Why should I buy a 340?

[srg86]

I see 300s nearly every day, mainly the later ones though, nearly always newer than mine.

srg

[foggyjames]

I'm obviously biased in favour of the carb 360, which has a 56mph economy figure of 52mpg. Different story from cold in town though

If you've been driving a Vectra I'm guessing finances aren't uber-tight. If they were, I'd suggest a 340 1.4 (cheap tax bracket, good MPG, etc), but the pushrod engine is an ancient unit, albeit very impressive for its age (significantly more power than some more modern EFi 16v units, wierdly!). The major problem with the 1.4 is that it's underpowered for the weight of the car. In my opinion all 300s are underpowered, but then I am probably a little power hungry

If you want a little luxury, it's gotta be a 360 really. The B200 engine is legendary (my family has owned our 360 for 13 years without a breakdown, and we've not had one on the forum break down yet - impressive for the age), what power you have is set up to be 'effortless' (ie: thrashing isn't necessary...and doesn't really get you much more oomph in comparison to a 16v car!). If you know where to look they are available with leather and aircon, etc.

Many people have said the 'best' car all-round is a 340 1.7, but I can't resist the redblock (B200) engine, so it has to be a 360 for me.

I've not really listed many reasons there, but my favourite one with the 360 is the way it can embarrass £20k modern metal - jumped up reps in BMW 316s really don't like being harrassed by a 17 year old brick That's a specific case, but in general, I love the idea that I have no reason to 'conform' to the way the car industry works today - buy, use, throw away. You can buy a 360 as good as they come for £200, and it'll just keep going. And it'll piss off some beemers on the way

On the downside, they all drink fuel in town (especially the 360s), the aerodynamics date from the mid 70s (and it feels like it!), and people will probably think you can't afford anything better. Leave them to it - I'm fairly confident my car will outlast their almost brand new motor.

Of course if you're really mad there is a huge range of more-or-less drop-in engine swap choices, from 1.7 Turbo and 1.9 TD Renault engines (I'd have a 340 w/ TD if the insurance was sensible) for the 340 to 250bhp (with a few mild tweaks) and beyond 2.3 Turbo and/or 16v units for the 360 250bhp in 1100kg goes a long way...look out Evos...

cheers

James

[Dave]

Thanks for all that, I am going to try and find a local-ish 340 1.7 with low miles and a good service history, should be quite easy if I am patient!

Cheers.

Dave