Cars that compare to the E30

[MikeK]

I think the GC8 was awesome fun to drive in stock form with a 5spd. Just enough power to have fun.

[Das Delfin]

As someone who's owned 5 of them and 3 e30's, I'd say they feel very much the same, especially the Series 4 (86-88) FC's.

The N/A models are akin to late model 318i's.. slightly underpowered, but light and chuckable, while the Turbo II's compare more to the 325.

I've always thought the rx-7 was neat but I know nothing about rotary engines so I've always stayed away. But that would be a good candidate for a next car... or a Saab 92x

[Das Delfin]

^ he also drove an e36 convertible later on. I've been watching his stuff for a while. His 240 video is gold. His e30 video makes me cry on the inside

[BobombETA]

I love the regular car reviews! I think the e46 and e38 one are great. I really wished they did a 325i instead of a 318i when he did the e30. Also he really needed to drive are more stock e36 instead of the modified one he got.

The modified one wasn't even stanced like he said... But yeah, he should have driven a more stock one.

[stonea]

I love the regular car reviews! I think the e46 and e38 one are great. I really wished they did a 325i instead of a 318i when he did the e30. Also he really needed to drive are more stock e36 instead of the modified one he got.

[24v e30]

+1 for the RX-7

As someone who's owned 5 of them and 3 e30's, I'd say they feel very much the same, especially the Series 4 (86-88) FC's.

The N/A models are akin to late model 318i's.. slightly underpowered, but light and chuckable, while the Turbo II's compare more to the 325.

[george graves]

You all should add this channel to your youtube subscription list. They cover everthing from DMC Deloreans, to Subaru BRATs.

https://www.youtube.com/user/RegularCars

Here's a sample - e46 review. The e30 get brought up in the first 10 seconds, and it's spot on funny.

[Vincent Brick]

Similar size, German chassis, IRS. I was obsessed with them as a kid, my 4th grade teacher almost bought one new and gave me the sales brochure since he knew I liked them, still have it. An old roommate had an XR4Ti I turned wrenches on with him, would love to own a nice one.

[Stanley Rockafella]

iirc XR4Ti's were relatively common in Canada in the late 80's

[george graves]

Saab 900

IIRC the "Saab 900 SPG" was the M3ish car from Saab. FWD - so, yea. But built by fighter plane engineers so YES!

XR4Ti/Sierra

I'm amazed at how often a xr4ti comes up given they are so few of them in the states.

[Vincent Brick]

My votes go to AE86, XR4Ti/Sierra and laugh if you will but Fox body Mustang, especially notchback, SVO and Capri variants.

I loved my early twin cam Dodge Neons and always wanted a RWD equivalent, I have found the E30 and AE86 coupe close to that having owned both now. I could go on an embarrassingly long philosophical tirade on the parallels in comparing the E30 to AE86 and the Les Paul to Stratocaster, respectively.

[ainadude]

Someone already mentioned the Saab 900 Turbo. Personally, I'd say its smaller, lighter predecessor, the 99 Turbo, is a better match. Was considered superior to an E21 323i by at least some European auto pubs; can't say how it compares to a well-sorted E30, but my non-turbo 99LE was a blast to drive (wish it looked as nice as the one below ... would pay real money for one like it)

[keefy6]

George/Matthugie that's kind of what I thought...the MR2 is a good one

[Nesset]

I'm on the 190e is the only comparable car to the E30 bandwagon. Sorry but no 4 cylinder Japanese car is remotely similar other than maybe drivetrain.

[markseven]

Man, all I remember is that they had a really bad rep as a turd - mechanics hated working on them, and they didn't exactly handle well or fast in any measurable way. A few years later Toyota released the mr2, but even that was kinda a disappointment as it was plastic interior, and had no real soul. Awesome idea, but fell short.

The Fiero GT ended up as a used car no one wanted to spend the money to fix, and all have been recycled since.

You can tell a good car from bad by how many are left on the road. Like old Volvo 240's and such. Not to say a 240 is like a e30.

Did someone already mention a VW Golf GTI, or Corrado? That's kinda a 90's budget sports car. Merkur XR4Ti comes to mind. Oh, and there was a 4 door cosworth powered (ford of europe) UK only car. Astroria? Or something. 400 HP, it could do 200 mph, way, way ahead if it's time.

I remember the first-gen MR2 being very well received by the automotive press and was in many ways a big success. IIRC it was on many 10-Best lists. My cousin bought one an 87MY and absolutely loved it.