice for a daily driver. Your sense of speed is diminshed, though.

Now, comparing a TR3/TR4 to a TR-250/TR6 (so just comparing 4 cyl vs 6 cyl) in performance there is really no noticeable difference in straigt line performance. A well sorted 4cyl will feel as torquey and as fast as a 6cyl car...A TR3 will give you a high sense of speed, mostly due to the cut-down doors.

I actually prefer the TR3 to TR4-TR6 for an occassional driver, but it can take a lot out of you. Then again, TR-250s will make your left knee swell because the clutch pedal requires such high effort (although many owners have modified to reduced this.)
 
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