Re:V6 versus TS 164

["Tim Hancock" <timhancock@domain.elided>]

Nick, this is my sort of territory. I suppose the first point to make is that
a 1990 anything must depend quite a lot on its condition and service
record...but my summary would be as follows:

The V6..quite a lot more 'go' obviously, and the engine characteristics are
impeccable. V6 gives about 25 mpg(imperial) at best and much less if you drive
it hard. There is some evidence that (manual) transmissions are a bit more
fragile given the extra power. The engines have timing belts (as do later TS)
which are a vital maintainance issue. You have two lots of exhaust pipe to
replace. V6 tends to go through front tyres more often. They are much heavier
up front and understeer more. There is no getting away from the fact that a
good V6 is a very impressive, seriously fast machine and that it provides a
driving experience a TS struggles to live up to.

The TS has a great engine, make no mistake, but has to be used quite hard
(which it loves incidentally) to get performance given the body weight. TS has
much better 'turn in' and feels more nimble in comparison. Its reliability
record in the UK is measurably better than the V6 and it is quite a bit a bit
easier to work on in the engine bay. You can regularly see 30+ mpg, and it is
rare to see less than 25 mpg unless you scream it everywhere. Insurance costs
are lower and you are still looking at close on 130 mph top speed and a sub 10
second 0-60 (but probably not on a 1990). Timing chain failure is almost
unknown. Engines not warmed up properly have been known to burn pistons, but
this is rare. Engines typically start to show signs of blue smoke at 150k
miles, and this can be rings/bores and/or valve stem seals/guide wear. In
short the TS engine usually wears out before anything ever actually breaks.

The likelihood of things like cylinder head gasket failure are about equal
between the two. Check the condition of the radiators as these do fail after
six or seven years on 164s.Check electrical equipment closely.

Drive them both.....then buy the one that has been looked after best. Neither
car will disappoint you.

Tim Hancock  164TS Lusso (92)   Boston UK

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