I have started my search for my first H1 and have been talking to some dealers and private sellers. This has opened a subject I am not familar with.Isa 96 and newer H1 that much better than the older ones? Their reasoning is the turbo diesel is the best engine for the H1 and the first gen diesel or gas is not enough power to as one put it "for the hummer to get out of its own way"

Never having owned one of each, I am not sure where to find any info on this. I would love some input on this one.

 

Yes, I'd suggest getting one with a Turbo Diesel in it alot more pep in the step which is much needed in these big rigs. Also CTIS and Dual Fuel tanks is rare on the older ones.
Most offroading H1 owners would argue that the 1998 is the best year for an H1(im one of these people) due to it being the last year before the dreadful ABS and TT4 just more things to go wrong and not nessesary really. Plus kinda suck compared to BTM offroading. but then again Lockers would change that.

 

I have a 94 myself. It has the normally aspirated diesel. Not a lot of power, but it has enough to suit me. I have towed with it just fine, it just takes longer to get there.

98 was a good year. As was mentioned, it was the last year before they added TT4 and ABS (which is a good thing.) It was also the first year of the later style HVAC, which is a big deal. If you do look at older trucks, check and see if the HVAC upgrade has been done as it is rather expensive to do. If the controls are rotary *****, then it has been done. If the controls are digital then it has the old system.