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

[e30onBBSs]

370z. To me it's a curvy e30

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Den_k321]

e60

[cg138]

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

e39 m5.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Hooffenstein HD]

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

[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

[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.

[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).

[econti]

Z3 perhaps? Never driven one

[SoopaGhetto]

E34