E30 or E36?

[MitchFong]

Well, in short, i got an offer i could not refuse for my car. So now im looking for a replacement.
Any of you guys previously or currently own an e36? I cant deicde between the two, and i was wondering if you guys could help me out in my decision.
What i really want is a 5lug e30 with a m50/52 motor. But that is way to far out of my budget. So question is, do i sacrifice looks/old school for power? Or do i go for an e30 and wait for a swap? I dont see it in the future as suspension will be first on the list again. And then i would want to put an s50/52 in if im going through all the trouble anyways.
Jesus im stuck, please help me. I need to be pointed in the right direction. I just dont know what i would rather have.
-Mitch

[Jean]

Keep the car you have if you have already done what's needed to be done to it, then do a 5lug swap and / or engine swap :)

[egk2]

I prefer an e30 over an e36. I bought my e30 as a winter
beater and ended up selling my e36 shortly after. I found that compared to my e30 the e36 was boring and sluggish, the interior fell apart and the build quality inferior.

[tommyboy]

I've own e30 325i and an e36 m3/4.

i'm a pretty big fan of both cars, and think that they both have something to offer. i prefer my e36 for daily commute, grocery getting, etc. in reality, it's a better car in almost every single way.

however, there's something about an e30 that's appealing. the car feels much more small and nimble than it is, and is quite fun in its own right.

i think, in reality, it's whatever you enjoy driving the most. i honestly think I enjoy autoxing and tracking my e30 than my m3, despite how much slower it is (and within reason will always be).

i'd consider myself somewhat of an insider on your dilemma, so feel free to drop me a line if you want to chat about it.

[egk2]

I've own e30 325i and an e36 m3/4.

i'm a pretty big fan of both cars, and think that they both have something to offer. i prefer my e36 for daily commute, grocery getting, etc. in reality, it's a better car in almost every single way.

however, there's something about an e30 that's appealing. the car feels much more small and nimble than it is, and is quite fun in its own right.

i think, in reality, it's whatever you enjoy driving the most. i honestly think I enjoy autoxing and tracking my e30 than my m3, despite how much slower it is (and within reason will always be).

i'd consider myself somewhat of an insider on your dilemma, so feel free to drop me a line if you want to chat about it.

Not really a fair comparison imo, but non m e30 and non m e36, I'd choose an e30 no contest.

[wycoco]

e30

[tommyboy]

it's absolutely a fair comparison.

the only circumstance under which it would not be, however, is if money is not an issue. :)

you've got to pay to play :(

[egk2]

it's absolutely a fair comparison.

the only circumstance under which it would not be, however, is if money is not an issue. :)

you've got to pay to play :(

True but stock to stock not a fair comparison.

[madjurgen]

e30s50/52 trumps all

power and lightweight nimbleness

[MrK]

True but stock to stock not a fair comparison.

Just to accentuate egk2's point, see how the tables will turn when you compare an e30 M3 and a non-M e36 LOL "stock to stock"

So in other words, I agree that a non-M e30 should only be compared to a non-M e36. The M's are both different beasts altogether.

[Axxe]

I'd take a stock m-E36 over a modded non-m E30.

[ZinRot325i]

I have an e36 and an e30...I have yet to drive the e30 however...:puppy:

But I have driven AN e30 and AN e36 and here are my impressions:

The e30 is a more fun car to drive. Its more true to the 'sportscar' ideal than an e36. Parts are cheaper, the interior is more solid IMHO, it's more simple to work on, and its a better platform for modification and probably handles just a tad better in non 'm' trim. 325i to 325i it'd probably be a driver's race. 328'd probably outpull the 325 e30 due to extra torque.

The e36 is a solid car. Quiet and competent. The late models (which I have) are very well put together. There's more interior space, more legroom, it's more modern looking and probably more stable at speeds in excess of 100mph. Later models get traction control, keyless entry etc. It's more of a luxurious car, but I personally find it more bland overall.

Plus there are a billion e36s on the road with jackasses like myself driving them, and not-so-many e30s.

It all depends on what you're looking for.
I'd hit up the e30.

[StereoInstaller1]

I just don't know. Looks-wise, I say the E36 is the winner, overall. Performance-wise, The E36 is a winner too. Hmmmm...wonder why I still prefer the E30? I guess it is one of those things that defy logic.

If you offered me a $7K E30 or a $10K E36, I would still go E30.

Have you heard whay the Harley guys say?

"If you understand, no further explanation is necessary.
If you do not understand, no further explanation is possible"

[matte30is]

4 door e36 m3. Best car Evarrrrrrrrr.

[Dave]

My next track car will be an e36. They are getting into the "disposable" range price-wise as well. And are actually easier to come by it seems these days.

Other than the rear subframe issue, (which I would rememdy right away) they are really overall better cars. Drive one, and you'll see.