Well, I've now experienced driving an eta...

[Mystikal]

Automatic. Bronzit. 4-door. Non-sport cloth seats.

It's a loaner from a local BMW shop, my car is having Inspection II, timing belt, water pump, rear brakes, and other small jobs completed. I just can't believe how different this car is from mine. The doors sound cheap when you open and close them, the steering wheel feels massive and creates the illusion of a slower ratio, the transmission SUCKS (kickdown is not in its vocabulary), the seats had me flopping around even in routine driving...

I mean, if I had never driven a 325iS, it probably would have felt great. More substance than a Japanese car of the same size or price for sure. I just can't believe these cars are based on the same platform, it felt so different.

Guys who have driven both, share your thoughts. I'm interested in other's opinions.

[e30sd]

so basically you're apologizing to anyone who owns an eta

[Gr00v3]

i'm an ex eta driver and you're right, without any previous bias, they feel great. but on to bigger and better things
________
CHEAP AIRSOFT MAGAZINE

[///M Powered]

I haven't been behind the wheel of both, but have been driven in both( haha aaron i know you loved it), at WOT and the difference is funny. Hmm, my 5 speed m10 vs. auto eta, that'd be the longest race ever.

[Mystikal]

so basically you're apologizing to anyone who owns an eta

I'm warning them to never get behind the wheel of a loaded B25 car. :shock:

[MR 325]

I have both an Eta and a 325i... They are totally different cars to drive, it's as simple as tat. It's as if they don't share the E30 name at all. As much of a fucking pile my Eta is, I still love it, it's a fun thrasher car.

[aaron_silva]

I haven't been behind the wheel of both, but have been driven in both( haha aaron i know you loved it), at WOT and the difference is funny. Hmm, my 5 speed m10 vs. auto eta, that'd be the longest race ever.

Mike, your car would have toasted the eta. I equate driving the eta to driving an underpowered golf cart. You try to get to go fast but it is like you have a hamster wheel under the hood. I did however have the luxury of driving a 5 speed.

Aaron

[James Crivellone]

Driven both, and I would still take my eta over an unmodded 325is.

the m20b25 cars are nice, but its not THAT much of an improvement to me.


I love my ETA, and while I have personally outgrown my engine I still love to hear it whine in the upper rpm range. I beat the shit out of it, and all I get in response is good response and one hell of a sound.


now a stock per stock comparison would be 325i no question. (87 only kthx ;) )

and an automatic eta...been there, done that...NEVER AGAIN

[rwh11385]

My uncle has an eta I've driven a few times, but it's not stock. Chipped and now has a 325i exhaust on it. But it's not the same pull. It feeels quick, like you can sense the car being pulled, but there is no top end, no roaring i cam in there......a disappointment. It was cool to cruise around, which is all it can really do because there is nothing to happen when you put the hammer down.

I'm glad I have a 325is, that is for sure. I need to get in a 318is as I've never driven one to my knowledge and am waiting for my friend to get his 88 M3 repaired so I can get behind the wheel......of its 2.5L Evo awesomeness.

It you need to get around. Yeah, eta's are good. I'd probably rather have the inline four, but always feel so empty when you acceleration. Huff and puff, but not get anywhere. You cannot huff too much in the eta, or at least that was my feeling. Maybe a shorter gearing would have helped. But the 6 is nice, but is lacking a lot of what I like about the b25.

[Schniddy]

So for someone who will be a beginner at driving and will only, for the most part, be driving short distences ( very curvy and hilly roads might I add) an ETA will be perfect to start out with? Might as well start low and work my way up eh?

[ColdAccord]

you seem to imply that there's more of a difference? sound of the doors? i would imagine just motor/tranny/seats, no?

[KenC]

you seem to imply that there's more of a difference? sound of the doors? i would imagine just motor/tranny/seats, no?

My car definitely feels 'cheaper' than Jordans. I've noticed the door thing too. Mine feel like they're straight off of a Geo. Jordan's definitely feel more solid.

[Downey]

what is an ETA? is it a 325e?

[808BMW]

Grey is my 325i
Blue is my dad's 325e

Yes, there is a difference, and even if something is the exact same, it just "feels" different. I mean everything, the clutch, brakes, steering, and most of all, power :P

Once I get that white one running, I think it'll be an absolute blast to drive. Fear the auto m10.

[ColdAccord]

whats the difference? different soundproofing? different side panels, like door panels and stuff:?