eli@cvl.UUCP (Eli Liang) (01/20/86)
I'm debating getting either a Mustang SVO or a Mercur XR4Ti. They are
comparable in price ($15-16k), but what about performance. I've heard a bit
about the Mustang SVO's performance, and I'm quite impressed with it, but I'd
like to know how it compares with the SVO (the '86). If anyone out there
could enlighten me on the subject I would appreciate it.
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Eli Liang ---
University of Maryland Computer Vision Lab, (301) 454-4526
ARPA: eli@cvl, eli@lemuria, eli@asgard, eli@mit-mc, eli@mit-prep
CSNET: eli@cvl UUCP: {seismo,allegra,brl-bmd}!umcp-cs!cvl!elidsi@unccvax.UUCP (01/22/86)
> > I'm debating getting either a Mustang SVO or a Mercur XR4Ti. They are > comparable in price ($15-16k), but what about performance. I've heard a bit > about the Mustang SVO's performance, and I'm quite impressed with it, but I'd > like to know how it compares with the SVO (the '86). If anyone out there As an SVO owner, and having known people who have owned German Fords (such as Capris) and having owned a Cologne-V6 powered Mustang, I might be able to shed some light on this subject... The 1985 1/2 (very rare) SVO is mechanically identical to the 1986. The differences in the '86 are limited to essentially the availability of AM Stereo in the factory radio, the third brake lamp, and that STUPID, STUPID, STUPID and STUPID looking chrome "SVO" badge on the front quarter panels. The 1986's may also have a new rear axle assembly which uses 8.8 inch gears rather than the "Fox" 7.7 axle found in your grandma's Fairmont. I have not verified this, however. SVO's are very schizophrenic in terms of engine performance. One day, your SVO will run unbeileveably stout, the next day, the motor will absolutely refuse to turn up. SVO fuel injection is also prone to idling at any speed other than smooth (My '84 is prone to this, but the 85 1/2 in our office doesn't), and fuel delivery can sometimes be erratic with a low tank and high speed cornering. However, your SVO will turn a corner, braking is unbelieveable, and the quality is typical American car quality, Dealers are totally unsympathetic to SVO owners, but a few calls to Duane Kranefuss at SVO-Highland Park, MI will get 'em straight in a hurry. (We've met a few interesting people in Ford this way...) Don't buy a used SVO (84 or 84 1/2 or 85 - check the mfg date), the long throw shifter is vague. 3.73 gears in the rear end of late production help the turbo lag problem considerably, and the Borg Warner aluminum case T-5 has better ratios to go with the 3.73 axle (the final drive in fifth is the same as the 3.40 equipped SVO). Actuall, the short throw shifter in late production is also very vague, and if you aren't on top of it every second, you'll miss the gate now and then. I also think the clutch in my SVO sucks, and it is not because of lining wear; the Dearborn Assembly Plant still haven't figured out how to make that cheap Escort self-adjusting mechanism return the pedal to the right height consistently from car to car. The SVO is mentally taxing to drive when you want to relax and cruise. You do have to work to extract the performance from the car, and if you are into a Sunday outing with the kids and want to pull out and pass "effortlessly", forget it. The SVO does have a considerable amount of drama associated with driving it that just does not exist with motors that have more low end torque (such as the sister ship, Mustang GT) However, when you are into serious driving, the SVO is very rewarding, and tons of fun. I think the Turbo Coupe makes a much better overall car though. The ideal situation is to have both.....(sigh) Get the SVO if you want a semi race-ready prototype, but be prepared...... About the Merkur: ITS A GERMAN FORD. That is ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW. Do you want a limp wristed stepchild of the SVO?? Did you ever see aftermarket SVO parts? Well, you can supposedly get stuff to get your Merkur junk to turn up to 190 hp, and we won't even talk about all the stupid handling parts that it needs to turn a corner. Styling is mainly an aesthetic value but I think it is ugly as sin. German Fords traditionally have shitty service from the Lincoln-Mercury dealer network (ever try to get a Capri fixed) and parts are expensive as they can be. Most L-M dealers will not make the investment in tools to service the unique rear axle and other components in the German Fords. I don't doubt that the Sierra is a great car, but putting the 2.3 engine into a Sierra body does not a great car make. Get the Merkur if you don't care about how you look going down the road, and if you have a direct connection to Koln for all those special parts outside the Detroit iron put in it.... However, if you want trouble-free motoring, great fit and finish, and a reasonably flat cornering but yet comfortable car, get a Thunderbird Turbo Coupe. If it had a hatchback, I wouldn't have bought the SVO (but then again, I use my SVO as "a F-100 which corners"....) David Anthony DataSpan, Inc
jimd@hp-pcd.UUCP (jimd) (01/27/86)
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
jhs@druhi.UUCP (ShoreJ) (01/31/86)
Didn't catch the original posting, but it's spelled "Merkur", not "Mercur".