Little bit of advice... [e21 vs e24 vs e30?]

[spl1nt3r]

I'm sure there are quite a few frequent road course drivers. I'm looking to buy a project car for some summer cruising with some occasional track days / driving school days [most likely at the glen]. I've kind of narrowed my search down to an e30 3-series, an e21 320, and an e28 based e24 635. The 6-er and e21 both are 5-spd manuals with an LSD.

I guess my thinking is, will the e21 have enough power for later driving, or will its nimbleness make up for it. I haven't found an example of an e30 that I've liked yet. I know the big motor in the 6-er can pull some great numbers, especially with a little forced induction help, but a turbo on a road course is a completely different experience from an NA car. I've been trying to do my homework and am looking for a bit of help from the people I know drive spirited safely

So which is better, the nimble and underpowered 3, or the more lofty and more powerful 6? Which would you guys feel more comfortable in?

[JoelG]

E30, no brainer. The E24 is a boat and the E21 is a poor handling rustbucket with a weak motor.

E36 v. E30 is a question that might actually be worth debating.

[clopez95m3]

E30, no brainer. The E24 is a boat and the E21 is a poor handling rustbucket with a weak motor.

E36 v. E30 is a question that might actually be worth debating.

100% in agreement, no brainer decision E30 all the way.

Carlos.

[spl1nt3r]

Still want that classic look, so its definately e30 over e36.

Do e24s really handle that poorly? I mean I know they are a little big, but they aren't huge or excessively heavy. Anyone with any experience tracking an e24 care to chime in?

[Matt]

Still want that classic look, so its definately e30 over e36.

Do e24s really handle that poorly? I mean I know they are a little big, but they aren't huge or excessively heavy. Anyone with any experience tracking an e24 care to chime in?

With the classic look comes "classic" handling...

[philsans5]

I've seen 5 6ers racing. Actually, now that I think about it, it was the same one 5 times in that race. Great cars, but if I was going vintage, 3.0 csi.

[tammer]

If you want E24 vintage, the E28 is on the same chassis and is lighter and stiffer. The E24 was prettier, heavier, and slower.

-tammer

[spl1nt3r]

How about the e30 325ix?

[Matt]

How about the e30 325ix?

Not for a track car.

[akhbhaat]

In my opinion, agility trumps power on the track every time. That's speaking in terms of fun factor, not necessarily lap times and numbers (it'll depend upon the course). As a beginning driver, you probably won't be competitive regardless of the car you drive, so go with something that'll help you develop faster and have a good time while doing it.

Most instructors won't hesitate to tell you that starting out with a powerful car can slow your progress and encourage the development of bad habits, as you come to rely on the throttle pedal to power out of corners, rather than doing your best to carry as much speed as possible.

Given those conditions, an E30 is the best choice. Get a 325is with the included LSD (LSD is a BLAST) and have fun with it.

[spl1nt3r]

Not for a track car.

Thats what I thought... damn all wheel-ish drive.

[spl1nt3r]

In my opinion, agility trumps power on the track every time. That's speaking in terms of fun factor, not necessarily lap times and numbers (it'll depend upon the course). As a beginning driver, you probably won't be competitive regardless of the car you drive, so go with something that'll help you develop faster and have a good time while doing it.

Most instructors won't hesitate to tell you that starting out with a powerful car can slow your progress and encourage the development of bad habits, as you come to rely on the throttle pedal to power out of corners, rather than doing your best to carry as much speed as possible.

Given those conditions, an E30 is the best choice. Get a 325is with the included LSD (LSD is a BLAST) and have fun with it.

Well first off, its creepy that your post got longer when I quoted it, haha...

Second, I have a bit of seat time but not nearly enough of course, and don't expect to kill anyone on my laptimes. I had forgotten about the issues of power leading to some bad habits, and have experienced that a touch. All my track time to date is in my uncle's z06 , but its a little difficult for me to want to flog on a car that I don't have time dumped into fixing.

Thanks everyone for the input... keep it coming!

[spl1nt3r]

I'm just a bit worried I'm going to find the limits of the car and its power too fast, but I guess could just make a straight up racecar if that happens

[Serge944]

Power of an e24 or the nimbleness of an e21? e30 trumps those cars in every single category. A 325is is faster than a 635 in all respects, too.

[DaveCN]

e30 - without a doubt