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Re: How does an SPG compare to a Merkur XR4 Ti??? Posted by Justin VanAbrahams [Email]  (#32) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Justin VanAbrahams) on Wed, 29 Jan 2003 13:06:42
In Reply to: How does an SPG compare to a Merkur XR4 Ti???, ryan  [Profile/Gallery]
, Wed, 29 Jan 2003 02:07:57
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Although I've not owned one, I've test driven a number of XR4s. I really like them and have always hoped to own one some day. They are not as graceful as an SPG - I've always felt the handling was a little twitchy and unrefined. I suspect that could be fixed with the right suspension. The steering IIRC is a quicker ratio than a 900 which you may like or hate. Personally, I like the ratio in a c900. They weigh about the same, I do think they have better balance (advantage of FR, I guess). Interiors are not pretty, seats have a lot of padding and not so much support. The electronics in the car are somewhat questionable and slightly poorly designed. I've never seen one where everything worked, but maybe that's because I look at cheap ones... :) Transmissions are almost as sucky as c900s, but they shift better. Fortunately you can replace them with Tremec T5s without too much work. The automatics are worse than a c900's. Engine is an 8v OHC (aka The Pinto Motor). Fairly primitive, but built as well as the B201/B202 motors - bullet-proof. They were not intercooled from the factory, but you can adapt Thunderbird TurboCoupe intercoolers or there are various makers of FMICs for them. 300hp is not a challenge for these guys, and 450hp is within the realm of possibility. Parts for the 2300 are very well developed and everywhere. Ford EEC is the engine management and is superbly tweakable. Brakes are rear drums, which I can't imagine - I think there is a rear-disk conversion but I'm not sure. Not the world's best feel, and only acceptable braking power. They share a bolt pattern with '88+ c900s.
I think the bottom line with these things are that they are very much a c900 competitor technologically but lacked the refinement and build quality in the '80s that would have made them true European competitors. Definitely a cult-car - if you can live with their quirks they can be a lot of fun.
-Justin
posted by 207.215.77...
, Wed, 29 Jan 2003 02:07:57, Wed, 29 Jan 2003 21:06:54, Wed, 29 Jan 2003 13:06:42 <-- Viewing This Message, Wed, 29 Jan 2003 21:10:19
, Wed, 29 Jan 2003 09:09:13
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