Which car would you say has better driveability? (i.e. which one goes up steep inclines more easily?) I already know the 325i is faster in sense of 0-60 time, but I tend to keep my revs in the 2k-3k range for day-to-day driving. The 325e engine has much better low-end torque (170 lb*ft at 3250 RPM vs 167 lb*ft at 4300 RPM for the 325i), which I would equate with better driveability, but its also geared much taller than the 325i, which probably kills rear wheel torque. For all intents and purposes, I am referring to stock examples of both cars.
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325e vs 325i driveability
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Well, considering that both cruise at different RPM, both have different gearing and powerbands (depending on the rear end ratio), so I'm not sure if there's a real answer here. Perhaps you are asking which one will climb a steep hill in 5th? If so, neither, but the 325i might feel more strained hill climbing in a lower gear as it will be turning more RPM.
Having had both I'd say that I enjoyed the gearing setup in a manual 325i more than a 325e, but neither lack poke, and both will handle regular driving with ease.
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Honestly you'll be downshifting either car to go up steep hills. Stock e30s aren't that powerful to begin with..
Eventhough I have 4.10 gears in my 325i. I'm still going down into 4th on steep hills on back roads. Now on the interstate and i hit a mountain, i can stay in 5th. But at 70mph I'm turning 3600+ rpms.
1992 BMW 325iC
1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo1965 Chevrolet Corvair Monza 140hp
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If you’re keeping your revs up, definitely the i motor. An eta can be decent if you swap the rear gear, but it’s kind of tedious with the stock diff.
The big thing is this: The tall geared eta is going to float down the highway better. The short geared i is going to drive around town a lot better. What are you after?2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4WD LBZ/Allison
2002 BMW M3 Alpinweiß/Black
1999 323i GTS2 Alpinweiß
1995 M3 Dakargelb/Black - S50B32/S6S420G/3.91
1990 325is Brilliantrot/Tan
1989 M3 Alpinweiß/Black
Hers: 1996 Porsche 911 Turbo Black/Black
Hers: 1988 325iX Coupe Diamantschwartz/Black 5spd
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i have a 323i 5speed, but i still have the 3.45 diff in it. Sits on around 2500 on the highway. It has enough power to be fun, but the longish ratio makes it very nice cruising along as well. the 325e and 325i are more powerful than mine so youll be right. e30 weighs nothing, id wager there is no worries driving them around highway or not regardless of what engine is in them (except for maybe that m10...just how slow is an m10?)
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325e vs 325i driveability
Someone once said that the e30 is a momentum machine and I tend to agree. At least in stock form.
My stock ‘iS’ is fine around town and the freeway for the most part.
However, it takes a bit of work to get back up to speed after a slow poke gets in front of you at cruising speed. This happened to me recently on a trip to Sedona on a mountain pass. It was the only time I wished for more power.
Okay okay, maybe not the only time I wished for more power. But I do love my little m20 though. She pulls hard for the mileage she has.90 Bronzit 325is
16 Black Sapphire 340i M Sport
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Originally posted by nrubenstein View PostIf you’re keeping your revs up, definitely the i motor. An eta can be decent if you swap the rear gear, but it’s kind of tedious with the stock diff.
The big thing is this: The tall geared eta is going to float down the highway better. The short geared i is going to drive around town a lot better. What are you after?Simon
Current Cars:
-1999 996.1 911 4/98 3.8L 6-Speed, 21st Century Beetle
Make R3V Great Again -2020
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All about diff ratio, assuming stock-for-stock. 3.73 vs 2.93 is probably going to make the biggest differenceOriginally posted by priapismMy girl don't know shit, but she bakes a mean cupcake.Originally posted by shamesonUsually it's best not to know how much money you have into your e30
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i have one of each. the i is for sure beefier and faster all around but the eta is a perfectly fine car. drives around town with some pep and cruises the highway nicely.
the sad part is they are both autos (not for long though) the i will finally get a manual in 10k miles when i replace the timing belt and head gasket and the eta will get hers when i scratch up some cash in the late fall.
both are dailys.
that being said, i use the gears in the 325i auto like a manual a lot of the time. the getrag is a monster and will not break. i've been working that fucking auto hard for the last 18 years hoping it will shit the bed so i can get the manual...nope.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
'90 325i sedan daily driven
'85 325e coupe also a daily
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Originally posted by cheffy30 View Postthat being said, i use the gears in the 325i auto like a manual a lot of the time. the getrag is a monster and will not break. i've been working that fucking auto hard for the last 18 years hoping it will shit the bed so i can get the manual...nope.Simon
Current Cars:
-1999 996.1 911 4/98 3.8L 6-Speed, 21st Century Beetle
Make R3V Great Again -2020
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The slushbox’s effective lack of first gear kills it for me.
For an old auto it’s surprisingly responsive.
That said, stick all the way. I’m waiting for my friend to clear his lift, then i’ll be swapping our “new” iX later this summer.2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4WD LBZ/Allison
2002 BMW M3 Alpinweiß/Black
1999 323i GTS2 Alpinweiß
1995 M3 Dakargelb/Black - S50B32/S6S420G/3.91
1990 325is Brilliantrot/Tan
1989 M3 Alpinweiß/Black
Hers: 1996 Porsche 911 Turbo Black/Black
Hers: 1988 325iX Coupe Diamantschwartz/Black 5spd
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Originally posted by rmdashrf View PostThe 4 speed auto is a ZF 4HP22. Getrag makes the manual 260.
I've had both and wish I still had the auto. It's the only time I don't remember hating a slushbox.
Sent from my GM1915 using Tapatalk
i have zero complaints about this auto except for the fact it will not stop working perfectly...lol~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
'90 325i sedan daily driven
'85 325e coupe also a daily
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