Thanks everyone for your comments. After reading these replies and other reading I am leaning now connect the two 160 watt panels in series. I am somewhat limited in space to install the controller. I have been looking at the Morningstar Prostar 40A mppt model. Running the string calculator the converter should easily handle the two panels and will have the ability if I decide to add a third 160 watt panel with all three connected in series. It will fit the available space better than the Tristar 45A mppt unit. I think the Prostar mppt unit is relatively new.
Does anyone have any experience with the Prostar mppt units or any comments about using it for my application.