I have a choice between a 1983 242 and a 1990 740 GL, but run well, the 242 has some bad paint but a good interior, the 740 has good paint and decent interior...

Which would you choose and why?

Thanks, Elad

P.S. They both have about the same mileage (250,000)and are both stick...

Also, the 90 740 has anti-lock brakes and an airbag. Two absolutely essential features the 242 doesn't have!

The consensus is right: 7xx is far superior. They are totally indestructable, and their bodies will hold up as long as their engines, which means as long as you want it to. The 7xx will not rust, and the engine will run forever. Well, all b23's will, and the 6 cylinder is to be avoided.

I've had a 79 242gt (really regret selling), and 88 240, and now an 89 745t. The 745t is drives better, is more durable, and is definitely more modern.

Neither, look for a newer 240.

The 740 is clearly the better value. Rust is basically a non-issue with the 740, yet it's a HUGE concern with the 242. Depending on where you live, that may or may not be of major consequence. The likelihood of the 740 being more reliable is better. It's newer, and is more advanced in its design.

However... the 242 scores high in style points. It is WAY cool! The fact that it's a stick shift -- even cooler.

It all depends on what you're looking for. If you want reliable transportation and fewer overall repairs, The 740 is the undisputed winner.

If you're looking to make a statement, and are willing to spend some time and money to do it, then it's hard to beat the 242.

Just my 2 cents... arguably worth that.

Jeff Pierce
--
'93 945 Turbo ( one kickass family car ! ), '92 Mercedes 190E (my daily driver), '53 Willys-Overland Pickup (my snow-plow truck/conversation piece -- sold to a loving home), '85 Jeep CJ-7 w/ Fisher plow

If the 740 has the B230F or B230FT engine, not the V-6, that's the one I wold choose.

The 240 has:

Age on parts that are invisible.
Probability of rocker panels being filled with water-retaining stuff.
Main wiring harness that has the deteriorating inslation.
Seats needing re-building.

The 740 has:

None of the above.
Less aging in general.


Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

I had a 79 345, and presently have an 85 745. The only thing I liked better about the 240 was plastic quality....the 740 interior is not as good, but is more comfortable when in good shape. IMO the engineering of the 740 is much better, but the execution may be not as good. In this case, I'd think the age factor would about equalize this.

Gentlemen, i do not believe that the engine is anything special on the 740, the interior of the 240 (excluding the dash) is more or less great. The interior of the 740 (same dash problems, cracks, etc.) doesn't look lovely but works: The fabric on the roof did come down so my dad trimmed it and set it back up, it doesnt look proffesional but does the job. The drivers sear is worn, etc.

The paint on the 242 is almost gone. The hood, top, and trunk are down to primer it looks like. It needs some small work on misc. parts (grill, taillights, etc.) other than that it is fine...

I'm leaning towards the 740 but you guys can convince me...

Thanks, Elad

I have a 740 but most of the people I know who own 240's say their cars look cooler than mine.
--
Keith in Maine - 1990 740GL Wagon 245k AW70L B230F Red Block 8 Valve Non-Turbo Rex/Regina Non-EGR R-12 A/C

* 240's are repairable.

* They look waaay cooler than the 740's.

* The electrical systems on the 240's deteriorate, but only without maintainance. Aftermarket kits from like IPD can cure all those ills in an afternoon of work by an amateur. The 740's have electrical glitches that can drive you crazy, and have your mechanic driving a Benz or Beamer if you have to rely on them to fix it.

* For the record, I had a 240 wagon some tool broadsided and totalled. I walked away- he got two broken arms from his airbag, so there is some justice in the Universe. Now I have a 90 740GLE. The lights out indicator stays on more than my headlights, especially if no lights are actually out, and it's become a guessing game what will light up when I press the brakes. Window switches operate on some arcane union schedule. The interior looks like a government housing project and is deteriorating almost as fast.

240 over 740? No way.