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From: jimd@hp-pcd.UUCP (jimd)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: SVO vs Mercur
Message-ID: <9200018@hpcvre.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 27-Jan-86 13:28:00 EST
Article-I.D.: hpcvre.9200018
Posted: Mon Jan 27 13:28:00 1986
Date-Received: Sat, 1-Feb-86 01:53:41 EST
References: <1126@cvl.UUCP>
Organization: Hewlett-Packard - Corvallis, OR
Lines: 44
Nf-ID: #R:cvl:-112600:hpcvre:9200018:000:1641
Nf-From: hpcvre!jimd    Jan 27 10:28:00 1986





	I agree with the response suggesting a Thunderbird.

	I own an '84 Elan with all the goodies on it and the 302 V8.
	It had a couple of extra dash rattles on initial purchase,
	but has otherwise been great!

	The Thunderbird comes in several flavors:

	1) Cheapo with six cylinder. Forget it.

	2) V8 with the usual Detroit offering of zillions of options.

	3) The 4-cylinder turbo coupe.

	I have driven a number of 'birds, and offer the following
	observation: If you want the best possible handling, the
	Turbo Coupe is the best route. The engine is lighter, giving
	the car better balance, and the suspension and tires are
	*much* better than V8 models.  The rest of the news is bad.
	First, I'll admit that I've been spoiled by V8 power all my
	life - but the power curve of the 4-cyl turbo is fairly
	unusable in all but flat-out racing.  The car feels quite
	sluggish until you get some revs up. Further, the power lasts
	only for a couple thousand revs, so you are constantly
	shifting - more than ordinarily should be required. Secondly,
	my V8 will blow away the Turbo Coupe off the showroom floor.
	Third, the insurance rates are higher for the Turbo with
	some companies. Check around.

	I would suggest that for the most fun for the buck, buy a
	Thunderbird.  If handling is a big deal, put *real* tires on
	it AND MONITOR TIRE INFLATION.  The 'bird is more sensitive
	to tire inflation than some other cars I've owned.  If you
	want more G's in the corners, go to Quickor Engineering in
	Portland OR (or the equivalent in your area) for beefy sway
	bars.

	Jim "love my Thunderchicken" Donnelly

	ihnp4!hplabs!hp-pcd!jimd