In Part One of this series we began looking at some high-end performance
saloons you can buy for under AUD$20,000. Last time we sampled some Japanese
machines and one Euro – this time we’ll have a couple more Euros and a pair of
Aussies...
Mercedes S-Class
The W126 Mercedes S-class was released in Australia way back in 1981 – we bet
you didn’t know it’s that old! The range received much praise from
motoring journos and, when an update came in 1986, things got even better. Eighty-six brought stonking new 4.2 and 5.5 litre V8s!
Let’s start with the big banger.
Jamming a 5.5 litre V8 into the nose of the top-line Merc 560SEL delivers
absolutely effortless thrust. Interestingly, the big V8 has considerably less
power and torque than its V12-powered BMW 750iL rival – ‘only’ 182kW and
400Nm. This isn’t a firecracker engine – its a laid-back, slow revving engine
with peak power and torque attained at just 4800 and 3500 rpm respectively. As
usual in this category of luxury saloons, an automatic transmission is fitted as
standard.
But the comparison to the BMW 750iL doesn’t end with a glance at power and
torque figures.
The Mercedes 560SEL weighs 1780kg, which is some 140kg less than the BMW.
This more than bridges the gap in terms of acceleration – the Mercedes is a
shade quicker with impressive 7.5 second 0 – 100 km/h performance. It loses a
couple of tenths to the Beemer over the quarter mile.
V8-powered W126s come equipped with Bosch ABS and large disc brakes and a
trailing arm independent suspension arrangement tuned for a smooth ride. The
relatively soft springs and dampers allow a considerable amount of body roll but
the chassis is always safe and predictable.
The interior of the Mercedes is much more dated and staid compared to the BMW
– Mercedes opting to continue ‘classic’ themes. There’s plenty of accommodation
for five occupants, the controls are well arranged and standard fruit includes
an electrically-adjustable steering column, sunroof, trip computer, cruise
control and in later years, a CD player. Oh, and the steering wheel is simply
humungous – it feels like something out of a Kenworth...
The 4.2 litre version of the Mercedes V8 appeared in the W126 420SEL. This
vehicle is essentially the same as the top-line 560SEL but employs a 4.2 litre
V8 producing a milder 155kW. It’s another effortless performer but it doesn’t
have the outright thrust of the big 5.5 litre version.
Obviously, the top-line 560SEL is the one to buy if you have a choice – its
eminence is simply overwhelming. Most examples have been extremely well
maintained but don’t be surprised to see 200,000+ kilometres on the odometer.
Expect to pay AUD$12,000 or more for a 560SEL.
And the 420SEL? Prices start from about AUD$10,000.
Jaguar Sovereign V12
The V12 Sovereign has much in common with the Mercedes W126 – it builds on
classic themes, while cars such as the 750iL, Lexus and Infiniti break new
turf.
The 5.3 litre V12 Jaguar engine is an old design, which is tricked up with
L-Jetronic injection and a high 11.5:1 compression ratio. From 1988, the cat
claws out 195kW at 5000 rpm and 393Nm at 3000 rpm. Unfortunately, the standard
auto ‘box is only a 3 speeder. Tie this to a relatively tall diff ratio and the
big V12 struggles to show its worth.
Crippled by its ratios and a huge 1930kg kerb mass, the V12 Jag slinks to 100
km/h in the mid-to-high 9 second range - not good considering its sporting
image. And the quarter mile? A dismal 17 – 18 seconds!
But the Sovereign V12 does have a few things going for it.
The 12 cylinder engine gives exemplary smoothness and the ride/handling
balance is pretty well spot-on. The interior is low-slung and sporty, with
British class coming from the large expanse of timber across the dash. Still, it
has probably the most dated feel of all cars mentioned in this series.
The Sovereign’s saving grace (when new) was price – at AUD$106,000 it was
roughly half the price of a new 750iL... These days, a 1986 - 1987
Sovereign V12 model can be bought for under 15k. The model was discontinued in
1992.
Holden Statesman/Caprice
Now here’s an Aussie status symbol. The Holden Statesman/Caprice has always
offered miles of space, comfort and grunt for those wanting something a peg
above normal Commodore fare.
For under 20 grand you won’t get into a current shape LS1 Statesman but you
can get into the last of the injected 5.0s.
Based on a VN Commodore wagon floorpan, the VQ Statesman and its top-line
Caprice stablemate were the first long-wheelbase Holdens since the ol’
Kingswood-based WB. The VQ series spanned from 1990 – 1994, the VR ran from 1994
to 1995 and the VS continued until mid 1999.
Interestingly, the first VQ series was blessed with the wider front-end track
and IRS that was scheduled for the VP-onward Commodore model. This gives
noticeably improved ride and handling characteristics compared to contemporary
Holden family sedans. The Caprice scores Bilstein dampers and 15 inch alloy
wheels as standard.
VQs came with a 165kW 5.0 litre V8 as standard but, as the Statesman’s
popularity as a chauffeur driven vehicle grew, a garden-variety 3.8 litre V6
version was released in late 1991. The Caprice followed suit in 1994. From 1996,
a 165kW/370Nm supercharged version of the V6 was also available in the Statesman
and Caprice – this is a good middle-ground between performance and fuel economy.
The only significant change to the 5.0 litre V8 occurred during 1996 - a cold
air intake and exhaust mods brought an extra 3kW (for a total of 168kW).
The injected V8 is a popular choice in enthusiast circles because of its
responsive and punchy bottom-end feel and the wealth of aftermarket parts to
suit. The supercharged V6 is the next best choice - but you’ll always be
hamstrung by the lack of an intercooler.
The Statesman is set apart from the Commodore platform thanks to its longer
wheelbase, wrap-around rear windows, grille and trim differences. The Caprice is
differentiated using some minor trim chnages, wheels, fog lights, upright
bonnet emblem and badges.
The mid ‘90s upgrade brought a VR Commodore type restyle with a new nose and
sharply cut trailing edge. Minor updates were then executed until the new model
arrived in 1999.
Inside, both models score electric windows and mirrors, climate control,
cruise, trip computer and remote alarm. The Caprice gets more opulent trim (some
would say "tacky"), woodgrain, upgrade sound system and overhead rear passenger
console. We believe leather was introduced as standard to the Statesman in the
VR series.
Today, a VQ 5.0 litre Statesman starts at about 7 grand while a Series 3 VS
runs to around 19 grand. A VQ Caprice starts at about 9 grand and run to our 20
grand limit. All offer excellent bang-for-buck and potential.
Ford Fairlane/LTD
The nearest rival for the Statesman/Caprice is the Ford Fairlane/LTD.
However, unlike the Holden, you can scoop a current-look (AU type) Ford
Fairlane for less than 20 grand. A 6 cylinder AU series Fairlane can be bought
for comfortably less than 20k and a Windsor V8 version costs dead-on 20k.
Released in early 1999, the AU Fairlane Ghia brings greatly increased body
rigidity over the previous generation. A new double wishbone front and rear
independent suspension was also employed. The body is noticeably differentiated
to the cooking model Ford sedan and the Fairlane managed to avoid much of the
criticism aimed at the frontal appearance of the AU Falcon.
The cabin is comprehensively equipped and comes with either fabric or leather
trim.
The 1999 AU-series Fairlane comes powered by either a 4.0 litre SOHC six or
5.0 litre Windsor V8. Interestingly, the six-cylinder version is not far behind
the performance of the V8 – and the reason? Well, each base-spec Fairlane is
equipped with the Tickford developed variable cam timing engine which generates
168kW/370Nm. Note that restrictive mufflers strangle 4kW from the engine
compared to the Falcon XR6 VCT.
The sequentially-injected Windsor V8 produces 175kW/395Nm – and note that,
like the Holden V8, there’s a whole lot more power to be found with aftermarket
tweaking.
Weighing between about 1640 and 1700kg, driving through a 4 speed auto trans
with traction control, expect an AU Fairlane to deliver 0 – 100 km/h performance
in the high 7s to high 8s (depending on engine).
An AU series Ford Fairlane Ghia currently fetches about 17 grand – slightly
more for a V8 version.
The previous generation Fairlane/LTD was based on the Falcon EA design. The
most attractive model is the 1995 NF – NL series, which replaces the previous
model’s sharp-edge design with gentler curves. The NF – NL shares various body
parts with the shorter wheelbase Faimont Ghia but is differentiated by a chrome
grille, unique wheels and badges. The range-topping LTD gets a few minor
exterior trim differences and a more upmarket interior.
Under the bonnet, you’ll find a SOHC 4.0 litre six (with a variable inlet
manifold) or Windsor 5.0. The six generates 148kW while the V8 makes 165kW. A 4
speed auto trans is standard, which gives the 1600+kg Ford 8 – 9 second 0 – 100
km/h performance. The biggest letdown is its live axle rear.
Depending on kilometres, a good NF series Fairlane Ghia starts at about
AUD$9000. A LTD generally fetches 2k more.
So there you have it. For less than AUD$20,000 you can get yourself into some
truly desirable performance saloons – it might be just the change you need...
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