is there really any difference between the 02 and the 04 gas mileage ? . On paper the 2004 models are supposed to get 2mpg more than the 02's ,is this true ?

Not really. The only difference between those years is a change in the exhaust system, I believe, because starting in '03 or so an additional 10 hp was listed. Engines are the same. No one ever made a note regarding better or worse mileage between the years. Mileage here varies from people who get around 12 to people who get 18 for 1st gen X.

yeah - the extra 10 hp was from a less restrictive exhaust path in '03+...so maybe a smidge better mpg....but the '03+'s LSD was worthless, whereas the Pre'03 LSD's were at least worth SOMETHING.