On balance UA's 747 F today is better than it was in 1987. Today's F class has seats which lie flat, inside of mini cubicles with full power, lots of audio and video entertainment, wifi (nearly 50% of the 747s) and better amenity kits.

The food and beverage service in '87 was better (Dom, caviar, beef roast cut in front of you) but this is offset by today's suites, international F lounges of UA and Star carriers (which were sparse or non-existent in '87).

Also, I believe UA's 747s are faster, quieter, and more fuel efficient today than the ones used in '87.