As a fellow 318is driver with mucho seat time at Watkins Glen, Ill chime in with my track point of view.
My 318is not stock by any stretch of the imagination - heavy suspension work, mild intake and exhaust work (custom CAI, exhaust, Conforti Software)
No A/C, no trunk liner and definately no trunk tar. The 318s didint come with a lot from the factory that explains the weight difference (besides the engine)
My whip weighs in at about 2650 lbs with a spare.
On track I run street tires (BFG G-Force KDs) mounted on 15x7Kosei K1s
Depending with whom I run with, I will run the in the intermediate to advanced/instructor run groups.
I can consistently keep up with / outrun much faster cars in intermediate run groups (e36 M3s, M5s, 911s, 993s, Audi S4 (not the A4 variant) heck even Ferrari 308s) I can harrass Vipers and 993TTs .
In the advanced / instructor run groups keeping up / passing is difficult and a challenge, as most folks are running full blown race cars. 318is vs. a Ferrari Challenge F355 - forget about it. But at least my car is more reliable.
When instructors are not running race cars, I can hold my own.
Ive driven much faster cars on track (1998 M3 and a Z3 M Coupe) and while they were fun, driving BMW 4 cylinder cars on track is an absolute blast and much more rewarding. Driving slow cars fast takes skill and balls. I drive my car at 9/10s to keep the faster equipment in check.
The equalizing factor is the handling. I can brake later, and acclerate earlier or I can carry more speed through the corner as a whole.
Anyone can drive fast in a straight line, fewer can in a corner. The turn is where the fun is.
Of course one cant beat the economy of driving these bullit proof e30s on track. Acquisition cost is low, consumeables are cheap as are parts and the lightweight 318is provides for some amazing consumeable longevity.
In the end its not about what you drive, its how you drive what you got and what you get out of it (skills, experience and fun). Passing faster cars is fun, but thats gravy.
My 318is not stock by any stretch of the imagination - heavy suspension work, mild intake and exhaust work (custom CAI, exhaust, Conforti Software)
No A/C, no trunk liner and definately no trunk tar. The 318s didint come with a lot from the factory that explains the weight difference (besides the engine)
My whip weighs in at about 2650 lbs with a spare.
On track I run street tires (BFG G-Force KDs) mounted on 15x7Kosei K1s
Depending with whom I run with, I will run the in the intermediate to advanced/instructor run groups.
I can consistently keep up with / outrun much faster cars in intermediate run groups (e36 M3s, M5s, 911s, 993s, Audi S4 (not the A4 variant) heck even Ferrari 308s) I can harrass Vipers and 993TTs .
In the advanced / instructor run groups keeping up / passing is difficult and a challenge, as most folks are running full blown race cars. 318is vs. a Ferrari Challenge F355 - forget about it. But at least my car is more reliable.
When instructors are not running race cars, I can hold my own.
Ive driven much faster cars on track (1998 M3 and a Z3 M Coupe) and while they were fun, driving BMW 4 cylinder cars on track is an absolute blast and much more rewarding. Driving slow cars fast takes skill and balls. I drive my car at 9/10s to keep the faster equipment in check.
The equalizing factor is the handling. I can brake later, and acclerate earlier or I can carry more speed through the corner as a whole.
Anyone can drive fast in a straight line, fewer can in a corner. The turn is where the fun is.
Of course one cant beat the economy of driving these bullit proof e30s on track. Acquisition cost is low, consumeables are cheap as are parts and the lightweight 318is provides for some amazing consumeable longevity.
In the end its not about what you drive, its how you drive what you got and what you get out of it (skills, experience and fun). Passing faster cars is fun, but thats gravy.
R.I.P 07/01/09 - 04/23/10 :(
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