Chassis differences between cabs and coupes and turbos?

[fastbacker]

I'm wondering how and where the differences are between the cabriolet and coupe chassis.

Also wondering if turbos have differnt chassis (aside from trailing arm mounts) from their standard cab and coupe cousins.

Thanks-
Craig Backer

[Tyson Schmidt]

Targas and cabs have double walls in the footwell areas right behind the front wheels.

'78-'89 turbos have a different rear section right behind the engine. The area behind the motor is about 1.5" farther back to accomodate the longer transmission. You'll notice how much closer the motor mount bolts are to the latch panel.

Also, the front suspension crossmember mounting is raised about 3/4" up in the chassis, and the front a-arm mounts are lowered about 1/2" to give some anti-dive suspension geometry. You'll notice the Turbo has a different front belly pan that has recesses for the front mounting points.

[fastbacker]

Thank you sir.

[RFR]

I have a buddy who has an 87 Coupe, I have a 78 Targa. Both have electric windows and stock door panels. His doors feel lighter and sound different when you close them.
Are the Targa doors reinforced and heavier?

[Tyson Schmidt]

No.

They all should have the door beams for side impact.

IIRC, there was a kit to make ROW cars meet U.S. side impact standards. I've seen a car with funny looking bolt-in door beams that I believe was a grey market car brought up the U.S. spec. So possibly your buddies car has no impact beams?

Or maybe you just have heavier speakers.

Or, maybe his "anti-drumming" material has fallen off the inside of the doors outer skin.

Edit: The Targa window frames are brass, whereas the coupes are aluminum. Not sure that would account for the difference or not. Maybe the door catches are different iterations.

[RFR]

Thanks Tyson,

I think ROW is the answer, a definate difference in weight.