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

[lemansguy]

the only car I would consider to replace my e30 would be a Datsun 510 or 240z/260z. Ive owned 20+ cars from a C6 corvette to a MK1 VW rabbit, and 60s muscle cars. my e30 is the first car that after a month of driving it, I knew id never get rid of it. I would just add another car to garage if I needed something else. I plan to eventually buy a Datsun at some point anyway lol.

[Mr. Tasty]

the only car I would consider to replace my e30 would be a Datsun 510 or 240z/260z. l.

this, I am selling my 91 325ic to get a FJ20ET swapped S30 soon.

[Aleman]

Mini Cooper S? It's got BMW bloodlines, and you can find nice ones under $5k


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[lemansguy]

Mini Cooper S? It's got BMW bloodlines, and you can find nice ones under $5k


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too modern for me honestly. The less technology the better for me.

[keefy6]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=294407

Thread has some good responses

[estoguy]

I was VW guy before I got my E30... I'd owned 3 MkIII (a Golf and 2 Jettas) and a MkIV Jetta. Driving a VW always made me happy, and I wouldn't have much issue going back if I had to.

That said, I've enjoyed my E30 experience far more. :)

[UlrichFennec]

Was gonna suggest a Corrado VR6 if you could ever find one in good condition. Probably one of my favorite VWs other than the MKII Golf abd the Scirocco.

I was VW guy before I got my E30... I'd owned 3 MkIII (a Golf and 2 Jettas) and a MkIV Jetta. Driving a VW always made me happy, and I wouldn't have much issue going back if I had to.

That said, I've enjoyed my E30 experience far more. :)

[rlich8]

As far as looking at this question from a utility standpoint, and replacing it with something with similar hallmark characteristics, there aren't many choices.

I also own an S2000 and I think that car is very similar to the E30 in some ways. It certainly has better performance but it makes you feel very similar to the way the E30 makes you feel and it can pretty much handle the same kind of driving.

I definitely think that the first generation BMW Mini is comparable in many ways as well. I also owned one of those and many of the hallmark characteristics are shared other than rear-wheel drive.

I think the only new car on the market today that's somewhat of a replacement is the Subaru BRZ.

There really aren't many well-rounded two door rear-wheel drive coupes left. It's the modestness that the E30 offers that's difficult to find in cars today. It isn't cheaply made but it also isn't the most expensively made car. Today the 3 series is a totally different beast than it was thirty years ago when the E30 hit the scene. The 1 series I think recaptured some of that but not with the explosive success of the E30.

Part of the magic of the E30 I believe is that there really is no direct replacement for it. It's a cult car at the very least and I think certainly a touchstone for what a great sports coupe can be. I just jumped out of an E90 335 six speed. Balls out fast car...handles better, more reliable, better in literally every way... yet there's this element that comes along with an E30 that cannot be described that I love.

It's esoteric, really.

Fun topic.

[e30onBBSs]

E21

[SoopaGhetto]

E34

[econti]

Z3 perhaps? Never driven one

[KI4UJO]

Z3 perhaps? Never driven one

For a stock e30, no. However, it is much closer to many of the e30s here on r3v with 24v swaps, lowered springs and quicker steering racks. From my personal experience, the Z3 is a very fun car to drive, but its not quite an e30 (though its not by much).

[Vtec?lol]

The only other car I like driving that gives me the same pleasures as the e30, would be the e34's and e39's. V8's with the manual trans of course.

They are much heavier and feel like it unless every part of the suspension is maintained but it's super rewarding. Moving from e30's to 5 series gives you that feeling of getting out of high school or college and moving on to a fun rewarding career. While there's times you'll need to put work into it, but the benefits are worth it.

Every time I drive my e39 540i6 I feel as if I'm right where I need to be. Great torque, handling, and comfort. The 6 speed just does something to you. Who would think you'd have a manual trans in a car built so clean and comfy? the chassis is tight and every little detail (if maintained) reassures you that you're in luxury. Before BMW switched to plastic interiors.

If you don't like all the electronics in the e39, step down to the e34. Smaller, lighter and sexier. The classic body lines and edges continuously grow on you like a fungus. It's rock solid and the m60 and 6 speed still feels up to date when it comes to power delivery and sound. It's a much more confined canvas but that just gives you that same sense of "not too much car" that the e30 gave you.

I know they may seem non comparable but you have to try one. The idea is to grow or move on to the next level. I feel as if the 5 series helps you do just that. I've had many of e30 after owning my 5 series and to this day, I can't believe I stripped an e34 540i6 to put the m60 and 6 speed into my e30 vert. It would have been much more rewarding to keep the 540 the way it was. One day I'd like to have another e30, I just cant see driving it over any e34/39 though.

[2mAn]

you know, a E34 540i6 would be pretty good. I recently drove a friends and had a blast. A replacement for the E30? not really, but a good addition? absolutely

[Hooffenstein HD]

BNR32 GTR is eligible for import to 'merica now? You won't do much better than Godzilla.