Some help and advice needed - E36 M3 vs. 328i
Discussion
I'd like an E36 328i sport or M3, but rather than the usual questions of 'Which is faster?' (the M3) or 'Which is cheaper to run?' (the 328), I have a different question: which is the better car to learn how to drive a RWD car? I'm interested in knowing whether I'd be better off learning the basics of driving a quick RWD car in the (presumably) more forgiving 328i before moving up to the M3, or just diving in at the deep end with an M3.
I should say that I've had a 328i before for a short while, but it was a bad example with b*ggered rear suspension and was only used as a commuting tool. At the time I was out of the country a lot and didn't have any spare time to get it sorted, so after a few months I sold it. This time around the car will be a weekend plaything, used for hooning and the occasional trackday and 'Ring trip.
It goes without saying that either car will be shod with decent tyres and have the various bushes and suspension top mounts sorted before any serious driving is attempted.
Has anyone got any advice as to which I should be considering?
I should say that I've had a 328i before for a short while, but it was a bad example with b*ggered rear suspension and was only used as a commuting tool. At the time I was out of the country a lot and didn't have any spare time to get it sorted, so after a few months I sold it. This time around the car will be a weekend plaything, used for hooning and the occasional trackday and 'Ring trip.
It goes without saying that either car will be shod with decent tyres and have the various bushes and suspension top mounts sorted before any serious driving is attempted.
Has anyone got any advice as to which I should be considering?
Well judging by the fact you've posted in the ///M section I say you already know the answer 
One is a decent coupe, the other makes a very good stab at being proper GT/Sportscar.
My M3 was my first RWD car. The first thing I did was take it to a desserted wet roundabout and stayed there until I was lapping it on the lockstops.
RWD isn't scary as long as you don't treat like it an underpowered front driver.
If you're going on the track, then the M3 is you're only option. Don't let anyone try and convince you otherwise. Today, 193bhp isn't 'quick' and the 328 is unlikely to have an LSD (they were an option).
One is a decent coupe, the other makes a very good stab at being proper GT/Sportscar.
My M3 was my first RWD car. The first thing I did was take it to a desserted wet roundabout and stayed there until I was lapping it on the lockstops.
RWD isn't scary as long as you don't treat like it an underpowered front driver.
If you're going on the track, then the M3 is you're only option. Don't let anyone try and convince you otherwise. Today, 193bhp isn't 'quick' and the 328 is unlikely to have an LSD (they were an option).
ASBO said:
The first thing I did was take it to a desserted wet roundabout and stayed there until I was lapping it on the lockstops.
I'm not sure I'd be ready for that straight away! I drive a Volvo V70 T5 at present so I'm used to big turbocharged power delivery and absolutely no handling whatsoever. Jumping from that into an M3 and going sideways round roundabouts is probably not going to happen!
Yes, you're right, posting in the ///M forum does mean I'm leaning towards the M3, but I just wanted to be sure that I'm not running before I can walk when it comes to learning how to drive an RWD car quickly. Start small and work upwards has always been the way I've learnt other things, so I figured it would translate to driving, too...
hostile17 said:
Start small and work upwards has always been the way I've learnt other things, so I figured it would translate to driving, too...
Nonsense.If you really are that worried, then shell out a few quid on an instructor course.
The M3 is a pussycat to drive. If you do push it, it's very easy to control.
You'll learn a lot about RWD in either - the early 328s came with an LSD (in Sport spec, at least), whereas '95 on saw ASC (traction control) instead - easily switchable, and not that advanced.
Whichever you go for, go easy with it until you're comfortable with how it'll react. I'd strongly suggest finding an empty bit of land and giving it some stick with nothing to hit, so you can see what it does and how you control it.
They're definitely controllable, but will bite if provoked!
(In case it's not clear from the above, I'm recommending the M3!)
Whichever you go for, go easy with it until you're comfortable with how it'll react. I'd strongly suggest finding an empty bit of land and giving it some stick with nothing to hit, so you can see what it does and how you control it.
They're definitely controllable, but will bite if provoked!
(In case it's not clear from the above, I'm recommending the M3!)
My 4ft 11inch tall wife who's a bit of a scardycat potters around in our evo happily enough. the speed it relative to how hard you push the go pedal otherwise it's just a 3 series.
re learning RWD (not out of choice, more about ££ I started with an e36 318is coupe then a 328 sport and now the Evo.
re learning RWD (not out of choice, more about ££
I started with an e36 318is coupe then a 328 sport and now the Evo. hostile17 said:
Sounds like there's no harm in going straight for the M3, though I think I will a) take it somewhere deserted and find the limits in safety; b) get some instruction.
Bruntingthorpe in Leicstershire is a good spot for this. If they've got nothing on you can pay £50/hr and just hoon about. Lots of nice wide corners to practice on too.Bruntingthorpe in M3 Evo
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