IX vs. I on the track

[granoladude]

Hey there everyone! I was thinking about the advantages that AWD E30s have over normal RWD E30s on the track and at autocrosses today. Of course the big point is the 325ix has power going to all the wheels = better control and fewer spins (of course this is also mostly driver control). Could the downside of this be a lack in power since power has to be distributed to all the wheels instead of just two? I'm still just getting into the E30 scene and the general characteristics of these automobiles, but this was one that I was a bit curious about; mostly because I live on the eastcoast and the winters sure could use an IX, but would this limit my use off the road and onto the autocross course and the track?

Thanks!

[Charlie]

More weight, more drivetrain loss and more understeer. None of these things would be considered "advantages" on a dry track.

-Charlie

[Rigmaster]

IMHO, 325iX might have a slight advantage for novice/low intermediate drivers on track, but once you really get your technique down, I think the 325i/is would have an advantage.

Another thing to consider is that the iX has some pricey parts (transfer case, front diff, etc) that are prone to wear/breakage from hard track use, especially if you start with a 100k+ mileage car and start tracking it. 2WD E30's have plenty of things that wear and break too, but nothing too expensive or hard to find.

If you just want to have a 325iX as a daily driver with the likelyhood of using it in the snow, AND use it for the occasional track day, you're probably fine. I think you may have a slight advantage at an autox if the course was tight.

Bret.

[PeaveyBassist]

RWD e30 with snow tires work AWESOME in the snow. I have used mine for the last 2 seasons with snow tires and have never got stuck. I am only 19 as well so its not like I have a whole lot of driving experience. You don't need the awd for the snow. I say get a 325i.

Will

[silverfbimmer]

RWD e30 with snow tires work AWESOME in the snow. I have used mine for the last 2 seasons with snow tires and have never got stuck. I am only 19 as well so its not like I have a whole lot of driving experience. You don't need the awd for the snow. I say get a 325i.

Will

I have had the same experience with snow tires. I thought nothing would really help and I would have to just suck it up....then I got my snow tires last year and it changed everything. My family is from Massachusetts so I know what the winters can be like, but I don't think you could go wrong with a RWD E30 and a set of snow tires in the winter.

[asubimmer]

I have chains for boone, and never have had any probs

[vivalegreg]

i have an ix and she loves to be thrown around in corners :-)

[ptownTSI]

the fastest cars steer with the front tires and drive with the rear tires.

[silversleeper]

RWD e30 with snow tires work AWESOME in the snow. I have used mine for the last 2 seasons with snow tires and have never got stuck. I am only 19 as well so its not like I have a whole lot of driving experience. You don't need the awd for the snow. I say get a 325i.

Will

my driveway is a steep incline... you think i can make it up with snow tires on my 325i? that would be nice, i think ima buy a set before this next winter.

[Q5Quint]

if whatever you are driving on is NOT dry, the awd will probably help a lot

[Charlie]

if whatever you are driving on is NOT dry, the awd will probably help a lot

Eh, in a good bit of snow, sure. In the wet? Nah. It's not like e30s are traction limited power hogs.

-Charlie

[PeaveyBassist]

You might even get stuck up a steep hill with an iX. Awd doesnt mean you can get through anything. Rwd with snow tires should be good for just about anything.

Will

[beamR X]

You might even get stuck up a steep hill with an iX. Awd doesnt mean you can get through anything. Rwd with snow tires should be good for just about anything.

Will

You make it sound like AWD is totally useless. If RWD is so great in just about anything, why do they even bother with AWD systems.
Dream on...
A well ballanced and driven AWD car will outperform a RWD car in any "less then ideal" condition. I understand your guys' enthusiasm towards your precious posessions (RWD E30s), but it is mainly driven by the placibo and bias towards what you own and no, they are not "great in snow".
I love RWD cars and would never argue their superiority over anything else on the road (dry), but to say that "all you need is good tires in the back" is a gross overstatement, most likely comming from the guys that live in areas that are not climatically challanged or with lots of hills (or both, as in where I am). For wet and snowy climates iX is a great alternative. It is true, however, that AWD isn't "end all, be all" and you can get yourself into a lot of trouble real quick with it if you get cocky.

Is iX a great alternative for auto X? No. The Tcase was never designed for that use (abuse). Great compromise daily driver for all conditions? Yes.

[granoladude]

Wow! Thanks so much for all the replies guys!! I never knew that iX parts were significantly more expensive than straight I parts. Would it be safe to say that if one wanted to get into both autocross and use the car as a daily driver that an 325i would be the way to go? (with snow tires for the winter)

thanks!

[AdironRider]

Yeah seriously boys, Ive owned both an ix and an is (one with a m20 and one with a m42) and the rear wheel drive cars are not awesome in the snow. With snow tires, you shouldnt have much trouble, but they are not going to be near the capabilities of an ix. My ix was sweet, and it was so cool to experience the power shift to the front wheels when you get in trouble. It really is like a safety device to an inexperienced driver.

THat being said, the e30 325ix is several hundred pounds heavier and will have more drivetrain loss, so its not going to be as quick, but that can be overcome.