normal operating temps...

[BruceM31]

I have an 81 caddy and i just installed an autometer water temp gauge because i didn't really trust the factory one since it never came above the second cold mark yet the motor seemed plenty hot.

my question is what are other seeing for normal temps.  cruising down the highway my gauge is rock steady at 210 F.  seems a little warm for my taste.  Is this normal?

[Riverfurm]

My stock 86 Golf 1.6 Diesel runs about the same sometimes a little more 220 F. Turn the AC on won't go over 180 and on hot days with out the AC on runs about 205.