Straight up-- choose between 325is and 318is

[2002maniac]

i have driven an E30 M3, 2 325is' and my 318is.

The 4-cyl cars were much more fun to drive. I love peaky high revving motors.

[Digitalwave]

The M20 is peaky and revs just as high as the M42.

[1991 318is]

Weight distribution.

In addition to less weight ther is a better weight balance with the M42. I must confess wishing for a 318is with a 3.0-3.8 24 valve V6. There's real estate between an M42 and the radiator plus I love the roughness and sound of it.

[MrK]

Euro m10 1.6 FTW. Those engines were never taken stateside because they're too powerful for you guys LOL :D

99 donkey-power!

[hamann318is]

I don't care about torque. I like the M42, and that's the only E30 I would buy. I enjoy working on my car, and somehow I've found plenty to do (timing profile gasket changes ftw). The motor is much more modern, but still mananges to be not too complex. It's fun to drive, and the only time I've wished for more torque was when I'd run with my friend's turbocharged Porsche. The M42 is seriously fun.

Strange how people are individuals and prefer different cars.

[asubimmer]

The M20 is peaky and revs just as high as the M42.

a m20 won't have power at 7k and you know it

[Digitalwave]

At 7k I bet its still making more power than an M42 at 7k.

[Erick]

Road trips aside, the gas consumption is the same. In city driving, the difference is minimal. Now... if you compare my m10 to the turbocharged m20. Well....then... .it's like comparing a Hummer to a hybrid :D

I have driven all non-M e30s but etas (who the hell would want one anyways). I will say hands down daily driving: 325iS. It's forgiving and can take a beating.... plus the torque is always fun.

If you plan on tracking the car it's up to you really. Because now the cars will constantly be in their powerband and the 318iS has some go in the upper RPM range... especially when revving to 7k. They are also lighter, and one thing I enjoy about my 318i is that I can carry a lot more speed in the entry than the turbocharged 325i.

Conclusion (stock for stock):
Daily Driving: 325iS
Track/Auto-X: 318iS

Now if we're talking about mods..... 325iS all the way. Boost is an amazing tool.

[e9nine]

All you throttle jockey's just don't want to see the plus's or reasons why an m42 is liked by some; it's the "overall car" package. You don't drive an m42 the same way you drive an m20.


Torque? An m42 embarasses eta's with all their torque yet you still talk smack about m42s


You don't even want to talk high revving with an m20 motor..After you peg your m20 at 7k rpm a few times you will LOVE your rocker arms suppliers :giggle:


I have owned (not simply driven) m20b25, m20b27 and super eta with a b25 head aka 2.7iS but I prefer my m42s out of all. It's my preference.

[2002maniac]

It's my preference.

Yup. that's what it comes down to.

[Simon S]

<- never driven a 325 but content with my 4-banger.

efficiency and handling are my priorities. (it can still get a ticket)


( good discussion thread btw.. )

[hamann318is]

All you throttle jockey's just don't want to see the plus's or reasons why an m42 is liked by some; it's the "overall car" package. You don't drive an m42 the same way you drive an m20.


Torque? An m42 embarasses eta's with all their torque yet you still talk smack about m42s


You don't even want to talk high revving with an m20 motor..After you peg your m20 at 7k rpm a few times you will LOVE your rocker arms suppliers :giggle:


I have owned (not simply driven) m20b25, m20b27 and super eta with a b25 head aka 2.7iS but I prefer my m42s out of all. It's my preference.

I knew you'd post here, and it's all true. :)

[CleanAzzE30z]

Hands down i prefer the 6 cylinder e30's over the 4 cylinder varients,

Even the S14? interesting.

FTW! Buy an M10 318i.

Yeah, settle this M42/M20 pish posh and get an M10. Problem solved, lesson learned.

Mariano

[el_4ever]

I forgot which E30 that came in? The magical one that doesn't really exist?

italian market 320is

[Rob]

m20. with 4 fucking doors.