ND, this is the debate that will never end. First off, Dorian looked like ass in 1997. If Ronnie were a shadow of his condition in 1998 and was more in the judges collective conscience, it would have been a slaughter for Coleman. However, this is bodbybuilding and bias and favoritism toward the champ usually reigns supreme. Now, forget about any drivel comparing Dorian 1996/1997 to Ronnie's best; that is as absurd as comparing Ronnie 2002/2006 to Doz 1993 or 1995. Thus, a wash in a fair contest. Now, compare them at their best. For a detailed analysis, read Sucky's excellent assessments. Now, I disagree with some of what he says, but he does provide a compelling argument. I believe that at his best, Ronnie was definitely more muscular and had thicker, larger muscle bellies in all bodyparts but calves. Compare Ronnie of 2003 to any version of Dorian; Doz is overwhelmed in size from all points but back width. Even there, Ronnie is thicker. However, to Doz's credit, no top flight bodybuilder has ever come onto stage in the condition he possessed in 1993/1995. Even in 1992 he was hard as nails. Also, in those shows he had excellent muscularity and shape. Yes, his obliques are bulbous and he is no Flex Wheeler (who is except maybe Cormier shape wise), but he looked damn good. Thus, I feel this debate comes down to what the judges are looking for. If they are looking for incredible mass, very good conditioning and round, full muscle bellies they will probably go with Coleman. If they are looking for supreme condition (especially from the back), second to one (Coleman) muscularity and what I deem very good taper in those shows mentioned above; they would go with Dorian. Regardless, it is really an apples and oranges comparison. BTW, I have serious doubt that Dorian's forearms are markedly more muscular than Colemans; I bet this is illusion as Ronnie's arms are probably one to two inches larger than Dorian's but his forearms are probably equal size. Take a look at the pic below and Ronnie has everything but average forearms.