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240 vs 740 200 1992

Rubber isolated subframe????? I've dismantled three 740s (an 86 and two 90s) including removing the front crossmember on two of them. No sign of anything I would consider "rubber isolated" The crossmember is held on, metal to metal, by four big bolts.

I also disagree with your comments on sway bars---I added a sedan rear bar to my wagon (740) and it seems to reduce the inherent heavy understeer somewhat, though the difference is not all that noticeable. Yes, I can step the back end out in the rain, but it is controllable, and much to be preferred over plowing like a farm implement at all times.

Upgrading the tires made a much bigger improvement in cornering ability. I went from a way-too-small 185/70-14 (the stock size) to 205/60-15. The stock 15"size is 185/65, and I had those on my previous 745, and they always seemed a bit inadequate.

As for 240 vs. 740, in general, I prefer the 7. I won't argue that it is better looking, because it is not, but the 7 wins in nearly every other category. I've had a 240 as well, so I do Know what I'm talking about. The 7 is roomier, rides better, has better AC and ventilation (and a much easier to change blower fan) gets the same gas mileage, has the same reliability, and I don't find a whole lot of difference in the way they drive (though, to be fair, I have not done a back-to-back comparison) Also, from what I have seen, the 7s are MUCH less prone to rust.

In the 240's favor, they have a much better headliner design, and seem to be even sturdier and more rugged, in terms of the body structure (assuming it is not compromised by rust)

Lately, there has been considerable debate on this forum, as to which is the better car in snow. In my experience, they are just about equal, with the type and condition of the tires a much bigger factor than any differences in chassis design. In other words, put good snow tires (not merely all-season) on either one, and it it will do very well, but neither is any good on summer tires with less than half tread.






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New 240 vs 740 [200][1992]
posted by  fborcher  on Fri Dec 21 03:55 CST 2007 >


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