BMW E30 325 or Porsche 944
Discussion
I've recently been on the look out for an E30 325 to use as a second / track car, but while surfing the classifieds I just came across what appears to be a nice 2.5L Porsche 944 which has now got me thinking...
What would you choose out of the 2 and how would they compare on running costs etc?
What would you choose out of the 2 and how would they compare on running costs etc?
Is a good question, I've had a few of both, parts nah neither are really pricey from gsf/euro, not in their big brothers of 968/944t or e36 M3 prices anyway. I mean a a 2.5 944 lump can be had for 200 quid off ebay & there is a lot of choice.
Only real pain 944 wise is a clutch, lots more labour needed & the parts not a cheap.
Both have crap wallowy suspension as stock but they will be binned for tracking so not relevant.
Neither are really quick but an e30 is a tad quicker & a lot more tail happy & sounds far better & with lsd in a sport model or off a sport is fantastic for drifting.
Only real pain 944 wise is a clutch, lots more labour needed & the parts not a cheap.
Both have crap wallowy suspension as stock but they will be binned for tracking so not relevant.
Neither are really quick but an e30 is a tad quicker & a lot more tail happy & sounds far better & with lsd in a sport model or off a sport is fantastic for drifting.
Hmmm sounds OK then.
Ultimately I would prefer the BMW, but there's not many near to me and stories of them rusting badly where you can't see worries me a bit.
On the other hand this 944 is only a few miles away from me, although I know practically nothing about them - is there anything specific to look out for with a 944?
Ultimately I would prefer the BMW, but there's not many near to me and stories of them rusting badly where you can't see worries me a bit.
On the other hand this 944 is only a few miles away from me, although I know practically nothing about them - is there anything specific to look out for with a 944?
PetrolHeadSeb said:
What would you choose out of the 2 and how would they compare on running costs etc?
As I know nothing about the Porsche 944 I would go for the E30. Ok I am bias but there are a lot of people tracking E30's and even racing thm for little money http://www.pbmwc.co.uk/
Well they both rot, e30 generaly is worse tho, is in known places tho, 944 is mainly outer sills lower front wings.
I wrote a guide on 944s on here a years back can't find it in a search now tho.
Are varirous forums for you to search on.
I'm a sucker for both e30s & 944s, is also worth a look at 2.5 924S not to be confused with the regular 2.0 924 also, looks a bit skinny vs a 944 but same 2.5 engine, tiny bit less power for early 924S, later = almost the same tho, same running gear & usually cheaper, but 944s are daftly cheap at the mo & seemingly depreciation proof I had a 944 lux 7 yrs ago at 1500 quid would get the same now, I then got an S2 for 3500 & again they get similar now.
911 & Porsche world has article on 924S this month most stuff also applies to the 2.5 944.
A 944 lux/924S is a great 1st rwd car, no its not a rocketship but not really a slug either & sounds good for a 4 pot if not quite e30 325 good.
If you are a rwd novice, the 944 is far less likely to bite you than an e30.
I wrote a guide on 944s on here a years back can't find it in a search now tho.
Are varirous forums for you to search on.
I'm a sucker for both e30s & 944s, is also worth a look at 2.5 924S not to be confused with the regular 2.0 924 also, looks a bit skinny vs a 944 but same 2.5 engine, tiny bit less power for early 924S, later = almost the same tho, same running gear & usually cheaper, but 944s are daftly cheap at the mo & seemingly depreciation proof I had a 944 lux 7 yrs ago at 1500 quid would get the same now, I then got an S2 for 3500 & again they get similar now.
911 & Porsche world has article on 924S this month most stuff also applies to the 2.5 944.
A 944 lux/924S is a great 1st rwd car, no its not a rocketship but not really a slug either & sounds good for a 4 pot if not quite e30 325 good.
If you are a rwd novice, the 944 is far less likely to bite you than an e30.
Edited by iguana on Monday 12th July 22:15
Just really worried about the E30 being rotten to bits under the skin.Cotty said:
Look at them (E30's) properly. find one that has been looked after.
I saw one yesterday - H reg 325 SE 2dr coupe in black with a LSD and M-tec body kit. Current owner has had it 3 years and bought it from a mechanic friend. It was in good condition given it's age, few little bits here and there, interior a bit worn and a few tiny cracks in the dash. Main problem was that it had a little bit of rust bubbling on one of the rear arches and by the side skirt. Mechanically it felt pretty tight though and sounded superb!It's up for around £1800 but needs a brake and suspension overhaul plus a few gaps in the service history so would need to do the cam belt too minimum. I am tempted by it though
Edited by PetrolHeadSeb on Monday 12th July 23:06
PetrolHeadSeb said:
Cotty said:
Look at them (E30's) properly. find one that has been looked after.
I saw one yesterday - H reg 325 SE 2dr coupe in black with a LSD and M-tec body kit. Current owner has had it 3 years and bought it from a mechanic friend. It was in good condition given it's age, few little bits here and there, interior a bit worn and a few tiny cracks in the dash. Main problem was that it had a little bit of rust bubbling on one of the rear arches and by the side skirt. Mechanically it felt pretty tight though and sounded superb!It's up for around £1800 but needs a brake and suspension overhaul plus a few gaps in the service history so would need to do the cam belt too minimum. I am tempted by it though
Edited by PetrolHeadSeb on Monday 12th July 23:06
They way I see it, track days are about fun, not winning. So while its nice to have a fast car I'd personally opt for fun over speed, as there will always be someone faster and even if you are the fastest there is no podium, no winnings and no prize money.
Meaning look at other rwd cars. There's plenty to chose from. Even looking at less e30's such as a 320 might get you a better car for your money. You can always look at swapping in a bigger motor later on.
Cotty said:
PetrolHeadSeb said:
I saw one yesterday - H reg 325 SE 2dr coupe in black with a LSD and M-tec body kit.
Look under the bodykit they hide a multitude of sins. Better to find a clean 316 and swap the engine.Front suspension turrets (under fuse box)
Rear arch liners
Seat belt mounts
Battery box
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