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

[Lance Racing]

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

[xphiledan]

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

[decay]

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

[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.

[daniel]

there is a pretty huge price difference here.

[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.

[Mike325]

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

[ben312]

RWD>FWD nuff said.

[Trucidatio]

E30

[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