E30 or E36 (bmw noob)

[Erukian]

I'm familiar with japanese cars. I'm coming from a Lexus SC300 which is basically a 4th gen supra, same motor/tranny/suspension, so it's putting out 425rwhp or so (no crazy boost).

Anyway, lately i've been doing lots of lapping days at tracks. Pacific Raceways,, Laguna Seca, Portland international, so far this year. This was after i finished building my SC. I realize after doing all these events that there are cars that work on the track, the SC is not exactly one of them. Even after i put a lot of work into building a pretty badass custom bilstein coilover that worked great, the BMW's still handle the turns better.

I'm not looking for a track car, I'm looking for a daily driver/weekend warrior. I see lots of M3's at lapping days but the E30 and E36 platforms are what interest me the most. I like the potential that both cars have and that's really what intrigues me.

I know this is a E30 forum, but i'd like to hear the pros and cons of a E30 vs a E36. I know about the weight factor and the E36 has a multi link rear setup which arguably gives it better handling. But really, besides one car being bigger (my lexus is 3500lbs and i can track it fine) what are some real pros and cons? Maintenance costs, etc.

It's time for me to move on, i found a insanely clean and well maintained hellrot red 1995 (obd1) M3 in my area that was a blast to drive.

Thanks and I appreciate any reponses/opinions.
-Joe

[Motorsports]

E30s are more involving to drive, which i think makes the car more fun to drive. The M20 motor that comes in the E30 I think that its a good motor, but E36s M50,52 or S50,52. Feels much more modern. They're 24v motor opposed to 12v in the m20. They come with variable valve timing. But i believe that earlier BMWs were better built. Thats why i would prefer an E30 with a E36 motor or a stock E30 M3.

[backtrail69]

Generally a e36 m3 makes a better daily/lapping day car. The suspension design is much better, it has more power, better brakes and coming from a SC it will feel like a gokart. I personally like the old school cars... I am a 2002 guy that moved up to E30 for the fuel injection and modernness of the 80s. I like e30s because they are simple, reliable, nimble and cosmetically pleasing to me oh ya... dirt cheap.

[Ray McCooney]

E36 = an actual aftermarket (legitimate)

[Raxe]

If you wreck an e30 there are 10 more to snag parts/body pieces from.

Other than that, the E36 is probably a better daily/weekend warrior car. The e30 is much more of a cult car, but not necessarily as convenient.

[Xuracing]

Get a e30. unless you want another car that's heavy, and doesn't handle as well. The e30 is much lighter and much cheaper to replace in the event of an mishaps as well.

I used to own a MKIV Supra T66 single turbo supra, i actually bought the e30 by accident because the supra motor suffered crank walk and i had to get a daily driver quick, and i saw it for sale cheap so i picked one up and i was quite surprised none the less after the first turn.

[Hodge]

E36's are far better for daily driving, unless you have an E30 318is.