[VirginiaF1]

Originally Posted by TheAllusionist

I read this thread hoping that there would be some post on the handling/feel difference. I have a 1986 951 and I have heard that some prefer the early offset and the race car feel to them, but I am curious as to what they mean by this. I had planned on putting a 1989 turbo M030 suspension under it so I could have late offset, larger brakes and sway bars..... but since it only has 48,000 original miles, figured I would keep this one stock and was here searching for more excuses to keep it stock and not mess with it too much! LOL Does anyone know what the difference in feel between early offset and new?

Great question..
Only have driven an '84, my '88 and a '90.
Whereas the weight increases were clearly felt in transitioning,
the engine increases made up for the added mass in accel... IMHO.

As far as suspension suppleness, my limited experience also placed them in a similar order:
'84 - lithe but brittle/skittish; likely due to its original 27 year old struts & steel control arms?
'88 - once I replaced all 4 struts, nicely compliant but still well-controlled/agile.
'90 - with 12 year old struts, more forgiving but less sharp than my '88.
FWIW...