2015 Mustang EcoBoost VS. Merkur XR4Ti

"Matthew Keyser" (teisco15)
10/31/2014 at 15:45 • Filed to: 2015 Ford Mustang, Merkur, Top Gear, Turbo, EcoBoost

Being the owner of a Merkur XR4Ti and the son of another XR owner, we were both very excited when we heard Ford was reviving the 2.3 Turbo engine in the Mustang. The Mustang hasn't been powered by a 2.3 Turbo since the SVO which ended production in 1986 and featured the same engine that was slotted into a Sierra body to create the Merkur XR4Ti. The new EcoBoost Mustang is the closest we will get to having a modern XR4Ti which is why we decided to have a look at it.

We first pulled up to the local Ford dealer looking to get a closer look at the new Mustang than we were able to snag at the Chicago Auto Show. We were greeted at the door by a nice lady wearing a Ford name-tag. She asked what we were looking for. We had been snooping around some of the 2015's they had on the lot and asked if they had any EcoBoosts in stock. "We just got 2 in today, wanna take one for a spin?" she asked. She turned her head to my father, then to me. She asked for our licenses. OUR licenses. This may seem like a formality to most, but to a 16 year old kid like me this was amazing. I was gonna get to drive a 2015 Mustang!

Because of the apparent similarities in engine size and other aspects, I figured why not compare the new 'Stang to our Merkurs. See what 30 years of refinement does to a fairly similar recipe. The first Merkur is my fathers 1988 XR4Ti. He has owned it for 18 years and has spent countless hours doing work under hood. Upgrades include a new head, oversized valves, roller cam, 3 inch stainless exhaust, intercooler (didn't come with one stock, those were saved for the SVO Mustang and Thunderbird TurboCoupe.) It boosts at 20psi and makes all sorts of amusing noises from the relatively free breathing exhaust.

The other car is my 1986 XR bought off of Matt Hardigree. Previous articles about this car can be found !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

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To give the Merkur the best possible chance at winning in at least one category, we will compare performance with the fast one, and comfort with mine. Sound good? Lets get started.

Performance

310 horsepower. 320 foot pounds of torque. A few years ago, these figures would've sent a GT packing, but now these numbers are available from a factory 4 cylinder. Because of this, the car is no slouch. While it may not have the same outright power of the V8, It is certainly fast enough for a respectable daily driver. This also means that on the short test drive we took in the car we received a *BONG* and a message on the display between the gauges. "Excessive Speed Warning" it said. What do you know? You're just a car. Shut up and let me have fun.

While we haven't actually dyno-tested my father's car, it's a safe bet that it isn't producing anywhere near as much power. The most noticeable difference between the cars performance-wise is the way the turbochargers deliver their power. With the primitive systems in our cars, you have time to prepare for acceleration. You change down, you gun it. You wait. You wait. Then all of the sudden the turbo spools up, you come on boost with a whistle and whine from under the hood and you're off. Driving quickly in these cars is an event. In the Mustang, there is almost no lag and virtually no turbo noise. The engine just feels larger than it actually is. Turbocharging has come a long way.

Going fast isn't everything. The amount of enjoyment you get while going fast is far more important. The Merkur growls and swells and wiggles, then it surges forward. Its very fun, however some times going fast is just better, and with the usability of the power in the real world, the Mustang has to take this round.

Winner: EcoBoost

Exterior Styling

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I personally find the Merkur to be a good looking car. While many people *cough* !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! *cough* may disagree, there is a loyal following that will attest to the beauty of the XR4Ti. I also find the new Mustang to be a very good looking car. It reminds me of the Aston Martin Vanquish from some angles but maybe that's just me. As looks are so subjective there are also people who disagree with me saying it "Looks like a Honda Accord" or "It's just another Mustang." The XR with it's dual rear wings and square headlights certainly stands out more in a crowd than the "Ford Accord."

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Because of the debates that will inevitably ensue in the comments, I'm calling this one a tie. Decide for yourself.

Winner: Tie

Interior

The Mustang we drove was the EcoBoost Premium with adaptive this and electric that. The seats were both heated and cooled and were wonderfully supportive. Ford's interior quality has increased leaps and bounds over the past decade. The materials and interfaces were all very premium feeling. This particular example had the interior lighting set to green meaning the footwells, cupholders, gauges, and switches were all illuminated in a bright green color. It was reminiscent of any low budget movie with any scenes within an alien spaceship. Thankfully you can change the color of the backlighting to satisfy your needs. One of the biggest laughs was had when I realized that the tachometer turns from green to red as you approach redline. It was also around this time that the "Excessive Speed Warning" made itself known.

The Merkur's interior is lavishly equipped with seats and a clock. Climbing out of the Mustang and into the Merkur makes the years of advancements in technology very evident. It makes the XR feel old fashioned and quaint, not to say thats a bad thing.

The Mustang wins this round based on creature comforts and materials.

Winner: EcoBoost

Driving Experience

This was my first experience driving a car without a cable operated clutch. It felt numb and uncommunicative compared to the old-school feel I'm used to. Almost a button like feel which made finding the engagement point difficult, but I'm sure you'd get used to it after driving around for a while. The 6 speed manual in this car was notchy and very accurate. There was no questioning as to whether or not you were shifting into the correct gear. The throw was miles shorter than the throw in the XR's. You sit low in the Mustangs cockpit overlooking the long hood and because you can see where the fenders end, it is very easy to place on the road. Pedal feel is what really hampered the experience for me. The older school of driver controls offers more feedback albeit with more play accumulated over years of use.

One of the big marketing points of the new Mustang is Independent Read Suspension. This something the Merkur had 30 years ago, welcome to the party Mustang. While the differences in suspension may exist on the track or driving at 9 tenths, It wasn't a point either of us brought up during the drive. The car rode well and was quiet when going over bumps. Because of years and years of use knocking around panels and loosening screws I cannot say the same for either of the XRs.

While the Mustang is a really good drive you can't beat the old-school feel

Winner: Merkur

Toys

New cars are full of gimmicks and toys to amuse and entertain the modern driver. The Mustang has flashy buttons and touchscreens. It wouldn't surprise me if you could play Angry Birds on this things dash board. One point the dealer was quick to point out was the "Bluetooth system that can stream audio and calls through the stereo." This comes as a part of the Premium package on the EcoBoost which raises the price $4000. Now nearly all cars these days can be had with Bluetooth audio streaming and calling. For $100 my Merkur has Bluetooth audio streaming and calling. $4000 seems a little silly doesn't it?

I have to add that the Mustang wins this section because of one gimmick in particular that is my favorite thing on the whole car. Under the doorsills, there is a light that projects a little Mustang on the ground to greet you. The dealer calls it your "welcome mat" I just call it "awesome."

Winner: EcoBoost because horse

Value

When it comes down to it, which is the better buy? Well the car I drove stickered at a smidgen over $35,000 which is a large sum of money considering depreciation that will make sure you won't see a fraction of that back. Add to this the cost of options you would want on it and it doesn't appear to be the best new buy. Now even the best of Merkurs on the market are around $6,000 and most examples can be had for much less. Not many people have ever heard of a Merkur XR4Ti either so they turn heads and are a great conversation starter among fellow gear heads. Merkur may not be the last word in reliability, but most major components can be sourced from other vehicles. There is also a large, very helpful group of Merkur fanatics ready to lend advise and help source parts. If you own, or are looking at a Merkur, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! is a name to know.

If you invest in a Merkur the loss you take when it comes to sale will be much smaller than the hit you take buying a new car and while the fairly constant value may mean you never make money on the deal, it also means you shouldn't lose to much.

Winner: Merkur

Now I know that nobody in their right mind will A. Cross shop a 30 year old unknown car with a brand new Ford Mustang and B. Actually allow the opinions of a 16 year old kid on the internet influence their buying decision. The purpose of this article was to show the advancements automakers have made in the past 30 years by comparing cars with a similar layout built by the same people. This article is also a testament to the timelessness of the Merkur XR4Ti. There's no doubt the Mustang is a better, more refined car but the fact that the XR is able to go toe to toe in some categories with a brand spanking new car after all these years of being forgotten is impressive.

Driving the Mustang was fun partly because it was a good drive but mostly because I got to drive it before a lot of other people. Once the novelty wears off, the fact is the interior is a nice place to be and th car is a good drive. It's a worthy successor to the XR4Ti and with a light tune could kick up dirt with the V8 boys all day long. Now if only it could be had with a bi-wing.

DISCUSSION (100)

Matthew Phillips > Matthew Keyser
10/30/2014 at 23:56

I saw a Merkur for the first time today, The first thing in my head was, hey that Kid on Oppo has one of those.

Matthew Phillips > Matthew Keyser
10/30/2014 at 23:57

Thanks for reminding me that i saw a Merkur for the first time in my life today.

Thought of you when it happened

Tohru > Matthew Keyser
10/31/2014 at 00:17

It's funny that you bought the XR4Ti right around the same time DeMurano bought his Ferrari.

PRBot II > Matthew Keyser
10/31/2014 at 02:04

Fantastic post, man. This is outstanding. You got to drive a better Boostang than I did, and now I'm all kinds of jelly.

If I were the 'bird, I'd FP this in a split second.

NotUnlessRoundIsFunny > Matthew Keyser
10/31/2014 at 03:21

This was really well written. Nice work!

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > Matthew Keyser
10/31/2014 at 03:58

Kinja'd!!!

What's up with this style of shifter? the Corvette's got something similar.

Kinja'd!!!

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > Matthew Keyser
10/31/2014 at 04:00

Kinja'd!!!

hmm.. time to mod my father's BMW's lighting system to get an image like that..

spanfucker retire bitch > Matthew Keyser
10/31/2014 at 07:50

Kinja'd!!!

Not that I distrust you, but are you sure that isn't being projected from the side mirror? That's where most light projectors are placed on the cars I've seen.

Matt Hardigree > Matthew Keyser
10/31/2014 at 08:37

One of these days maybe you'll have both! Great write-up!

Matthew Keyser > Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy
10/31/2014 at 09:31

I don't know. felt very good In the hands though

Matthew Keyser > spanfucker retire bitch
10/31/2014 at 09:33

It could very well be there. Wasnt really sure where it was coming from, was just pleased to see It existed

Matthew Keyser > NotUnlessRoundIsFunny
10/31/2014 at 09:33

Thank you!

Matthew Keyser > Matt Hardigree
10/31/2014 at 12:33

really glad you like it! Any chance of a FP in my near future?

T5Killer > Matthew Keyser
10/31/2014 at 16:25

Great read! Good job!

tehkav > Matthew Keyser
10/31/2014 at 20:15

Kinja'd!!!

Very nice engine bay. Is that a Forge valve? Your dad knows what's up.

Leadbull > Matthew Keyser
10/31/2014 at 20:19

I think the answer is "yes".

Rusty Shackleford > Matthew Keyser
10/31/2014 at 20:19

This pretty much sums up all of my thoughts on newer cars. Driving an older car is a visceral experience, they just feel alive.

Rust-y > Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy
10/31/2014 at 20:22

The lower right corner of the shifter says GRrrrrrrrr :)

The Spaceman > Matthew Keyser
10/31/2014 at 20:23

When your car was new and I'd see one go by, I wondered what "Xrati" meant.

Pete Zapardi's Pizza Party > Matthew Keyser
10/31/2014 at 20:38

When I was 16, I had an '85 XR4. I LOVED that car. Wish I still had it. As a fan of the XR4, I've been looking forward to the Boostang as well. Awesome write-up.

EntropicRR > Matthew Keyser
10/31/2014 at 20:43

Your garage is missing it's deer antlers and motorcycles, it's just not right.

LeonardSkeonard, FiSTer > Matthew Keyser
10/31/2014 at 20:46

"One point the dealer was quick to point out was the "Bluetooth system that can stream audio and calls through the stereo." This comes as a part of the Premium package on the EcoBoost which raises the price $4000. Now nearly all cars these days can be had with Bluetooth audio streaming and calling. For $100 my Merkur has Bluetooth audio streaming and calling. $4000 seems a little silly doesn't it?"

This is completely incorrect. Sync, which includes bluetooth connectivity for calls and streaming audio is standard across the board on all new Fords.

The $4000 premium package includes the larger touch screen, but the functionality is the same.

DiExMachina > Matthew Keyser
10/31/2014 at 20:50

I have had this idea in my head for the last year ever since I did some random CL searching.

Merkur XR4Ti drivetrain...

In a Volvo Amazon Wagon...

For some reason I think that thing would be tits.

Matthew Keyser > PRBot II
10/31/2014 at 20:51

Haha thanks!

Ragnarok1983 > Matthew Keyser
10/31/2014 at 20:52

Kinja'd!!!

Two things here for this article:
1. You are sixteen. I am 31, in college, and surrounded by 19-22 year-old "adults" that couldn't write a paragraph anywhere near as coherent as this article... on their best day... with a paper they downloaded off the internet. You give me hope. I need that hope. Thank you for that.

2. Barefoot. Wierdo. Hahahah! Love the wierdo taste in cars. Keep it up, keep writing, and keep loving life. Keep the articles coming!

Matthew Keyser > Matthew Phillips
10/31/2014 at 20:52

Hah thanks! Not every day you see one in the wild!

Matthew Keyser > Tohru
10/31/2014 at 20:53

We did get them at pretty much the same time. I asked him about his Ferrari on twitter, He snooped on me and asked about the XR. He sold a book to me that day... Funny how that works.

Matthew Keyser > Pete Zapardi's Pizza Party
10/31/2014 at 20:55

Thanks!

Matthew Keyser > EntropicRR
10/31/2014 at 20:56

There actually is a motorcycle up in front of where my car is. My mom won't go for deer antlers

Matthew Keyser > DiExMachina
10/31/2014 at 20:59

That pretty sick, To do list: that

Matthew Keyser > Ragnarok1983
10/31/2014 at 21:02

Thank you! I try.

And dang, good eyes. I was hoping nobody would notice that. I just wanted a picture of the dash of my car so I ran out to snap one. Next time I'll put on some shoes haha

EntropicRR > Matthew Keyser
10/31/2014 at 21:16

Excellent, keep up the good work; )

ScreenShot > Matthew Keyser
10/31/2014 at 21:35

I notice you didn't discuss braking...

In any case, I miss my '86 XR4Ti. As for toys, I seem to recall it had a sensor under the front bumper that triggered a warning light indicating icy roads. I've been trolling craigslist for them and every now and then a nice one shows up...

But yeah, with IRS, the only thing that Mustang needs is an SVO badge and a bi-plane wing.

Deborah R. Shelton > Matthew Keyser
10/31/2014 at 21:50

Start working at home with Google! It's by-far the best job I've had. Last Wednesday I got a brand new BMW since getting a check for $6474 this - 4 weeks past. I began this 8-months ago and immediately was bringing home at least $77 per hour. I work through this link, go to tech tab for work detail

———————————> http://www.jobs700.com

bill19696 > Matt Hardigree
10/31/2014 at 21:56

Best writer on Jalopnik.

TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts > Matthew Keyser
10/31/2014 at 21:59

Every time we take the Widow to a Ford show, the Capris get put in the European Ford display with the Merkurs/Sierras. There was a real Cossie Escort there too. I will say, there was a bit of static between the Capri guys and Merkur guys, mostly because of one guy so claimed his Merkur made 600 horse, which was bullshit by the way, he got spanked hard by my dads 300 horse Capri, deserved the choice spot in the display we got.

IId take a Merkur over a Stang any day.

Here's the Widow.

Kinja'd!!!

Matthew Keyser > TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts
10/31/2014 at 22:08

Goregous car! Always liked the Capris. Some Merk guys can get a little eccentric but sometimes you have to look past it to fully appreciate the work they've put into the car. But anyways, tell me more about this Capri!

Shiftright > Matthew Keyser
10/31/2014 at 22:14

Firstly, you're pretty articulate, period, so much more so for a 16 year old. Secondly, you're a damn cool 16 year old for not only knowing what a Sierra / Merkur XRTI is but for owning one, and a modified one at that. You young Sir, are trés Jalop! I think $35k is pretty pricey for an Ecoboost Mustang, and although I applaud the IRS, finally, and much to the chagrin of old farts who think a Mustang is only for drag racing, the styling does not appeal to me. I much prefer the avant guarde euro funkiness of your XR4, so I suggest keeping an eye out for the the first tool to wrap an ecoboost around a tree and drop that sweet motor into yours.

Matthew Keyser > ScreenShot
10/31/2014 at 22:18

Yea.. My car has disks in all corners but it still doesn't even come close to the braking power and theres no ABS helping your cause either. Yea I chuckle every time I get the ice warning. It starts with just the word "Ice" in the middle of the little digital XR on the dash, then when it gets really cold the "Ice" becomes surrounded by a triangle. Thats how you know it's about to get real.

Matthew Keyser > Shiftright
10/31/2014 at 22:24

That'd be a great project! I'd have to do something to get the turbo noise back out of the EcoBoost.. I'd miss it way to much. Both our Xr's actually boost higher than the EcoBoost as well, but like I said with an ECU flash, a cold air intake, and a good exhaust, the Boostang will be a serious performer. Thank you though! Really appreciate the support!

fivepointnine > Matthew Keyser
10/31/2014 at 22:37

XR4Ti was my first car, an 86 5 speed. Thing was a beast! I loved the look. Too bad we did not get the badass European version of it!

Matthew Keyser > fivepointnine
10/31/2014 at 22:43

Sounds like mine! They don't cost a whole lot but good luck getting as many stares from a passerby for the same amount of money.

Shiftright > Matthew Keyser
10/31/2014 at 23:07

Keep on rockin' non-douchey interesting enthusiast cars!

MikeP3 > Ragnarok1983
10/31/2014 at 23:30

Yes, thank you for being able to put together coherent sentences. You are a rara avis.

Loofahfighter > The Spaceman
10/31/2014 at 23:48

When I was 16 my dad had a new XR, man I loved when I could borrow it and could leave my beater Honda Civic that burned a quart of oil for every tank of gas at home. Great ride for a young man...and a solid write up as well.

rkmvca > Matthew Keyser
11/01/2014 at 00:05

You write very well for a 16-year old! (I'm looking at YOU, some of the other Gawker writers ...) There are some typos though, like "Independent Read Suspension".

Although I like to read independently too. Nice article.

Matthew Keyser > rkmvca
11/01/2014 at 00:11

DANG I missed that one AHHH! But thank you! Appreciate the feedback!

TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts > Matthew Keyser
11/01/2014 at 00:17

Ahem, here we go.

The Capri, is in fact a 1975 Ford Capri John Player Special. #46 of 50 built to race in the German Touring Car series. It is currently powered by a .060 over 2.8litre Cologne V6 running 14 pounds of boost via a May Turbo kit and an Audi intercooler. It weighs 2200 pounds wet with my dads fat arse in the bolstered Recaro racing seats.

All fourquarters and the front air rdamn are fiberglass, the running boards are aluminum, and the wing is actually made of rubber.

The fastest its ever gone was 283 kmh, or about 175 mph I think. I'm Canadian, get over it.

The class it raced in in '75 and '76 required every part on the car to be available over the counter from Ford, and since these are sopoposo popular over the pond, most parts, except the turbo are still available.

The reason it isn't is because it used to have three two barrel Solex carbs bolted to it. Three Solexs + longtube headers= Engine pronz.

Kinja'd!!!

have more pictures. Should probably write up an actual post about this thing sometime.

Kinja'd!!!

Thats my father polishing the wheel the day he bought it in Lahr Germany. He bought it there while on posting with the Canadian Military.

Kinja'd!!!

It is currently in the garage with no engine cause he windowed the block 6 yeats ago. Its getting there, we had to have pistons custom made for this car, so it moved very slowly. Ive never seen a $5000 V6 short block. But they are forged aluminum fill floating Weisco pistons.

Lawyer_Applegate > Matthew Keyser
11/01/2014 at 00:21

Thanks, kid - ya done good!

Andrew Galbraith > Matthew Keyser
11/01/2014 at 01:37

Really enjoyed this! I echo what everyone else is saying about your writing. I'm looking forward to more... Keep it up!

Josh > Matthew Keyser
11/01/2014 at 04:47

It's difficult for me to imagine a $35k non-v8 Mustang being an intelligent buying decision.

Connor Jones > Matthew Keyser
11/01/2014 at 06:04

Thank you for doing this! It made me really happy to see someone run that comparison. I'm 18 and have a 1989 xr thats done 254000 miles. My dad's making me get rid of it though. I will buy another once I have enough of a disposable income. The fun of that turbo spool even when the car is stock (like mine) is just intoxicating. I hope that the new 2.3 turbo will be embraced by the tuner crowd as much as the merkur/ svo were. Just need to add rapido group, and merkur depot to your list of sites/ people to know when owning a merkur.

Connor Jones > Matthew Keyser
11/01/2014 at 06:07

That little car symbol that warned you of ice, open doors/hatch is probably my favorite feature of my merkur, other than the heater that you can send to all three vent locations at any ratio you choose, have yet to see another car with that feature, and the 14 psi stock boost levels, heck I just love my merkur.

Connor Jones > Matthew Keyser
11/01/2014 at 06:14

I remember talking to an acquaintance in high school about my merkur, it was smoking at the time from a bad radiator, said acquaintance started talking about the car, he drove a b5 audi a4 1.8t, and I mentioned it was turboed. He asked what boost I was running and I answered 14 psi, bone stock. He then said, well heck, my car is ten years newer but only runs 6. (His audi is also modded) Funny thing is, now I drive a 2.8l v6 b5 audi a4, much like my high school friend. I just find it incredible how underrated the merkurs were and still are. How many other cars run 14 psi stock boost levels. I really appreciated your article, it inspired me to work on my merkur some more, even though my dad is making me get rid of it. I'll have another one in the future I'm sure. I'm jealous of your father son, car experience, my dad changes his oil, but thats it, most of the work I've done on my xr is self taught.

Good luck with your xr.

mdensch > spanfucker retire bitch
11/01/2014 at 09:00

On my '13 those are projected from the underside of the rear views. I'm sure they didn't change it.

Tatanko > Shiftright
11/01/2014 at 09:26

I'm chiming in to say exactly the same thing. For a 16-year-old, you're very well-spoken. I can tell you must read a lot of car-related journalism by the way you describe things. I'm almost 26 now, but I started really getting into cars around your age and read everything car-related I could get my hands on, and I'm a better writer for it. Automotive journalism can be tough because you have to find new and interesting ways to describe the same thing over and over, so it really broadens your vocabulary.

To boot, you're a fan of interesting, true "enthusiast" cars and you appreciate eccentricities and peculiarities that I'm willing to bet most kids your age just don't get. Be thankful that you have a parent who shared their passion for cars with you and be sure that you pass that enthusiasm on to someone else in the future.

I look forward to reading more from you in the future! :)

DMCVegas > Matthew Keyser
11/01/2014 at 09:35

Awesome write-up. Objective and humorous without being a jerk. Loved it.

Question though: Are you driving barefoot in the photo?

Ragnarok1983 > MikeP3
11/01/2014 at 09:37

Look man, the author is a peacock. You gotta let 'em fly.

StormCrow > Matthew Keyser
11/01/2014 at 09:47

Great article! One correction for you "One of the big marketing points of the new Mustang is Independent Read Suspension" Probably should be "Rear" instead. I would choose your Merkur any day. Thanks for the post

ErikCMeeks > Matthew Keyser
11/01/2014 at 09:54

———————————> www.jobs700.com

Matthew Keyser > DMCVegas
11/01/2014 at 10:39

yes, yes I am. I just wanted a quick snap of the interior, didn't thjnk to put shoes on beforehand haha

Matthew Keyser > StormCrow
11/01/2014 at 10:40

Yea that one must've slipped by me.. Dang haha. Thank you!

zombiEinstein > Matthew Keyser
11/01/2014 at 10:44

I was genuinely surprised to read that you are only 16 years old. That is a compliment. Excellent write-up

Matthew Keyser > TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts
11/01/2014 at 10:44

That's a great story! And a beautiful car! Thanks for sharing!

Matthew Keyser > Tatanko
11/01/2014 at 10:53

Thank you very much!

Matthew Keyser > Connor Jones
11/01/2014 at 10:58

My dad has an Audi A3 2.0T that had a light tune he drives daily. The thing is waaay faster than either of the Merkurs but doesn't capture the same magic. I'm boosting around 17 and my dad at 20 on the original turbos. The cars are beasts. Audi didn't even bother to install a boost gauge! What's up with that? Anyways, try to keep your Merk as long as you can! I'd hate to see mine go. Good luck and happy wrenching!

Matthew Keyser > Josh
11/01/2014 at 11:02

I would never buy one new, but I'll certainly keep an eye open in a few years for a used one after all the depreciation. It would be a great little project car. Little tune, exhaust work. The thing would scream!

Matthew Keyser > zombiEinstein
11/01/2014 at 11:02

Haha thank you!

Josh > Matthew Keyser
11/01/2014 at 11:40

For sure - the depreciation curve is just too steep here. It'll be interesting to see the cost differential in the used market between the turbo 4 and the v8. I just can't foresee ever taking the turbo 4 - and that's coming from a guy who owns 3 cars, and literally all of them are turbo 4's.

Americanitis1 > Matthew Keyser
11/01/2014 at 11:48

"A. Cross shop a 30 year old unknown car with a brand new Ford Mustang and B. Actually allow the opinions of a 16 year old kid on the internet influence their buying decision."

A. Are you aware who reads this site? ;-)

B. Why not? Unlike many opinions on the internet, at least yours is well-thought-out and supported by evidence and real-world testing.

Great write-up! Also, great Merkurs you guys have, and I love the new EcoBoost Mustang as well!!

Matthew Keyser > Americanitis1
11/01/2014 at 11:58

Haha thank you!

Detroit 9000 > Matthew Keyser
11/01/2014 at 12:09

The premium package provides a lot more than just Bluetooth. The ball coolers for one...and you cannot get the 50th package without it.

Maxaxle > Matthew Keyser
11/01/2014 at 12:50

Kinja'd!!!

Cool.

crackerass > Matthew Keyser
11/01/2014 at 13:08

Back in the day I bought a Merkur Scorpio, $11k with 30k miles on it. All my friends chided me big time. Until they rode in it. Comfy, decent power, and handled every bit as good as a 535.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Matthew Keyser
11/01/2014 at 14:31

You're a damn good writer for 16. Great read. I myself initially hated the new Mustang when it came out but I'll be damned if it hasn't grown on my like a lovable european-styled tumor.

Also...

The Merkur's interior is lavishly equipped with seats and a clock

I lol'd

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy
11/01/2014 at 14:33

You can actually buy projectors like this on Amazon. they're called Puddle Lamps

sounbwoy > Matt Hardigree
11/01/2014 at 15:43

Well done Sir.

Matthew Keyser > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To
11/01/2014 at 15:43

Haha thanks! I really liked the design of the new Stang since I first saw it. Looks mean, and much better in person.

Kanaric > Rusty Shackleford
11/01/2014 at 15:44

Yup. Didn't know until I bought one what I was missing.

Older WRX compares though with it's lack of tech. Whenever I see someone shame a car for 90s interior or tech to me it's a positive.

Matthew Keyser > crackerass
11/01/2014 at 15:44

I've never been in a Scorpio, they always intrigued me because they are a Merkur. The Scorpio has my interest, but the XR has my heart, and garage space haha

Kanaric > TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts
11/01/2014 at 15:48

That is one sick ride.

Kanaric > fivepointnine
11/01/2014 at 15:49

Well every model year of the RWD version is available to import right now.

Matthew Keyser > Connor Jones
11/01/2014 at 15:50

Kinja'd!!!

got the message this morning, without the triangle today however

Rusty Shackleford > Kanaric
11/01/2014 at 16:41

I had a 1990 Volvo 240 Wagon and that felt like a frIrvin sports car compared to my parents Audi S5.

LordDarthBeavis > Matthew Keyser
11/01/2014 at 17:51

I miss my 1989 XR4Ti.

What always made me laugh was, nobody, INCLUDING THE LOCAL FORD DEALER, knew what it was. I was at the stealership buying an oil line for the turbo, when over the PA comes a request for, "the driver of the blue and gray Escort parked by the service department, please move your car, as we are getting a delivery." I walked outside with my part, looking for a blue and gray Escort, only to realize the truck driver was parked behind my XR. Seriously, Advantage Ford, an Escort? SERIOUSLY?!?!?!?

Really digging the new Mustangs, but, given a chance, I think I'd park another XR4Ti in my garage, first!

moardots > Matthew Keyser
11/01/2014 at 18:02

"Excessive speed warning" - Yeah that shit can burn in a fire right there.

fivepointnine > Kanaric
11/01/2014 at 19:26

They are super expensive though, I am actually moving to England this winter and have been looking for car's. A Sierra Cosworth hatch is like a National Treasure over there! I could get about 10 MKIV Supra's for the same price lol. (they, for some reason, are insanely cheap over there)

zeos386sx > Matthew Keyser
11/01/2014 at 20:07

here is some testimony from an xr4ti owner. The audio is poor.

Kanaric > fivepointnine
11/01/2014 at 21:11

lol what? I could of swore I saw on pistonheads a few for like 7k GBP and under?

Buy a Delta Integrale then. I've seen them for less than that. 80s 8v or 16v version. Barring that a Skyline. Or a Capri. Or a Audi Quattro. I'm sure one of those choices are affordable.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/us…

Here's an AWD Sierra for 7.9k. No RWD ones for sale there now

Kanaric > fivepointnine
11/01/2014 at 21:13

wow looking at piston heads cars there have exploded in price. All these I know for a fact I can get for less than this in dollars in Japan.

Thunderface > Matthew Keyser
11/01/2014 at 22:04

I'd take either in a heart beat

fivepointnine > Kanaric
11/01/2014 at 22:42

I think I am buying a Renaultsport Clio 182 for daily driver duties, and a BMW X3 3.0 for the wife's driver, along with having my Genesis coupe 3.8 shipped over.

emjayay > Matthew Keyser
11/02/2014 at 00:46

Like many have commented, besides a few typos you can actually write well. Nice work. After reading this getting to sort of kind of know you, I'm wondering besides your right leg and left foot, what does the rest of you look like?

ShelbyRacer78-Fusion Modifier > Matthew Keyser
11/02/2014 at 00:47

Kinja'd!!!

I need to do this with my Sable now....

TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts > Matthew Keyser
11/02/2014 at 00:59

Any time. Ive got a few cars with stories kickin around. I'll have do some posts about them sometime.

Matthew Keyser > emjayay
11/02/2014 at 01:11

Some hair, a few eyes, a nose.. pretty much like a person hahaha

4x4AZ > Matthew Keyser
11/02/2014 at 01:19

SELL ME YOUR MERKUR RIGHT NOW

Matthew Keyser > 4x4AZ
11/02/2014 at 01:28

afraid not... Gonna keep it around a little while longer. Sorry! Haha

Sir Culgets the Square > Matthew Keyser
11/02/2014 at 01:41

Kinja'd!!!

Ha. Hahahahahahahahaha. Wheeee.

Connor Jones > Matthew Keyser
11/02/2014 at 01:51

I miss that, My merkurs in colorado, I'm here in Utah, and my b5 a4 just got a punctured oil pan, so I'm currently carless. I can't wait to drive my merkur over thanksgiving break.