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Some folks will tell you to run from a 16V - others love them. One thing is certain - they are more delicate than the 8V motors. They are an interference design, meaning that if the timing belt breaks, pistons can hit the valves and you get hit with a large repair bill.
So the biggest thing to worry about is proper maintenance - timing belt, belt tensioner, and the oil pump bolt (the oil pump is also driven off a belt, and if the center bolt shears, the belt goes with it.) Aside from that, it is a really nice engine. 153HP and great midrange response. I don't think the 16V is much thirstier than the 8V, but I don't have much experience in that respect. In the US, 900-series cars were only available as automatics as well.
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Speed Racer, '83 240 R, '74 164 E, '93 940 OL1 (Manchester, CT)
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