Sorry, this is probably a really noob question, that’s been answered a million times, but I did use Google and Search and got too many useless hits, and I need the answer tonight 
I’m probably going to look at a Mk2 1.8 tomorrow. It’s not the Sport model, but it is a good price, so I’d like to know what I’m missing out on.
And what I’d really like to know, is how much I’ll notice those things, given I’m currently driving a '92 Eunos 1.6 in pretty shabby condition (but which still makes me enjoy my driving!)
Your patient help will be much appreciated 
A few things i can think of that are 1.8iS specific are Limited slip diff, 3 spoke Nardi steering wheel, stainless steel sill covers (the bit you see when you open the door) 15" wheels (not sure if the base has 14") ABS brakes, electric mirrors, elec windows (again not sure about base) engine/performance the same with either model, not a full answer but its a start!! good luck with your purchase.
Ah I think my awful googlng ‘skills’ have finally yielded a result:
APR 1998 Revised range launched:
1.6i (110 bhp), 1.8i and 1.8iS (both 140 bhp), with more rigid restyled body, fixed headlamps, twin airbags, power assisted steering, improved transmission, glass heated rear screen.
1.8i has electric front windows, ‘Aeroboard’ spoiler;
1.8iS also has 15" alloy wheels, anti-lock brakes, electric mirrors and aerial, steel scuff plates, leather trimmed steering wheel, and Torsen limited slip differential.
I’m surprised (and disappointed) that I need to get the ‘S’ to get ABS 
The LSD is one of things in life I don’t really understand (like my wife!)… what difference does it make to the handling? Is it worth some extra outlay? Are they mechanically reliable, or a source of further expense?
The LSD acts a bit like traction control…making it harder to wheelspin, but is a safety feature, especially if you’ve got a heavy right foot!
Ahhh, given that I like wheelspinning, that ain’t the end of the world!
Whilst I’ve got the attention of you helpful people, can I ask about the Mk2 hood… one of the key reasons I fancy getting a Mk2 is the glass rear screen.
But the car I’m looking at buying is at the bargain end of the scale, so there’s a good chance the hood will need replacing. If I get a new hood, does the glass screen help cut the cost, or make it more expensive (ie. does the screen stay on the car, or does a new hood mean a new screen)?
The glass screen and roof are all one part unlike the mk1 which had a plastic screen you could unzip. You’re probably looking at approx £250 ish for a new roof, although they do regularly come up on Ebay too
You’ll still be able to spin your wheels with a LSD, difference is in greasy conditions LSD will compensate for one wheel that happens to have low grip spinning ad infinitum as it will transfe drive to wheel that has more grip. I have driven both and I bought the Sport. The standard car is equally good fun to drive though!!![:D]
I’ll just add that with my 1.8 Sport, I can definitely still spin the rear wheels! lol
I think an open diff is probably safer for the average driver on the road. Being more predictable in the cars behaviour.
LSD’s are normally better for track day use then a open diff car and also better for getitng the tail out
IMHO
Not sure I understand why an open diff is safer. In ordinary driving LSD will help ensure traction is maintained so would make car more predictable. No LSD and you hit a patch of black ice on the side of the road back end will immediately start to slide, with LSD traction is maintained and more chance of continuing in a straight line.
I like kicking the tail out, and I fancy going on a track day (but I doubt I’ll get around to it)… ah well, I’ll just have to hope I get lucky and find a cheap Sport.
Then again, what I’ve never had, I can’t miss 
Next question - what are the steering wheels like? I tried a Mk1 with a standard wheel and was surprised how big it was and how it was brushing my thighs as I steered. Given a Mk2 means a steering wheel with an airbag, I assume that cuts my options for a change of wheel to … zero. What are the standard Mk2 wheels like, size-wise?
I used to have a mk 2.5 which has essentially the same wheel as the mk 2 which looked almost identical to the one on my mother in law’s Mazda 323 and to be honest looked too big but it didn’t bother me enough to change.
There are alternative airbag wheels out there - check out mx5parts or you could remortgage and buy a the little 3 spoke sport wheel from Mazda !
A picture would probably help and I apologise in advance that the steering wheel and vents are not lined up
Thanks for the replies
I’ve now got my eye on a Mk2, and it’s the Sport so it’s got a nice looking 3 spoke steering wheel.
I’ve got another question: most of the Mk2’s I’ve seen (in adverts) have windblockers fitted… especially the Sports… are they standard or just something everyone buys? (Unfortunately I haven’t spotted one in the car I’m going to look at)
And here’s a question - I’ve got a nice Style Bar in my Eunos, would it fit a Mk2? (And is it likely to play nicely with a windblocker?)
No, I don’t think the windblocker is standard, although you can pick them up for about £30 on ebay, or the ones with built in speakers for about £50.
Remember, very few style bars fit with the oem windblocker. This one from mx5parts DOES.
It’s standard on all mk2 1.8’s, I know that much. I wasn’t looking at 1.6’s when I was shopping for mine, so I have no idea whether it’s standard on those.
A good hood will cost you about £500 fitted. The Jack smith roof uses an old window sewn in with a piece of old hood, not the most long lasting, or elegant of solutions. You get what you pay for!
I’ve put a deposit down on a 1.8S, I’ll be picking it up on Saturday or Sunday 
It’s absolutely mint, can’t spot a thing wrong with it, a perfect Mohair hood sealed the deal… linky
I can’t wait
It looks a lovely car. Are you coming on the Valentines run next weekend so we can all see it?
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Ah, I suspect my wife will be insisting on other plans at the weekend
I certainly want to give it a good run out though… I can’t find any details… where’s it going to be?