ROW 1987 carrera.....whats the difference in spec?
 

I have my eye on a german import G50 carrera

Does the ROW 3.2 have a higher spec?

The owner says it lacks a CAT so I assume it makes marginally more hp

Also is it a good candidate for a steve wong chip?

Lastly it is a non sunroof coupe....why do some people say that these are more desireable? Is there really any difference in torsional rigidity or weight?

Thanks

I have a 87 G50 without a cat from factory and it has 231 hp. The ones with cat also have 231 hp but feel a little diffrent. I think only the US versions had less hp.

Cheers,

No sunroof = adequate headroom.

- Wil

Does the ROW 3.2 have a higher spec?

Usually, a Euro car will have fewer options, but this is not always true. It's easy enough to figure out what options it has.

The owner says it lacks a CAT so I assume it makes marginally more hp.

Yep. Roughly 15 more, give or take, compared to the later US Carrera. Even more, compared to the early US Carrera.

Also is it a good candidate for a steve wong chip?

Not in my opinion. I'd leave it alone.

Lastly it is a non sunroof coupe....why do some people say that these are more desireable? Is there really any difference in torsional rigidity or weight?

There is a difference in weight and, on a sunroof car, the extra weight is carried high, which is bad for handling. Can the average person tell the difference? Maybe not. Still, most of us prefer no sunroof. A Euro car will be lighter, sunroof or not, than a US car. Coupled with the higher power, I think anybody could feel the difference between the two, with a little seat time.

I value a Euro car much higher than it's US cousin, all things being equal.

JR

Higher HP
Trans geared slightly different for quicker lower gear acceleration
No Cat to clog or O2 sensor to foul out (both aren't cheap to replace). Could be a problem if you are in a state that does Emissions testing.
No weight up high, no leakage concerns, very desirable if you Autocross (more headroom to get that big, fat, um, helmet of yours :D in there.
Steve Wong does Euro chips and he is the man!