I've got a 1980 245 and a 1992 245. The newer one rides smoother and quieter and the engine pulls smoother and so on, but the old one still steers better. It has a solid, precise feedback--gives me confidence that the car is firmly under control on all surfaces, wet or dry. The new one has a rubbery, remote feeling.

All the front end parts are good/replaced on the newer one, and it has Boge Turbo struts (whereas the old has Boge Pro, which are actually softer), so that's not the problem. The steering column u-joints are tight. I realize there could be tire effects--195/70 x 14 Dunlop A2s on the newer one and 185/70 x 14 Continental (forget type) on the older one. 28 PSI in front tires on both cars. Standard steel wheels both cars.

A mechanic said the difference could be due to the change in PS pump and in steering racks--one has the ZF, one has the CAM Gear (I forget which is which).

Does anyone know the real story on steering quality in the newer cars? I've been thinking about getting a Turbo front sway bar--but how come the old car is ok without one? I could put on alloys and low-profile tires. But that's real money. First I'd like to be sure that would solve the problem (whatever it is).

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Doug Harvey