91 or 94 q45??

[srpowered240sx]

i have the oppurtunity to pick up one or the other. i read the faq, but in general, which is gonna be the better investment??

[AlabamaDan]

As an investment, they're both poor. As a car to own and love however.... it depends on what you want.

I love my 94. IMHO with the 94 they "fixed" some of the things from the 1st gen - such as plastic chain guides and a some cosmetic things. However, this comes with a loss of performance.

If you're looking for performance, the 91 is probably a better choice. If I had the space, I'd buy 'em both.

[Rex]

As an investment, they're both poor. As a car to own and love however.... it depends on what you want.

I love my 94. IMHO with the 94 they "fixed" some of the things from the 1st gen - such as plastic chain guides and a some cosmetic things. However, this comes with a loss of performance.

If you're looking for performance, the 91 is probably a better choice. If I had the space, I'd buy 'em both.

Good advice, but ultimately, buy the one that as more documented maintenance and repair work (if needed) by a reputable place.

The day to day differences will be subtle at best, but non-existent if you get one in need of $1000's in re-hab work.

You're in Cali, so replaced injectors will be a key. If none have ever been replaced, you do not want that one.

[elwesso]

Overall, like they said the differences arent going to be that big of a deal... The newer injectors, guides, and other stuff is nice. Then its just a matter of preferring the looks of one or the other.

[AlabamaDan]

Maintenance would be the deciding factor. If you get the VIN #s you might can sweet talk the local dealer into giving you the history. On the 91 those chain guides are key.

[srpowered240sx]

yeah, the 91 is also a lot further away as well, and in a different state. good info here guys, thanks.

[goody90q45]

Where's the 94?

[srpowered240sx]

a little more local.

[mxr662]

Where's the 94?

Why, are you going to buy it and part it out?

[goody90q45]

Why, are you going to buy it and part it out?

Maybe, just checking. Although I've been looking for a dent free 94 to part out. Really though, since Sac is the first big town when you head south from Eureka (j/k) I thought it might be here.

[Jesda]

If you have to choose between two cars with no vehicle history, pick the 94. Otherwise, if both are equal and both well maintained and the 91 has updated chain guides, get the 91.

I favor 90-93 for the look, feel, and execution (94-96 fans probably love theirs for the same reason).

Either one has the VH45, arguably the best passenger car DOHC V8 of the decade.

If I was buying a Q today, I'd buy this one:zerothread/274922

[I'm tempted, but I already have two luxury sedans. Next vehicle will be a GM truck.]

[silver2k2]

I like the performance aspects of the 91 and the cool things like sodium filled valves and cashmere headliner however for me it was a 94 no contest

Below are a few of the reasons I chose a 94

1)Factory Keyless Entry3)Six speaker stereo2) Auto Dim rear view3) 134a AC. Easier and cheaper to repair not IF but WHEN it breaks4) Dual airbags

[geauxapl]

Have to agree with the positives you list on the '94, but.........the horsepower and front end treatment on the 90-93's get my vote, if vehicle condition is otherwise equal.

[elwesso]

REMEMBER THAT WITH my ECU the only difference in speed is the extra weight of the 94s, the motors put out roughly the same power.

[Q45denver]

Don't forget the lower first gear on the 91. Actually everything on your list except the dual airbags can be easily retrofitted on the 91. Regardless, my '90 seems much stronger and my 95 seems much smoother even with the NICO ECU's.

I like the performance aspects of the 91 and the cool things like sodium filled valves and cashmere headliner however for me it was a 94 no contest

Below are a few of the reasons I chose a 94

1)Factory Keyless Entry3)Six speaker stereo2) Auto Dim rear view3) 134a AC. Easier and cheaper to repair not IF but WHEN it breaks4) Dual airbags

[srpowered240sx]

you guys have got me really excited about picking one of these up. thanks for all the info.

[silver2k2]

I dont think "Easily" changed is correct term. Lets take a look

1)Factory Keyless EntryI have not seen anyone install a 94 body control unit into a 91, they are setup competly differently, again aftermarket is an option but not nearly as clean or reliable3)Six speaker stereoAftermarket yes, but 94 speaker pillars do not fit the 91 without modification even then the fit is marginal2) Auto Dim rear viewOk thats easy3) 134a AC. Easier and cheaper to repair not IF but WHEN it breaksComplete replacement of an AC system including condensor and compressor not cheap or easy, and you still have to deal with ruduced cooling power of the 134a and no extra condensor fan to help make up for it4) Dual airbags

The cost of car is the same or close we are talking about 1000's of dollars in upgrades just to get to 91 to the 94 baseline.

Not dissing the 91 I like the no grill look it is very unique, I am just putting the facts out there

[goody90q45]

I agree with Jared that retrofitting is possible but it sure would take a lot of time and money.

Don't forget the lower first gear on the 91...........Regardless, my '90 seems much stronger and my 95 seems much smoother even with the NICO ECU's.

^^^^^ I don't know about the ECU but you took the words out of my mouth. I agree completely. My 94Q is a great car and I have few complaints. I owned a near mint 90Q with 220,000 miles for a month and it was much stronger than my 94. I was driving both so it was easy to compare. The 90Q had the first gear start and was a real beast. There's definately a different feel in performance and handling between the two.

If you can find a nice 90Q and have the money to update the chain guides everything else you would have to fix or upgrade would be cheap, based on buying mostly used parts. Maybe you'll get lucky and find a Q with a newer transmission that won't pass smog and the owner doesn't want to put more $$ into it. Take a voltmeter with you and ohm the FI and KS. If any are bad and the car's running marginally you can talk the price down based on the labor and parts to fix it. It's an easy and cheap DIY for you but the owner doesn't need to know that.

I got my 90Q from an owner who had done the chain guides and recently put in a new factory transmission. He had the leaky injector code, couldn't pass smog because of the CEL and thought he would have to purchase 8 injectors at $200 apiece to get it fixed. He sold it to me for $500 and all it needed was O2 sensors. I passed smog the day they were installed without doing anything else.

My point is there are some great deals out there on these cars, no matter which year you choose. Educate yourself (I know you have already) and know the key things to look for and what it will take to get it up to par. Have patience and the right one will come around. Good luck.

[Ozzie]

Oh no! Jon is in our forums! HIDE QUICKLY!!!!

[srpowered240sx]

Oh no! Jon is in our forums! HIDE QUICKLY!!!!

hide your wives and daughters....jk.