E46 325 Vs. Acura RSX for race car build-up???

[fantastixvoyage]

Here's the deal. The company I work for does powertrain testing/evaluation/development/etc. and we want to build a race car as a play toy for the employees. We have a 2003 RSX coupe shell and I'm currently testing a 2003 325i 4 dr. They both have their advantages and such but just wanted some opinions. I know this forum is going to obviously have bias towards the BMW which is fine because my boss is leaning towards the RSX and I need more info/ammo on the BMW.

Both cars will require a motor so it will probably be a type S powerplant or an M3 engine/tans. They will both be gutted and the RSX is a manual, BMW will be converted from auto to 6spd manual.

Any thoughts????

[SilverStreak]

do you want rwd or fwd... ?

you're gonna get a bias here, you realize...

[NegativeCambre]

The RSX race car is doing GREAT in the world challenge series right now. I'm not sure on the details, but it seems like its giving the Turner car a real run for its money.

Steve

[LukeG]

hmmm tell him to get the ls1 corvette engine for the car

[MR 325]

I think the RSX is a piece of shit.

[tEckniks]

the rsx is pretty nice... i was thinkin of gettin one before switchin to bmw

[Flawless]

The RSX probably will have alot more room to grow than the BMW just because its a honda and the aftermarket will be Huge.

[GreekDriver]

I don't like either of those cars. Why are you guys using such an new car. An old E30, or a Nissan 240 would be great.

[GEN3RIC]

The RSX has just as much potential as the ITR, but I would probably go for the 325 with all the goodies..who doesn't want to own a car like that?

[dansciol]

Go with the 325, personally I don't think a race car should ever be front wheel drive.

[Mark85]

Originally posted by dansciol
Go with the 325, personally I don't think a race car should ever be front wheel drive.

thats exactly how i feel

RWD all the way

[Sekurit]

Go for the E46 over the DC5. The suspension on the RSX is a little limited due to it being a McP setup and coupled with FWD. Yea, Realtime did very good last year in SWC but they were also running a very expensive Moton set-up. There's rumor this year that they may even be switching from the RSX to the TSX due to it being double wishbone. And remember what car came in first in front of the RSX in the championship...an E46. Not that it matters though, I just thought I would put that in for ya...

[fantastixvoyage]

Thanks guys this is exactly the comments/advice I'm looking for. We have the resources to follow either path and I'm really hoping for the 325. Not sure what class, etc we will run in, but it will for sure be road course/ no autocross. Would be nice to get into the Touring class but we'll see how much $$$$$$ the company's willing to put in. Anyone know what powerplant would be best suited for the 325? I assume a 3.2L M3 motor.

Keep the posts coming!!!!

[Auraraptor]

3 letters: RWD

[bugkiller]

my vote goes for the e46. RWD will own.

[BluePrint]

The rsx will be the best bang for the buck, plus I'm not sure why you would want a 4 door race car.

[fantastixvoyage]

The RSX by far the best bang for the buck but we will probably be able to get sponsorship. If not then we have already talked about using a Type R motor. Not real familiar with it but supposedly its been raced for years and there's a lot in the aftermarket for it.

I totally agree on the rwd vs. fwd mentality. However concerning the 4dr comment isn't turner motorsports car a 4 dr? I assume they actually like the longer wheel base (assuming 2&4 doors are different). There was a great article on this car in European Car a while back, I'll have to check and see. Man was I suprised at what they put into this car! I think it was something like $100K per motor! I built motors for APBA Super Cats that barely cost that much and made a reliable 1200hp! The Touring class didn't seem that high tech until I started looking into it.

[ghard]

4 doors = less chasis flex

[hsmith]

Go with the E46 325. :D

[///MEric]

if yea want bang for the buck go for the rsx but if yea want a proven car the 325 is the one.

[Red Herring]

I agree, rsx = cheaper but 325 = better

[Coupe E36]

ya if its between the RSX and 325 i say 325 because the RWD is such a great feature a lot better then a FWD car.. it is true the RSX would be better in future as its a HONDA and aftermarket will be anywhere from Pepboys to ur local liquor store. But a 325 stock itself is pretty damn good, suspension, power, and once again RWD.. and if gutted and transplanted with a 6 spd tranny and a M3 engine it would take out an RSX for sure.. but if you want u can go for a 240sx and drop in a SR20 Motor in there, that will be one beast!! (seen with my own eyes a nissan sentra w/Sr20 motor take out a VIPER by a car length) ..

- Let us know of wat car u chose to do, and post some pics/updates on the project :)

[Mark85]

325 with euro spec 3.2 motor would be a nice car...i wouldnt have it any other way

[fantastixvoyage]

Thanks Guys. I am using a lot of your advice in meetings here over this topic. We have the RSX shell for sure and we are waiting to here if the customer wants to do any testing on the 325 shell. If not then I will need to start looking for a euro 3.2!!!! Good thing our company's world headquarters are in Aachen, Germany!

[Dr_Bake]

I say drop an S54 in there...And maybe a supercharger for good measure. :)

[Digitalwave]

rear wheel drive -nt-

///MEric, how is the 325 more proven? I would have to say in racing, the RSX is more proven than an E46 325i.

[Sekurit]

Originally posted by Digitalwave
rear wheel drive -nt-

I would have to say in racing, the RSX is more proven than an E46 325i.

How so?