Thats the lowest I got the rpm at around 70 mph by easing off the accelerator, without it going any slower...
Would replacing the diff (if possible) for another 300 one be better for fuel economy, or would the car not reach top because of this!?
I'd like a nice economical car!
EDIT: I meant final drive thing! NOT DIFF (bad headache)
Vario - engine revs
That sounds more like it in terms of revs for the speed - and yes it does have an effect on fuel consumption.
In terms of economy you wont be saving a lot on fuel - remember that these cars were designed when fuel was cheap. You`ll save in other ways though. Zero depreciation, cheap insurance and cheap maintenance (if you do it yourself!) all add up and will offset the extra fuel cost.
Really it depends what you want - wringing every last ounce of power out of a 340 auto will cost in fuel and you may be better off with a 1.7 or a 360. For more sedate pottering about, just relaxing and enjoying the drive the cvt has a lot to recommend it. They`re great on narrow twisty roads though - the light engine gives superior chuckability, acceleration is great (up to about 35 anyway!) and you`re ALWAYS in the right gear for those getaways out of bends.....
Will
In terms of economy you wont be saving a lot on fuel - remember that these cars were designed when fuel was cheap. You`ll save in other ways though. Zero depreciation, cheap insurance and cheap maintenance (if you do it yourself!) all add up and will offset the extra fuel cost.
Really it depends what you want - wringing every last ounce of power out of a 340 auto will cost in fuel and you may be better off with a 1.7 or a 360. For more sedate pottering about, just relaxing and enjoying the drive the cvt has a lot to recommend it. They`re great on narrow twisty roads though - the light engine gives superior chuckability, acceleration is great (up to about 35 anyway!) and you`re ALWAYS in the right gear for those getaways out of bends.....
Will
I love bendy 60 mph roads - Fun!
It does feel nice, and I find it very nippy from 30-50 mph!
Yeah I hope to do the servicing + any repairs etc. myself - or my brother/dad so it will cost less in terms of that.
I like having a car that's different! *feels the need for a vario 340 pic*
Thanks for the info, now I know it's running reasonably!
Cheers, Simon
It does feel nice, and I find it very nippy from 30-50 mph!
Yeah I hope to do the servicing + any repairs etc. myself - or my brother/dad so it will cost less in terms of that.
I like having a car that's different! *feels the need for a vario 340 pic*
Thanks for the info, now I know it's running reasonably!
Cheers, Simon
i have an '89 GL 340 vario, and yes it came with a rev counter, and the clock on the centre console. the heated seats don't seem to work, though. the revs on mine depend on the car's mood. usually town driving 30-40 mph the revs stick to around 2800, although sometimes the transmission doesn't engage properly and it can rev from around 3000-4000. 
on motorway speeds 60-70 mph, it usually sticks around 3500, though.
on motorway speeds 60-70 mph, it usually sticks around 3500, though.