[DeTomaso] Wanted, 71 or 72, Which To Buy?

[Garth Rodericks]

Honestly, I don't think there are any disadvantages to a '71. Granted, the early pushbutton 
cars might have a number of distinct parts, but the later 71's are largely identical to the 72 
pre-L's.  
 
The only differences I can think of at the moment are...
 
            1971                                        1972
 - ZF had central rear mount                  - ZF had two side mounts at back
 - Closed chamber heads and more HP/torque    - Open chamber heads and less HP/torque
 - Flat decklid early on                      - Center rib on decklid
 
Now, none of these differences are disadvantages to the 71; many 
consider them to be advantages or more desireable. And you can add
the later style ZF mounts to the transaxle in a 71.
 
I'm sure others will chime in with additional differences.
 
Cheers!
Garth