Forum:
I've noticed there are a few differences between Sportraks made either side of 1996. I've noticed a different steering wheel, distributor cap, rotor arm, and some adverts even claim abs.
Where these cars significantly different/improved to the previous EFI engined Sportraks?
Thanks
Some other things...
There is a footrest on the ones made after 1996 (Not sure if there was one on some of the older ones too), the round grab handle on the dashboard infront of the passenger seat is replaced with something that follows the square shape of the dashboard and on some of the ones made after 1996 there is one rear leaf spring on each corner rather than 3. Also I think on the really late ones the cigarette lighter is replaced with some black cover thingy that says 12V on it. I prefer the older ones, Ive noticed they rust less!
Checo with a '97 Sportrak Riviera
Prefer a pre '94 ELXi though, Old ones are better built.
Just got a '97 one. Definitely worse.
(Sorry, this is a bit long)
From now owning a '97 one even after a few hours i noticed there is a large difference in the quality of everything apart from the engine. I think this is down to cost cutting.
They somehow put much thinner carpets in them that seem to attract any dirt and also what seem like thinner doorcards (mine flap around in the wind).
I also don't know if it is just on mine or not but the dashboard seems more loose and flimsy than the old ELXi models.
There is certainly lighter steering on my '97 and more in terms of acceleration when you put your foot down. Braking is pretty much the same as my old '91.
All the metal certainly is thinner than old models and unfortunately does rust quite quickly, I have this feeling that the whole thing is slightly longer too.
Checo with a '97 Sportrak Riviera
Prefer a pre '94 ELXi though, Old ones are better built.