[COLB]

Stock 83 in crystal green with sports seats is probably a more valuable car -- roll bar, DE use, stripped of A/C -- that is going to bring down the value of the '81.

So the question is -- which one do you want to keep, & why? Do you want to have fun driving it, do you want to show it (cars & coffee, etc), or maximize potential appreciation (a crap shoot).

Sounds like the 81 may be better sorted mechanically, and will be a better driver. Crystal green & original may be a better bet financially, especially if the paint can be sympathetically spiffied up with some elbow grease & polish.

From a mercenary viewpoint -- and what the market values -- keep the sorted driver to drive (the 81) and sell the crystal green one while the market favors original, rare colors.

But if you are looking for a cruiser to drive on the streets, take to the local cars & coffee, and hope to keep for 10 years as an appreciating asset, the 83 is probably a better long term bet.