Mini Cooper S vs 318is: Which should I get?

[zhp43867]

I have the opportunity to get in to either a 318is or an older Mini Cooper S. As of now I'm leaning towards the Mini, but thinking about it today I find there is some affection I have for the e30 that I wouldn't have with the Mini. Both light, relatively fast, I think the e30 would be more reliable and easier to mess with, as well as cheaper. The mini would be faster and more modern etc. So what would you guys do? I think I kinda like how the e30 looks better done up right, less feminine and more neutral. Thanks! :p

[Trucidatio]

E30

[ben312]

RWD>FWD nuff said.

[Mike325]

E30 for sure. You will get sick of the mini's torque steer.

[Julien]

are you guys DAFT? get the mini cooper s! unless you are 16 and can't handle a car with more than 100 hp, then get a 84 318i.

[daniel]

there is a pretty huge price difference here.

[z31maniac]

there is a pretty huge price difference here.

This.

I don't understand how these are the two cars in contention. A nice Mini Cooper S is $13k+ in my area.

That's mint E36 M3 money.

[decay]

yeah, not really apples-to-apples as far as the wallet is concerned...

[xphiledan]

You're also going to need to shell out $$$ to get the e30 as fast a the r53 in a straight line...

[Lance Racing]

I see a lot of women driving Minis. Just sayin...

[ThaiRacer]

u came on a e30 site to get a opinion. i think u know the answer

[85Dirty30]

e30 FTW

[Julien]

You're also going to need to shell out $$$ to get the e30 as fast a the r53 in a straight line...

and through the curves... shit my volkswagen golf can out handle an e30 (stock for stock, or modified for modified)... People seem to confuse light toss able fun chassis with down right G forces..

[TDE30]

and through the curves... shit my volkswagen golf can out handle an e30 (stock for stock, or modified for modified)... People seem to confuse light toss able fun chassis with down right G forces..

If the option is open to upgrade from a $3k E30 to a $12-15k MCS, go for the latter. It really depends on the type of driving being done though. But, personally I dig the MCS, and with a few bolt-ons you can make them quite bonkers.

[willybustaE30]

from a transmission standpoint, you break a mini tranny, you will be down for months to get the parts shipped over for a rebuild, unless you go back to a mini dealer and give your right arm. then driving that car would be difficult shifting.