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

[e30onBBSs]

E21

[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.

[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. :)

[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. :)

[keefy6]

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

Thread has some good responses

[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.

[Aleman]

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


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[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.

[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.

[318isbmw]

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.

[DEV0 E30]

So with that, what IS a car that is a worthy replacement for a E30. Something realistic?

Reason I ask is that I get bored of cars fairly quickly and even though I have looked at other cars, I keep coming back to my E30 as the best thing I can own right now. The only cars that would be a good replacement IMO are at least 3x more money just to get into, let alone the modifications AND the maintenance.

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.

[318isbmw]

I've been really happy with my M3/4/5 with a bunch of mods having been done to it. Much more comfortable than the e30, not quite as quick as my s50 e30 but the day to day driving I've been way happier.

[GillesBigCowboy]

I miss my first gen turbo Scirrocco S, and the 240Zs, but little else... e30 is superior for someone who likes the corners, and e30 cockpit/controls are sublime.
Maybe an Alfa GTV6, but i doubt it could take the abuse.

[Axxe]

You should try one, best 8K I have ever spent.

Hard to work on maintenance whores blah blah blah.

We are all hear because of the love of machines. How can you hate on a Twin Turbo v6 that is capable of 500AWHP on stock internals, with a 6 speed bulletproof transmission and AWD? If you say that without the Audi emblem 90% of you fuckers would be watering at the mouth.

And for the record, I have put 30k on mine since October and while it hasn't been without some issues, it has reliably gotten me to work each and every day.

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.


I'm going to whore this car until I get 3 R3V'rs to buy one.

I want S4 Avant for winter beater status to keep miles off the E46m3 ;)

[agent]

Nothing replaces an E30 except another E30

This is wisdom so profound I'm surprised it didn't end in "lol."