Quote:
Originally Posted by ErrForce
So, if I may ask, with your Motorcraft experience, how do you think a ~1985 Tempo/Topaz or Escort/Lynx with the Mazda RF diesel would stack up? Obviously now quite as many MPGs out of the box, but they are close. I do have a preference to diesels. How would you rate reliability versus a Metro or even a Civic/CRX?
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I've had Tempos and Topaz' for decades; an '84 has been in the family since new. I also have an Escort diesel but it is not street legal and I've only driven it on a few short "test drives".
Since you are after mpgs, steer clear of the a/t T/Ts. There is nothing wrong with the T/T a/t; it is a functional and durable unit but you give up a LOT of mpgs vs the 5 speed.
I can exceed 40 mpg with my gas '92 Tempo 5 speed but my average is lower than that, but still mid to high 30s. If you want ultimate mpgs the Metro or some other smaller car will more easily deliver.
You have an interest in diesel and that will get you better mpgs. My experience with the early '80s VW Rabbit diesels is generally good- great fe and comfortable interior; downsides were poor extreme cold weather startability and RUST.
There is a guy on here with a Tempo diesel that IIRC was getting 50 mpg but he hasn't posted for quite a while.
The T/Ts feel much more substantial going down the road than, say, Metros. Feeling "substantial" doesn't do anything for me but for many people it does. I like T/Ts in part because they have been very reliable, comfortable, and economical for me.