The 82 is chain drive, where the 84 is shaft. Honda geared the 84 really low, and there is no way to change it because of the shaft. The 82 has options because of sprocket changes.
ATCnut
82 185s - sold
83 200x (hopped up)
84 200x (stock)
84 70 (lost this one to the DMV)
85 70 (soon to have lights, a foot brake, and CDI ignition)
84 200es (parts trike) - sold
85 350X (the best)
85 350X (siezed motor, dream of a poweroll kit someday)
85 250sx (frame was trash, got parted out)
86 250sx (the tractor)
86 250sx (a nicer tractor)
86 250sx (an even nicer tractor)
87 200x (parts trike, its really rough, a dog was chewing on it for a while)
87 250es Big Red (the tank!!)