E30 vs E46

[Eliminator]

It looks like I'll be heading to Willow springs (big track) in a month or so for an open track event with my Dad. I can't decide which car to take:

2000 328ci. ZHP suspension (very, very nice handling), otherwise stock. 5-speed, ~190hp, about 3300 lbs, staggered stock 17's . I've been very, very impressed with the handling and braking on this car.

'88 325is. M3 springs, Koni yellows, 15x7 wheels, otherwise stock. Automatic, ~170hp, about 2800 lbs.

On a tighter more technical track I would definitely choose the E30. But at Willow springs I suspect hp, aero, and braking is more of a consideration. If tires were equal, which do you think would be quicker?

My Dad is bringing his 2002 Acura CL type S (automatic), completely stock. We are both pretty good drivers. I would really like to turn a quicker lap time than him, and vice-versa. It will be fun. ;)

[Jean]

I'll have to go with the e46 in this case just because it's not an auto like you e30, even though it's only got 20 more hp but 500lbs more of weight .... I would go with e30 if it was a manual though.

[Eliminator]

I'll have to go with the e46 in this case just because it's not an auto like you e30, even though it's only got 20 more hp but 500lbs more of weight .... I would go with e30 if it was a manual though.

IIRC, my old car (which didn't corner as well as either of my BMW's), would enter the main strait at over 80mph and would be well over 100 at the end of that strait. The E30 doesn't seem to pull as well as the E46 at those speeds. The question is, does the E30 corner well enough to make up for the relative lack of top end speed?

I'm leaning toward the E46, but not 100% sure. Regardless, as long as I can put the smack down on that Acura, I'll be a happy camper.. ;)

[Dave]

The e30 should carry more speed through the corners, but I don't know how the slush boxes gearing is going to affect things.

At Mid-Ohio, on the back straight, I'd get blown away by the e46 and e36 Ms, and I'd top out at around 122-123, (not sure where they top out) and then catch up with them, chase them around the track, and lose them again as we went out of the keyhole and back onto that straight.

These days, with insurance being how it is, I'd go with the e30, unless you can afford to wad up the e46 and risk maybe not getting paid by InsCo.

[joshh]

Which ever one has better tires.

[2002maniac]

either one will be 10x faster than the acura.

[joshh]

That Acura has 260hp.

[Eliminator]

That Acura has 260hp.

I know. I'm not too worried though since it's front wheel drive and weighs a ton. Also, I don't think the brakes will hold up very well for track use.

[Brian D]

Speedventures?

[erik325i]

I'd take the e46 simply because the e30 has a crapbox tranny.

-Erik

[Eliminator]

Speedventures?

NASA

[KenC]

I'd take the e46 simply because the e30 has a crapbox tranny.

-Erik

and because it's faster, brakes better, and handles better.

[trent]

any body have times at willow? on my old car i was at low 1.40s

[Eliminator]

any body have times at willow? on my old car i was at low 1.40s

I was doing 1:45's in my AMC Hornet, which I thought was OK considering the poor tires and absolutely horrible brakes that car has. Both BMWs are slower, but will out-handle and out-brake the AMC by an enormous margin. I'm curious how the lap times will compare.

[Rennsport]

e46... 12 years of development can change alot. why would bmw build a slower car?