95 vs later model years

[airborneSGT]

Been looking around for a ti myself. Found some good deals on 95 models but was wondering if its best or if there is a huge performance difference with the later models with the 1.9L engine vs the 1.8??

I figure the few thousand I can save on a 95 I can use to fix her up anyways.

Would appreciate any feedback. The real issue for me is I live in the mountains so something with a little more power is always fun.

I have been doing some research and reading throughout this forum but I figured I would throw up a post and await some feedback.

[MPWR]

The difference in performance between the M42 (95 model) and M44 (96 and later model) is negligible. The M44 is rated at a couple more hp, but it's little enough that you wouldn't notice.

[ChItalian1027]

Originally Posted by MPWR

The difference in performance between the M42 (95 model) and M44 (96 and later model) is negligible. The M44 is rated at a couple more hp, but it's little enough that you wouldn't notice.

actually the M42 and M44 have the same HP numbers but the Torque is different between the two. The M42 has 138hp@6000rpm 129ft.lbs@4500rpm. The M44 has 138hp@6000rpm 133ft.lbs@4300, that is the difference between the two engines.

[spidertri]

Go for the M42, you can get more power out of it with simple bolt ons than you can from a M44.

[Marv17]

yeah, the M42 is easier to gain hp than the M44. simple things like chip and exhaust can add more than if it were the m44. plus m44 is more complicated for emissions if your state is strict.

[tiFreak]

most M44's except for early 96's have traction control too, which is pretty restrictive to airflow since it's mounted in the intake, if you get a 95 you might get lucky and get one with the factory LSD

[Ji Money]

One difference between the two engines is the crank. The M42 uses a forged crank and the M44 uses a cast crank. I'm sure the forged/denser metal generating more inertia explains why the M42 is known for having better high RPM characteristics.