Is there any difference (apart from colour) between the center consoles from an '81 and '83 D/R manual?

cheers.

No. There are high and low consoles though. The high ones have a hinged top that doubles as an arm rest.

High consoles are usually found in GL's with Power windows. They used the front end of the console to house the window switches.

 

I put one in my wagon, and made a new plate to hold switches for my auxilary lights:

 

-Brian

There's also a difference in the radio box. Some are part of the console, some are not.

The one piece radio boxes cam in 2wd's.