MC-8 vs. MC-9...Is one that much better than the other??

Highway Yacht · August 18, 2010, 07:41:39 PM

I'm looking at two buses. One being a 1978 MC-8 and the other being a 1979 MC-9? Both are owned by the same tour company. Given that both are in about equal shape, with equal miles, equal paint, and equal drivetrain, transmission, etc. Only difference is $2000 in cost. Is it worth putting an extra $2000 in an MC-9 over an MC-8 or would I be better off in buying the one year older MC-8 and using that $2000 towards the conversion? Or is the MC-9 designed that much better than the MC-8?

robertglines1 · August 18, 2010, 08:17:19 PM

don't think at that age 1yr would make that much difference on resale...choose the one that looks best to you..odds are the 8 has 9 caps on it...was a poplar up date in appearance..prob both have 8v71...both automatic and the major difference is the slanted window..although some early 79 still had the angle window..sort of rambling on but if tires and everything are equal..put the 2 grand in your conversion...only a true bus nut can tell the difference...I had a 78 with 9 caps on it...was a good bus.which one turns you on the most!that's the one to buy.. Bob

Highway Yacht · August 18, 2010, 08:26:56 PM

That's sorta what I was thinking Bob.....but wanted to get some outside input just for my piece of mind before jumping the gun. This 9 does not have the slanted window so that's about the only difference that I can see. You are also correct in that this 8 does have a 9 cap on it. Thanks.....

gumpy · August 18, 2010, 09:04:25 PM

Too bad about the cap on the 8. That hump is really a nice feature that grows on you.

The 8 will have rust in the front end below the windshields. The 9 won't because they changed to stainless there. That's about the only difference between the two that matters any.

Frank @ TX · August 19, 2010, 05:54:59 AM

Hi jlink,
The 9 has larger side windows.
This will mean something when it converted and there is something interesting to look at out side.
Frank

Busted Knuckle · August 19, 2010, 06:01:08 AM

As Craig mentions the "8's" hump is a nice and distinctive identifying item. And many times the "9" cap is put on over the old one making is possible to go back to humped instead of hump-less if so desired!

BK

Highway Yacht · August 19, 2010, 09:05:12 PM

Ok.... drove the 350 mile round trip to look at both the 8 and 9 today. Both seem to be in very good shape, both crank right up, both have good tires, neither one seem to smoke, but they are definitely not equal in comparison with the way they are equipped. I'm planning on going with the MC-9 afterall. Both have the smooth sided R&M front end and bumpers, but the 9 also has the new style rear cap which makes it look a lot newer than the 8. Also, the 9 has a Turbo'd version 8V71 and the 8's 8V71 does not have a turbo. I could really tell the difference in the two engines. He did tell me that the 9 had larger injectors but wasn't sure what size without pulling the valve cover...maybe 70's or 80's. He did advise me to use that extra power with caution since if it was run hard for any length of time in 95 plus degree weather, that the engine temp would rise and the fuel tank level would lower. He said if it was driven like you had some sense, then the water temp stayed at normal and you wouldn't see much difference on MPG over any other 8V71 with much less power. We drove the bus about 40 miles today and it never got close to running hot. FWIW, the owner has owned both these buses since 1984 and they have only been used for Charter service.

rv_safetyman · August 20, 2010, 05:59:35 AM

Does not sound like much of decision. The turbo will sure make a difference if you go up in altitude.

Since they were both in commercial service, I would ask to see the latest DOT inspections and see if they tell you anything.

Sounds like the owner is a straight shooter.

You did not mention price, but make sure the price reflects the terrible market - don't overpay.

Jim