E30 VS Mk3 Supra

[Krista_The_WRX]

Hey everyone! I'm new here and have been thinking lately if I should buy either an E30 or Mk3 Supra for a project/track car. I'm really interested in E30s and Supras but I was wondering which one is truly the best car for me. I want something that is small, very fun to drive, easy to work on, and can easily be modded. Has anyone on here ever owned a Mk3 Supra? Would you rather own an E30 or Mk3? I'm leaning towards buying a BMW but all the local ones are either very expensive or autos.

[Red_liner740]

Totally different cars other than sharing a RWD platform.

MkIII supras are not small vehicles, nor light. They are closer to a 635csi and would be more suitable for highway cruising ala Gran Turismo cars vs E30's which are smaller, lighter and more nimble.

Only you can decide which one suits your style more.

[crappycoco]

With the price on e30s right now, I would definitely go with the supra. You get them for cheaps because of the head gasket problem. Sort that out and you have a gem of an engine if you're going for the 3.0 turbo (7M-GTE - which is capable of much more than 230bhp ;)). Which you should, because all the other ones are not worth considering =)

Btw, red_liner afaik the mk3 supra is around 2900-3200 lbs, which is about 300lbs more than the 325i, no? It is more, but not THAT much more imho. And the mk3 has 60 horsies more too, so they should be about the same with bhp to lbs ratio (sorry, can't be bothered to do the math).

Actually I own an e30, and I was checking out an mk3 "for my wife" ;D

[Red_liner740]

Uhh no. 5spd hard tops weigh in at around 3400lbs while the Targas are closer to 3600lbs.

Heaviest e30 is the touring 325ix which just crosses the 3000lbs mark.

Many E30's here report approximate weight in the 2600 to 2800lbs.

If you dont think close to 1000lbs extra weight has detrimental effect on cornering, breaking and overall nimbleness i dunno what to tell you.

If you want a straight line monster, then sure, get the supra, as its already turbo'd (i assume we are talking about the turbo model).

[Julien]

Uhh no. 5spd hard tops weigh in at around 3400lbs while the Targas are closer to 3600lbs.

Heaviest e30 is the touring 325ix which just crosses the 3000lbs mark.

Many E30's here report approximate weight in the 2600 to 2800lbs.

If you dont think close to 1000lbs extra weight has detrimental effect on cornering, breaking and overall nimbleness i dunno what to tell you.

If you want a straight line monster, then sure, get the supra, as its already turbo'd (i assume we are talking about the turbo model).

strange as BMWs have a tendency to break better than toyotas ;D

[crappycoco]

red_liner .. i just checked the wiki on both cars and thats what it said. So If your info is from actually weighing both of those cars I take it back =)

[Ether-D]

I'm pretty sure the vert is the heaviest. I have a 92 vert and I believe it to be in the 3000# vicinity. I have not weighed it on a scale though.

[Red_liner740]

I had a good buddy with one. We weighted his and it was 3600+ without him in it.

here's a thread with owners who weighted theirs.

http://www.supraforums.com/forum/sho...eight-Question

You'll see weights ranging from 3300 for lightened versions to 4000+ with driver and fuel. Median though is in the 3600lbs area.

[DesertBMW]

MK3 is garbage compared to 1988-1991 325i coupe. E30 was very popular track car in late 80s in Europe. MK3 is not known for anything. You said you want something "small" for your project car, but MK3 is long big heavy car.

http://speedhero.wordpress.com/2010/09/06/10-reason-mk3-supras-are-garbage/

[shadow8450]

I've owned both, I prefer the E30. They are to different animals but the best way for you to decide would be to test drive both before buying.

[ELVA164]

MK3 is garbage compared to 1988-1991 325i coupe. E30 was very popular track car in late 80s in Europe. MK3 is not known for anything. You said you want something "small" for your project car, but MK3 is long big heavy car.

http://speedhero.wordpress.com/2010/...s-are-garbage/

No need to be exclusive, the '87s and the four-doors are almost identical in terms of performance and fun factor. Just ask the SE30 guys.

[crappycoco]

People reporting in with 4000lbs holy shit. Those wiki numbers are pulled out of someone's arse. I can't say anything to defend the mk3 because I've never driven one. So there's that. =)

[Krista_The_WRX]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I will now be in search of a cheap E30, if you know someone willing to let one go cheap in Colorado don't hesitate to message me.

[lukeADE335i]

http://speedhero.wordpress.com/2010/09/06/10-reason-mk3-supras-are-garbage/[/url]

That site is hilarious - especially the angry comments from all the passionate mk 3 owners, who can't handle having a bit of a laugh at their cars. Let's face it, the Supra is a car with Camry suspension underneath - down here, even owners of Mk4s point this out! (despite the mk4 being obviously a vast improvement over the mk3 with the 2JZ).

Still - they are pretty. Always liked the TransAmish look they have.

[Massimo]

I am with you luke.

Plus I just cant sand the look of them.

Also after FF the Mk4 will always be seen as a poorly modified stupid body kit car... In my eyes anyway.