Headroom!

[drcarrera]

Is there any difference in headroom between 3.8 and 4.2 FHC (with standard seats)?
Test drove a 3.8 last week and couldn't sit upright - had to "slouch" forward and wouldn't be able to contemplate driving it very far. It's a shame as otherwise it was spot on.
I haven't driven a 3.8 before but don't remember having such a problem when test driving a couple of 4.2s (S1 and S11) some years ago.

I was expecting the buckets to be uncomfortable but the headroom issue was a surprise - I'm only 5'10" so hardly Lofty England! If all FHCs are like this I guess I'll either have to get a 2+2 or an OTS and never drive it in the rain ...!
:?

[malcolm]

I think the 3.8 and 4.2 are the same per se, although the early "flat floors" apparently made driving more cramped. I had a problem with the coupe's and OTS with hood up. That was one of the reasons why I got a 4.2 series 2 2+2. I really like it now, because as well as the extra headroom, I get a lot more luggage space. I can get two sets of golf clubs in as well as luggage for a trip to France. I'm 6'1" and manage fine in the 2+2. It is 9"s longer than the other models, and gives 2" more headroom.
The other thing that some people have done to get more headroom in the other models, is take the seat off the runners and bolt it straight to the floor. OK if no one else will ever drive it!

[Heuer]

The 4.2 seats recline more as standard and can be adjusted to a second level of recline giving more headroom. The 3.8 seats are very upright.

[drcarrera]

Thanks David

I wondered whether that may be the case. Guess I need to find a S1 4.2 I can try for size to make sure I can still fit! Cars I want to view are a long way away so don't want a wasted journey ...!

[Moeregaard]

I'm six feet even and I have no trouble with head room in 4.2-litre SWB coupes. As David mentioned, the later seats are more reclined that those used on the 3.8-litre cars.

[christopher storey]

I have had both types of seats in my FHC ( it originally had 3.8 seats ) and I fitted alright in either case. I am also of very peculiar proportions being 6 feet tall but with only a 30" inside leg i.e. I have a very long body. The one thing which did cause me problems was a webasto roof

[drcarrera]

I have had both types of seats in my FHC ( it originally had 3.8 seats ) and I fitted alright in either case. I am also of very peculiar proportions being 6 feet tall but with only a 30" inside leg i.e. I have a very long body. The one thing which did cause me problems was a webasto roof

The car I drove had relatively few miles since a resto so the cushions were plump - perhaps that made a difference.

[MarkE]

Having new foams does make a difference, and some recent foams are quite stiff, making you sit on top of the cushion rather than sinking into it. My S3 has had two sets of foams so far and it's still not as spongy as my S1 seats were.

The foams can be cut down, and the diaphragm connectors underneath lengthened to provide a little more movement in the seat.

I had S2 recliners in my S1 Coupe which gave me enough head room when reclined back a bit, but at 6 foot 5 inches not quite enough leg room to be comfy on a long(ish) trip.

You should be fine in all E types.

[abowie]

I'm 6'1" and I can't get into my 3.8 OTS with the hood up, never mind drive it.
I can fit in a friend's 3.8 OTS with a factory hardtop.
I prefer an upright driving position and my hair just brushes the roof lining in my FHC with the new seat foams, whereas in the FHC with the original seats I'm perfectly comfortable.