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It is obviously not true that the pre-88 and 88 fiero's are totally different cars. They share alot of parts: engine (including intake, sensors, ecm, ...) , transaxle, central chassis, ...
It is true that they changed the suspension for the 88 fiero. The rear was completely redesigned and the front was partially redesigned (spindles, front shocks are interchangeable). That said, i think that Knestis hit the nail on the head. If you take all the best parts off each of the two cars, in order to create one "best" of all years car, that car still is well w/in the class performance, for *both* the ITA (v6) and the ITB (i4) fieros.
Also note, whereas the 88 suspension is considered better by most, it is not obviously so, and has been the subject of much debate over the years. Especially so for the front suspension, where the unsprung weight is lower for the pre-88 cars.
And, there is no "weight break" for the 84-87 fieros in ITB. [/b]
Last comment first - I have no idea why there is no weight difference in ITB, but IMO there definitely should be.