After looking around I am leaning towards a '67G through '70K. One thing I have not been able to find exactly is what year did the seat get moved lower? The club I fly in has two G's and two M's. I MUCH prefer the 67G as I sit too low in either of the 77's. Whatever year that started in is a big minus for me.
I used what arguably could be considered the "enchilada" 150, which would be the latest M model, as a comparison to all others before it. Everybody's gross weight is pretty much 1600lbs. Empty weights are 30 or more lbs less in the earlier models. But the '71 L comes in under 1000? What's up with that? That's why I wanna know about the SEAT! Cruise being within 5 knots doesn't really break a tie much either. Range reporting I consider iffy at best. I'm not considering stretching the tanks at all but an extra half hour of range is a positive side if true.
Getting down to the years, I started with the '67 because it is the first year the panel is preferable to the rounded earlier years. An alternator was also placed that year starting on the list. I didn't go into '71 because I like the landing light on the wing. Which, of course, the 77's have placed back there. Well, OK I could live with the landing light in the cowl for a little wider choice and better "little things" upgrades. But what year did the seat....? Oh bother...
