Comparing Two 1987 911"s

[jdrian]

I test drove two 1987 911's that I was interested in purchaseing.  The first car had 53,000 miles and maximum performance, sticky tires. When driving the first one I had to really work turning the wheel, when going very slow.  The second car had 86,000miles and high performance tires.The second car took less effort to turn the wheel. There was a noticeable difference between the two. I was wondering which car was operating properly or if  the difference was cause by mileage or tires.  How hard should it be to turn the wheel? Should it feel like work?
    The other issue I noticed was it was easy to miss first gear and instead go into reverse when shifting on the first car. It seemed the wall between first and reverse was missing. I was driving, came to a light,stopped,  shifted into first and found that I was in reverse. Is this a common problem or just a typical 911. The second car had a barrrier between first and reverse. I'm trying to decide between the two cars. Any help is appreciated.
Allan