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I still have my 1986 900 and I briefly owned a 1988 240DL Wagon (for about 20K miles). They are both wonderful cars, in slightly different ways. I disagree that 240 are hard to find with manual gearbox -- there seems to be a plentiful supply of them in my area (Philly). Both of mine are manual and the gearbox is delightful in both.
Fuel mileage seemed to be only very slightly lower on the 240, a difference of 30 vs. 32 mpg on the highway. The 900 with factory roadholding kit and Bilsteins handles like no other car I have ever tried. You can flick it into a 100 mph sweeper turn and it will not flinch. The 240 definitely felt less stable at high speed but the steering was wonderful. The RWD also felt wonderful -- sort of like a very big Miata! Very cool.
I found 240 to be slightly easier to work on than the 900. Access to things seemed to be a little better. Also, I have to say that both cars used very similar engine management systems and other electronics, so I felt at home working on the 240. Changing timing belt, albeit undesireable, was extremely easy and painless. Sure, I would have preferred to have a timing chain like the 900, but it was no big deal. Certainly much easier than some other cars where I had changed timing belt.
Interior of both is very well thought out -- with outstanding comfort, practicality, design, ergonomics and durable materials. I liked the fact that I could fit a full size spare tire into the 240. Actually, the 240 wagon is absolutely amazing in terms of the amount of cargo it can take. I had 4 people with all their luggage for a month long expedition and everything fit very well (and no, we did not use a roof rack). I do like the seats in my 900 MUCH better. I think they are the most comfortable seats on the planet.
I must also say that both cars are very tough. I put both through some very rough terrain during my travels and both took whatever I could throw at them without missing a beat. All this while getting 30+ mpg!
posted by 63.117.104...
, Thu, 24 Mar 2005 03:54:13
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