I just bought a new car car. A 1986 325es. I am impressed by the eta's low end torque, where you can pull from 4th gear at 1,000 rpm without a problem, all while being economical. And the chassis, brakes, ergonomics, and suspension feel very well designed. These cars, even though they employ 80's technology, have a much better quality feeling than today's <$25,000 cars.
Usually "cheap" cars have been designed with a lot of compromises to decrease production costs, etc. Just look at any generic Honda Civic or a Ford Focus, etc. IMO the e30 is a much better designed car than these cars. The old BMW's, Mercedes, Volvos, etc, are cars that feel solid and have great performance, handling and safety. Back in 1986 a fully loaded 325es would cost you $22,000. With today's technology it could probaly be built/assembled more "efficiently" and sell for a little less (I hope. Has the price of steel gone up that much?, maybe I'm wrong.). I wonder if BMW could make a cheap car based on the e30 chassis, with some minor improvements (better interiors, freshened panel mouldings, more technology on the engine, better fuel economy and more power, a turbo diesel maybe?). I think it could sell in the $16,000 - $20,000 range, depending on options. It would probably be easy and cheap for them to do because they still have the casts and blueprints and stuff. I think they would sell like hotcakes. It would be like the original Volkswagen Beetle, but of much higher quality. I don't know, just a thought. I think stuff like this is what we need in this (unfortunately) capitalistic world, good, durable, cheap products. I don't think average Joe would mind driving a BMW around either ; )
Usually "cheap" cars have been designed with a lot of compromises to decrease production costs, etc. Just look at any generic Honda Civic or a Ford Focus, etc. IMO the e30 is a much better designed car than these cars. The old BMW's, Mercedes, Volvos, etc, are cars that feel solid and have great performance, handling and safety. Back in 1986 a fully loaded 325es would cost you $22,000. With today's technology it could probaly be built/assembled more "efficiently" and sell for a little less (I hope. Has the price of steel gone up that much?, maybe I'm wrong.). I wonder if BMW could make a cheap car based on the e30 chassis, with some minor improvements (better interiors, freshened panel mouldings, more technology on the engine, better fuel economy and more power, a turbo diesel maybe?). I think it could sell in the $16,000 - $20,000 range, depending on options. It would probably be easy and cheap for them to do because they still have the casts and blueprints and stuff. I think they would sell like hotcakes. It would be like the original Volkswagen Beetle, but of much higher quality. I don't know, just a thought. I think stuff like this is what we need in this (unfortunately) capitalistic world, good, durable, cheap products. I don't think average Joe would mind driving a BMW around either ; )
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