Escort RS Turbo (S2) vs. E30 325 Vs. MX5
Discussion
Hello Ph'ers.
I am looking at potentially swapping my literally mint MK1 MX5 for an Escort RS Turbo or E30 325. Just want to know what peoples opinions are? I love the fun of the MX5 but would like a little more poke, I like the idea of the BMW as it is still RWD and but not sure if it would feel sporty enough?
The Escort S2 RS Turbo would be pokier again but is FWD and again not sure what these are like to live with.
Genuinely do love my MX5, its a special drive and I love knowing mine has no rust, perfect paint and a solid engine and interior so not sure if it is worth the risk on a cheaper Escort or 325 that may face a big repair bill...finding one of either for a good price that isn't rusted away is a challenge in itself.
Any recommendations? Last time I traded my first MX5 instantly regretted it and I might just be being stupid.
I am looking at potentially swapping my literally mint MK1 MX5 for an Escort RS Turbo or E30 325. Just want to know what peoples opinions are? I love the fun of the MX5 but would like a little more poke, I like the idea of the BMW as it is still RWD and but not sure if it would feel sporty enough?
The Escort S2 RS Turbo would be pokier again but is FWD and again not sure what these are like to live with.
Genuinely do love my MX5, its a special drive and I love knowing mine has no rust, perfect paint and a solid engine and interior so not sure if it is worth the risk on a cheaper Escort or 325 that may face a big repair bill...finding one of either for a good price that isn't rusted away is a challenge in itself.
Any recommendations? Last time I traded my first MX5 instantly regretted it and I might just be being stupid.
but would it be an absolute shed around the £2k mark?Are you concerned about reliability? If so, are you sure the RS Turbo is a wise choice? In my experience, through various friends who have owned them, they do seem to suffer from problems on an almost weekly basis. One friend sold his after growing tired of repairing it every weekend, whereas another friend's RS Turbo broke down whilst viewing another car! 
Escort RS turbo S2 is a complete pile of junk in todays world.
Just go for a quick drive in one and you will see what I am talking about.
Unless you can magicaly find a good original one (eg from the Ford museum) ie one that has not been ruined through having a long list of careless previous numpty owners.
I bought one recently and was shocked how bad it was. Sierra Cosworths of the same age still fell nice to drive, mk3/mk4 escorts do not.
Here's what lets them down;
1) rust
2) more rust (hidden rust)
3) brakes - crap
4) steering - awfull non PAS set up
5) engine - CVH was horrible even when new, 20 years later guaranteed to go pop
6) gearbox - probably knackered, probably lost its lsd long ago
7) interior - the mk4 escort sadly has one of Fords worst attempts
8) suspension, lack thereof, do you want to remove your fillings like this?
9) unreliability - not just cause its a crappy old 20+ yr old escort, but having been messed about with so much over the years with numpty owners it WILL break down.
Just go for a quick drive in one and you will see what I am talking about.
Unless you can magicaly find a good original one (eg from the Ford museum) ie one that has not been ruined through having a long list of careless previous numpty owners.
I bought one recently and was shocked how bad it was. Sierra Cosworths of the same age still fell nice to drive, mk3/mk4 escorts do not.
Here's what lets them down;
1) rust
2) more rust (hidden rust)
3) brakes - crap
4) steering - awfull non PAS set up
5) engine - CVH was horrible even when new, 20 years later guaranteed to go pop
6) gearbox - probably knackered, probably lost its lsd long ago
7) interior - the mk4 escort sadly has one of Fords worst attempts
8) suspension, lack thereof, do you want to remove your fillings like this?
9) unreliability - not just cause its a crappy old 20+ yr old escort, but having been messed about with so much over the years with numpty owners it WILL break down.
I think I have been safely talked out of the Escort RS Turbo. I always thought it was a cool car back in the day but I guess they are proboably cheap for the reasons above.
As for the 325i not being a sports car, it might be a fair bit faster than the MX5 but that doesn't mean it would feel sporty to drive. I didn't want a wallowing old lump of metal round corners basically that could pull in a straight line - MX5 owners know where I am coming from with this as the MX5 is a very sharp drive.
As for the 325i not being a sports car, it might be a fair bit faster than the MX5 but that doesn't mean it would feel sporty to drive. I didn't want a wallowing old lump of metal round corners basically that could pull in a straight line - MX5 owners know where I am coming from with this as the MX5 is a very sharp drive.
As a Ex E30 owner i can assure you there is a VERY good reason why the E30 325i is an 80s icon in terms of its performance/handling/reliability and why people are still keen to own them today.
A E30 just like a MX5 can be very hit and miss, i have driven a few mx5s which i would describe as fffing awful due to having 20 year old bushes/suspension components but only a fool would judge all mx5s because of this. In the same way a E30 with Mtech suspension and bushes/steering components in good condition is a very rewarding car with excellent handling characteristics especially with the M tech LSD set up.
A good E30 guide http://www.eurotuner.com/techarticles/eurp_1006_bm...
A E30 just like a MX5 can be very hit and miss, i have driven a few mx5s which i would describe as fffing awful due to having 20 year old bushes/suspension components but only a fool would judge all mx5s because of this. In the same way a E30 with Mtech suspension and bushes/steering components in good condition is a very rewarding car with excellent handling characteristics especially with the M tech LSD set up.
A good E30 guide http://www.eurotuner.com/techarticles/eurp_1006_bm...
Fair point about the suspension. I'll have a read through the guide you sent looks interesting. Am I right in saying they also have a 6 cylinder 320i? Is that any good? It looks cheaper to buy and I could possibly pick up a cleaner example if its not an epic downgrade from the 325i.
On another note, would love to turbo the MX5...where can you do it for a grand though? Kits I have seen are £1500+ .
On another note, would love to turbo the MX5...where can you do it for a grand though? Kits I have seen are £1500+ .
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff