Differences between '93 and '94 MK8

M

M8SHOSCGUY

Registered
I'm now the proud owner of both a '93 (165K) and a '94 (85K) matched pair. I'd like the groups comments with the few differences I've noticed:

1) The '93 has an intake tube (between MAF and Throttle body) which has several flow limiting "Bumps". Clearly the '94 tube which is smooth is far less restrictive.

2) The '93 has rubber "gaskets" or flaps between the front fenders and door. These gaskets mostly prevent water and leaves from getting in between and possibly causing rust.

3) The '93 has a factory sunroof, whereas the '94 has an ASC. The factory is far superior, with the headliner molded to fit. The headliner on the ASC is a hacked up no sunroof headliner.

4) The '93 had large ball inner tie rods whereas the '94 had the small ball ends. The '93's could have been replaced with aftermarkets, but in general at almost twice the mileage, the '93 front end was in much better shape. Aftermarket MOOG inner tie rods have the large ball.

5) For some reason, the '93 has zero rust on the oil pan, and the rear sway bar is completely unrusted. The rear shock mounts have a very slight rattle, but nothing like the '94 had.

I suspect that a few better parts were used in '93, and some cheap replacement parts made their way into the '94.

comments?

mark
 
RE: Differences between '93 and '94 MK8

I concur with 1 & 2 as my '93 had the dimpled intake tube which I swapped for the obviously better smooth intake tube and I know of the rubber flaps on the leading edge of the doors. Truthfully I don't know if the '96 has them or if it's a '93 only thing.

While you may be right on the parts quality, when it comes to rust I suspect the most significant difference is the car's history. Was it a daily driver in the NorthEast or was it driven 'summer only' and garage-kept.
 
RE: Differences between '93 and '94 MK8

My red 94 has a factory sunroof and both of my 94's have the gaskets between the doors and fenders.

Does your 94 have the wood trim on the console? Both of mine don't..:(
 
RE: Differences between '93 and '94 MK8

Neither the '93 or '94 has wood here. The '94 is a base model w/o JBL, CD or Traction Control. The '93 has it all. You're probably right about the care and feeding of the '93.. I don't think it ever saw rain in it's 13 years. The guy I bought the '93 from said the trans had been "done" twice, and was nickle and diming him to death. Obviously a lot of repairs had been made. Likely my '94 had very little maintenance, and my repairs were it's first. Still the lack of door/fender gaskets on the '94 are interesting, possibly indicating some previous body work :(

mark
 
RE: Differences between '93 and '94 MK8

1)door sill plates are different
2)94 should have the Lincoln star sewn in to the seat back rests
3)93 should have the 1-piece driveshaft
4)93 floor mats might not have attachment hood hole(driver's side)

those all come to mind easily...other differences might come to my mind later, and I'll add.
 
RE: Differences between '93 and '94 MK8

Blackice, I think my '93 was as close to absolute perfect stock as you could get, probably all stealer maintenance, and garage kept for 13 years. 165K miles however. I couldn't resist putting on the '94 non-dimpled intake tube, putting in a trans-go shift kit, trying out my chopped and ported MAF (still idles smoooth), and stealing a T-Lock and used 3.73 gear set off of E-Bay. I think a good mid level, easy to drive mix. I can pull on ETC Northstars without the gears, but with 3.73's (like they have stock), it'll be no contest.

The '94 is "still under construction"..

mark
 
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