So let's start with a bit of background.

In my possession, I've got an 85 240 Turbo sedan. It's in more or less excellent shape, except that the exhaust is real noisy (leak, and lack of muffler), and the power steering is disconnected. Then there's the 84, it's a wagon. Stripped interior (no sound insulation, one seat, no carpeting, no door panels, etc), worn suspension, but the exhaust and power steering are in great shape. Both have manual transmissions.

Then there's the 88 760T my friend snagged for cheap. Nice car. The power steering needs work, and of course it's an autobox.

I've spent a lot of time driving the wagon. I'm sure to go deaf if I keep it up. I forgot just how loud the sedan is. Anyhow, I've had a chance to drive the 760 around a bit. It's a very nice car. Excellent seats, nice HVAC system. It's fast of course. Eventually I'll get jealous for a while.

And then I go back to driving my 240s. Sure, they're not nearly as quiet. Damn. I really miss how responsive the whole car is. I'm sure a lot of it is the high functioning power steering and having a manual transmission. But with a bit of sound insulation, maybe some new foam for the seats, I'd be quite happy with a 240 for a long time.

On a less subjective note... the 760 is more or less nicer to work on. The B230 has a more sane intake manifold, and the 700s have a wider engine bay, and a simpler drive belt setup. Maybe it's just the late model 760 sedan, but finding parts for my 240s is usually easier and cheaper. Compare the costs of the brake rotors, pads, wires, distributor cap (OUCH). Watch out if you've got hydraulic motor mounts. But hey, that's the price you pay for owning a car with an illuminated fuse panel and a spring loaded fuse panel cover.

- alex

'85 244 Turbo
'84 245 Turbo