Be realistic: What IS a car that is a good replacement for a E30?

[Emre]

The obvious choice would be a 190E 2.3-16

Here's the Guten Parts 190 for inspiration:



They can still be had for under $10k, though probably not for much longer. good ones are thin on the ground here in America, but they're plentiful in Europe.

[Emre]

Also look into the Alfa Romeo 75 (called the Milano in the USA). Basically an Italian E30.

And, check out the Peugeot 405 Mi16. I had one and I loved it. Basically a FWD E30 M3. Try to find a Euro version which had a better body kit, smaller bumpers, and nicer headlights/foglights.

Both of these cars have all but been forgotten and can be had very cheaply.

[yungmike]

Once i acquire sufficient funds, i'm going to find the ideal e34 touring or e36 m3 sedan to not necessarily replace my e30 but, compliment it and take over DD status.

[cg138]

so with that, what is a car that is a worthy replacement for a e30.

e39 m5.

[Den_k321]

e60

[straight6pwr]

stop saying e34.
yes, the m60b40/6 speed is a fun combo. but the chassis is not anything like the e30. not the steering, the handling, road feel, nothing.

i drive an e34 everyday, and wish i was still driving an e30 everyday.

[DEV0 E30]

That's the thing, it comes down to price points, you have to juggle what you want vs cost.



Under $5k? - A few options mentioned, but may not really compare. If you can score a healthy E36 M3, that's likely the best option.

Under $10k? - More options, again better condition E36's come to mind.

Under $20k - Lots of options, some even rather new.

I agree, hadn't thought about that major detail. Under 5k no way e36, under 10k then it's still debatable but over 20k no way would I go e36.

I wouldn't pay more than 10k for one either, I think you misunderstood.

Personally my choices on my own breakdown for a comparable car, if they could be scored in decent condition for the prices.

Under $5k - Maybe a Miata / E36 M3

Under $10k - E36 M3 / Z3 Coupe's I've seen a few dip to near 10k / Are S2000's under 10k yet? / I'd love a Roundie 02.

Under $20k - NEW/Almost New: Fiesta ST - Drive one. - USED: My long lost love, another Estoril Z3M Coupe

stop saying e34.
yes, the m60b40/6 speed is a fun combo. but the chassis is not anything like the e30. not the steering, the handling, road feel, nothing.

i drive an e34 everyday, and wish i was still driving an e30 everyday.

I agree, E34's don't have the same feel.

e60

Really? How is an E60 comparable?

It's hard to compare an E30 completely with another car, any newer car will feel different, same with older cars.

[Exodus_2pt0]

Going to disagree on the Miata. Miata is fun but makes a terrible DD. I enjoyed my e30 as a daily, my Miata barely gets driven because it is only good for short spirited drives. Too loud and uncomfortable for commuting, and the gas mileage isn't even all that impressive given its size and horsepower.

[e30onBBSs]

370z. To me it's a curvy e30

[varg]

370z. To me it's a curvy e30

"Curvy" in the online dating profile sense :giggle: Since it weighs 500lbs more than a 325. If any sports car on the market is remotely comparable to an E30 it's the FRS/BRZ. Everything else is too heavy and large and not focused on the "driving experience"

[e30onBBSs]

Be realistic: What IS a car that is a good replacement for a E30?

"Curvy" in the online dating profile sense :giggle: Since it weighs 500lbs more than a 325. If any sports car on the market is remotely comparable to an E30 it's the FRS/BRZ. Everything else is too heavy and large and not focused on the "driving experience"

Hahaha true but it has nearly double the power of an m20 and isn't as aerodynamic and sorted as a frs. e30 is boxy and probably has good center of gravity but not like the frs and it's a 4 banger, granted the 370 is a v6.

I agree that the frs is the most experience oriented but the experience of the sorted rear end and the predictability of ABS, PS, traction control, cats, etc is not similar. I can't see a stock frs ever giving me that feeling of "at any second the rear end might slip 😏" where as in the 370z it's probably way more raw and almost sketchy at times which is something I love about the e30.

370z has ps abs traction control too but turning them off would be more e30 than frs

[Exodus_2pt0]

I drove a few 370Z's for predelivery inspections at Nissan.

Solid cars, very fun experience and the power was great. Didn't push it down any back roads because I liked my job, but the trips to the gas station had me tempted to make one my own.

The rev-match downshifting was spectacular.


That said, while the constant variable valve lift is an engineering masterpiece, the price of the adjusters was around 1k a pop. And according to the Nissan Technical school, they must be replaced once removed. I never got a chance to verify, but that right there made it a grand to start every time you pull one off for any unrelated repair.

Seriously though, that shit was awesome.



Essentially swapping cams with a tune? Yes please.

[DEV0 E30]

FRS/BRZ needs a good competitor. I'm hoping the new concept 510 / tribute becomes a reality and fills that void. I'd give that car a test drive. I'd like to see Hyundai try to get the formula right for a RWD car too.

The 2 series I suppose is the modern equivalent in BMW terms, looks better than a 1 Series too. I mean I did consider a 135i. But I think anything over $20k isn't really a good "replacement" to an E30. Sure many of our community can be seen as cheap, because many of us are young... or just cheap, but then there are those of us who have owned these for 10 years or more like myself. Nothing lasts forever, and our market has been interesting the last few years. I realize what they sold for originally and comparing new to used is a weird sliding scale, but you have to first look at your budget with any car. What can you get with 5, 10, 15, 20k. Then, maintenance costs.

Going to disagree on the Miata. Miata is fun but makes a terrible DD. I enjoyed my e30 as a daily, my Miata barely gets driven because it is only good for short spirited drives. Too loud and uncomfortable for commuting, and the gas mileage isn't even all that impressive given its size and horsepower.

I'll be honest, I've never driven one. Just heard good things. Known a few with different generations. Is yours fuhrazed out? I guess I didn't realize they'd get that sort of review but it makes sense. I figured the newer gens would be a good mix too, but again I don't have any experience.

[mcgillaguddy]

I've had 19 cars, and 4 of them have been e30's. For an equal replacement, I can't find one. To me, the e30 is old enough to feel raw & simple, but new enough to feel sturdy & reliable. With that said I have had cars that let me relive a bit of the e30 joy:

Porsche 914 - the cheap Porsche that still has an engine sitting in the right place (behind you). From my experience, much more e30 like than the 944. Find a 914/6 and you'll be very happy. It still misses the e30, I think it due to it's age it just feels a little more raw than put together, the balance the e30 handles so well.

Porsche 911 - my fathers 1970 911 delivers a lot of e30 likeness in the chassis & handling department. The drive-train shares no similarities though. Obviously price is a huge issue here.

Mini Cooper - for a newer vehicle, it definitely hits some of the traits of an e30, and they are great to DD. With a little modifying it could be a pretty strong replacement. Personally, I sold my mini to buy an e30 instead of putting money into it. Worst thing, it will always be FWD, unless you like huge projects.

e28 - I had an 87 535is which most definitely hits a lot of the e30 points, but loses it in the handling. It has a very e30 feel inside and out though. Super satisfying car to drive, and I regret selling it 100%.

I think an e36 m3 would be a good option. You can pick up a good condition automatic super cheap and then swap it. It will be cheaper and in better condition than 99% of the manual e36 m3's out there right now.

[mrcheezle19]

And no, I ain't mad. I'll purchase a Candlelit massage by none other than Slammin' himself for each of you fuckers if you keep me around with my blaspheming mouth.

EEEEETA, I'll even throw in a happy motherfucking ending.

Quoting this because I want a damn massage