I put 70k miles on a Gen I (1995), and since getting my Gen II a year ago, have put about 12k miles on it.
I don't use full throttle much, so the extra 50 hp is not readily apparent - I do notice it on the track, though. In fact, most of the engine & handling differences I notice on the track. The biggest is the suspension - the Gen 1 was arguably more fun as it was a lot less work to transition the car from side to side - the Gen II car requires much more care and conscious effort to me to transition. Personally, I prefer the "instant" throttle response of the Gen I, the softer/slower reaction of the Gen II (and the computer trying to protect us from ourselves), AND the 5 second delay on compression braking is a pain when you are used to the Gen I car.
However, after a number of cross country trips and daily use of the Gen 1 car, I can only say how much I approve of having real windows.
If you get a Gen 1, figure into your cost an extra $1k for the Northwind lockable sliding Lexan windows - they are the best windows for the Gen I, and are pretty much required, in my opinion, for it to be a daily driver with any top on (from both a lock-ability viewpoint as well as rain, tollbooth, general freezing weather comfort, etc). Also be aware of the design issue with the thermostat housing on the Gen I car that causes eventual leaks and increasing use of thicker gaskets, etc. (Whoever thought of putting the thermostat housing inside the V like that ought to be, well, severely embarassed, if nothing else).
Like many have already said, a Gen 1 car is extremely satisfying. The suspension differences that make me like the Gen 1 car go-cart handling would also tend to make me stay away from a '96 (1.5 car) for that exact reason. Nothing wrong with the '96 at all - but if you want the Gen II suspension, might as well get the Gen II extra horsepower, windows, etc.
I don't use full throttle much, so the extra 50 hp is not readily apparent - I do notice it on the track, though. In fact, most of the engine & handling differences I notice on the track. The biggest is the suspension - the Gen 1 was arguably more fun as it was a lot less work to transition the car from side to side - the Gen II car requires much more care and conscious effort to me to transition. Personally, I prefer the "instant" throttle response of the Gen I, the softer/slower reaction of the Gen II (and the computer trying to protect us from ourselves), AND the 5 second delay on compression braking is a pain when you are used to the Gen I car.
However, after a number of cross country trips and daily use of the Gen 1 car, I can only say how much I approve of having real windows.
If you get a Gen 1, figure into your cost an extra $1k for the Northwind lockable sliding Lexan windows - they are the best windows for the Gen I, and are pretty much required, in my opinion, for it to be a daily driver with any top on (from both a lock-ability viewpoint as well as rain, tollbooth, general freezing weather comfort, etc). Also be aware of the design issue with the thermostat housing on the Gen I car that causes eventual leaks and increasing use of thicker gaskets, etc. (Whoever thought of putting the thermostat housing inside the V like that ought to be, well, severely embarassed, if nothing else).Like many have already said, a Gen 1 car is extremely satisfying. The suspension differences that make me like the Gen 1 car go-cart handling would also tend to make me stay away from a '96 (1.5 car) for that exact reason. Nothing wrong with the '96 at all - but if you want the Gen II suspension, might as well get the Gen II extra horsepower, windows, etc.
