1995 Civic or 1984 Mercedes 190 Diesel ??

[Hip001]

What video is that?
I do not see a link on the screen here on the work computer.

[skyl4rk]

I think the choice between a Civic and Daimler is more about how you want to drive. The Civic will be nimbler, lighter and more responsive. It would probably respond better to mods because it is lightweight.

The Mercedes is a tank but a smooth cruising machine.

What do you want to drive? Which car fits best your driving conditions?

I would take the Civic just for fun but I would love a diesel Mercedes too.

[some_other_dave]

I'm partial to smaller, lightweight cars. Also to Hondas. I would go with the Civic.

Too bad it's not a 96; the SG II would be an absolute no-brainer for it if it were OBD-2 capable. Maybe look a little longer for a 96+ one? Driving style gets you the biggest MPG gains, and the SG II helps you work on that.

A buddy of mine had a 240D which cracked a cylinder after about 6 months. (Not sure how many miles he had on it when he bought it.) Evidently those motors are throw-aways once that happens. He couldn't/wouldn't drive slower than the ~75-80 MPH "typical speed" on Highway 280, so his Benz only got in the low-20s MPG, instead of the 30+ it was capable of at more sane speeds.

(Oh, and he loves the Beetle TDI that he got to replace the Benz. But it was a lot more money.)

More food for thought.

-soD

[MetroMPG]

soD, you raise a good point: instrumentation is key. While the Honda is too old for a ScanGauge, it can be fitted with an MPGuino.

Doing the same on a diesel is more complicated - I'm not sure it's quite as plug-n-play as a fuel injected gasoline car.

[some_other_dave]

For an older diesel, it definitely isn't easy! The mechanical fuel injection they use does not lend itself well to being monitored with cheap and easy electronics.

I'm looking forward to installing my MPGuino Real Soon Now...

-soD