I got done test driving the car and made him an offer but he said he would wait and see what some other people offer him.
I did notice quiet a bit of differences between the two however, after driving both.
The Formula's Getrag 5 speed is 10X smoother and easier to operate over my muncie 4 speed. However, the 2.8L seems to have more 'pep' to it when using the 4 speed.
The GT seems to have a smoother ride? I figured the 88 would be smoother but to me, it seems more rough and didn't enjoy a rougher road. Maybe the shocks need replaced?
The Formula also seemed to steer easier. Maybe im use to it, but the formula just turned better over all. It even felt quiet a bit lighter as well!
If I do purchase the car (should be about a week before he get's back to me) I will post some images of the car.
In the meantime, I'd like to hear your opinions on the ride of one fiero compared to another. Mainly, if what I mentioned sounds right, or if im wrong.
------------------ Every fiero has a story, It's our job to keep that story alive.
Not sure you can compare one 25 year old car against another. Years of upgrades, maintenance, or neglect will have significant effects on your perceptions.
Not sure you can compare one 25 year old car against another. Years of upgrades, maintenance, or neglect will have significant effects on your perceptions.
Both have similar mileage, documentation, and both are stock.
I've owned both an 86 and 88 GT, plus driven several others.
As said, its hard to compare one to the other without condition having a lot more to do with it than original differences in the car. That said:
I don't think there's a big difference in "smoothness" or ease of operation between the 4 and 5 speeds. Likely clutch and/or shift cable condition. Certainly not 10x. The Muncie is a big quicker accelerating, but the much bigger differences between the two are in highway rpm and mileage. The longer first of the Muncie is kind of nice. Keep in mind a late 86 and an 87 would have the 5 speed as well.
In terms of ride, I wouldn't say the 88 is any more plush. It is noticeably more stable and less prone to bump steer. On a washboard dirt road a pre-88 car rides like a wagon. Shocks, struts and bushings will play a big role here, along with any modifications.
Steering is definitely easier in an 88, especially at low speed. Its a one handed operation in my 88; It was a 2 hander in the 86.
A factory yellow formula, at that. Somewhat rare, I believe. It looked like a nice car, but I didn't see pics of the trouble spots.
He had the windows tinted and had a nice after market radio. The shifter was weird, but it had all the stickers underneath both hoods. 120,XXX miles for $2500.
I've owned an '86 GT and an '88 Formula - at the same time. The GT had double the mileage of my Formula; my Formula had 150,000 miles on it.
The biggest difference you usually find with anything 1988 Fiero is how much better it rides. In everyday drive-ability the Formula consistently felt more confident at everything. This was even with around $1,000 in chassis upgrades on my GT. It takes a lot of work to get anything pre-1988 Fiero to the quality of 1988 Fiero, but it can be done.
The Formula uses a combination of the base car trim and GT trim on the interior - a better way of interpreting it is you have what is essentially 1988 base model interior, with V6 GT gauges. Formulas were often optioned lower than their GT counterparts anyway, as that was kind of the point of the Formula; buying GT running gear but with a rather stripped down car.
OK, 'fess up. Who got it? Hopefully someone on here.
Actually, the guy hasn't "physically" sold the car until saturday. I offered him $2700 if he would hold on to the car for me for 2 weeks. Hopefully he doesn't sell it. I might still have a chance but it's looking like he is gonna sell it.
I've owned an '86 GT and an '88 Formula - at the same time. The GT had double the mileage of my Formula; my Formula had 150,000 miles on it.
The biggest difference you usually find with anything 1988 Fiero is how much better it rides. In everyday drive-ability the Formula consistently felt more confident at everything. This was even with around $1,000 in chassis upgrades on my GT. It takes a lot of work to get anything pre-1988 Fiero to the quality of 1988 Fiero, but it can be done.
The Formula uses a combination of the base car trim and GT trim on the interior - a better way of interpreting it is you have what is essentially 1988 base model interior, with V6 GT gauges. Formulas were often optioned lower than their GT counterparts anyway, as that was kind of the point of the Formula; buying GT running gear but with a rather stripped down car.
From what I understand, it's like any Fiero SE model after 85. Infact, the SE and the Formula got similar 0-60 and even quarter mile times.
This Formula definiately seemed confident about taking a corner, tho I didn't push on it too hard.
