e36 m3 vs mx5 which is most fun?
Discussion
Hi
I am looking to buy a weekend/track car and have narrowed it down to an e36 m3 or mx5. I drive a 320td compact everyday so want something rear wheel drive but a bit more fun with a LSD!
Now I know the mx5 will be cheaper to run but I could probably stretch to the m3.
So I would like to know peoples opinions on what is most fun to drive.
I am drawn to the mx5 as its lightweight and excellent handling. But would the lack of power become an issue, can you still slide around (in the correct environment of course) even without the big torque?
I am drawn to a m3 as I like BMW's would love an m3. But when I drive my road car I do feel like its too heavy, although generally enjoy it other than that. Will the m3 feel heavy when on track or does the 280bhp and m car suspension make up for it?
So is it worth paying a bit more for the m3 or will I have more fun in an mx5 anyway?
Thanks for reading.
I am looking to buy a weekend/track car and have narrowed it down to an e36 m3 or mx5. I drive a 320td compact everyday so want something rear wheel drive but a bit more fun with a LSD!
Now I know the mx5 will be cheaper to run but I could probably stretch to the m3.
So I would like to know peoples opinions on what is most fun to drive.
I am drawn to the mx5 as its lightweight and excellent handling. But would the lack of power become an issue, can you still slide around (in the correct environment of course) even without the big torque?
I am drawn to a m3 as I like BMW's would love an m3. But when I drive my road car I do feel like its too heavy, although generally enjoy it other than that. Will the m3 feel heavy when on track or does the 280bhp and m car suspension make up for it?
So is it worth paying a bit more for the m3 or will I have more fun in an mx5 anyway?
Thanks for reading.
E36 M3 is a great car but always expensive to upgrade/repair
I'd suggest that you save the cash and go for a track prepped MX5 thats obviously got a few bits on it there's a nice one in the track car classifieds at the momment.
you'll have a lot more fun knowing its a cheap to repair and maintain car if that makes sense, if you find it lacking in power after a while there are many reputable MX5 tuners out there also many options with regards to tuning routes such as throttle bodies, supercharging or turbocharging for not masses of dosh. But if you get a well sorted 1.8 MX and your'e able to nail the corner speeds you'll keep up with some far more expensive machinery on twisty circuits .....
I'd suggest that you save the cash and go for a track prepped MX5 thats obviously got a few bits on it there's a nice one in the track car classifieds at the momment.
you'll have a lot more fun knowing its a cheap to repair and maintain car if that makes sense, if you find it lacking in power after a while there are many reputable MX5 tuners out there also many options with regards to tuning routes such as throttle bodies, supercharging or turbocharging for not masses of dosh. But if you get a well sorted 1.8 MX and your'e able to nail the corner speeds you'll keep up with some far more expensive machinery on twisty circuits .....
i would go for the mx-5, you can drive the arse of it all weekend on a track day and have a great time without the worry of expensive repair bills.
you can have so much more fun in something simple like an mx-5, and driving is about fun, not how much it costs or how fast you can go.
the mx-5 will put a massive smile on your face!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
you can have so much more fun in something simple like an mx-5, and driving is about fun, not how much it costs or how fast you can go.
the mx-5 will put a massive smile on your face!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mortey said:
But would the lack of power become an issue, can you still slide around (in the correct environment of course) even without the big torque?
Depends on tyres but on track and in the wet it's easy. If you're worried about power, find a supercharged one. Plus being able to go round the track with the hood down is awesome.Seriously ?
M3 hands down, the E36 M3 is so underrated in this forum its getting comical.
a mobile jelly with an average 4 cylinder engine and gearbox and no LSD and wooly steering feel,
or a
a sort of Rigid coupe ( or even a mobile jelly ) with one of the greatest inline 6's ever, ( a slick 5 speed or a decent 6sp ) a LSD and great handling and steering feel, not to mention quite abit of power, plus a decent interior.
Awaits the reaction of everyone to point and abuse me that the MX5 is indeed the better car
M3 hands down, the E36 M3 is so underrated in this forum its getting comical.
a mobile jelly with an average 4 cylinder engine and gearbox and no LSD and wooly steering feel,
or a
a sort of Rigid coupe ( or even a mobile jelly ) with one of the greatest inline 6's ever, ( a slick 5 speed or a decent 6sp ) a LSD and great handling and steering feel, not to mention quite abit of power, plus a decent interior.
Awaits the reaction of everyone to point and abuse me that the MX5 is indeed the better car
Edited by C5L on Tuesday 25th January 04:35
Mortey said:
But would the lack of power become an issue, can you still slide around (in the correct environment of course) even without the big torque?
Yes.There's an excellent clip somewhere (can't find it now, sorry) of a track day where, IIRC, a GT40 goes past the camera, followed by an MX-5. It's easy to tell who's having more fun
Both would make excellent track cars - with the M3 being considerably more expensive to trun I would imagine.
You want to try getting your facts straight. Why not construct a decent pros and cons argument instead of writing inaccurate b
ks?
C5L said:
Seriously ?
a mobile jelly with an average 4 cylinder engine and gearbox and no LSD and wooly steering feel,
a mobile jelly with an average 4 cylinder engine and gearbox and no LSD and wooly steering feel,
You want to try getting your facts straight. Why not construct a decent pros and cons argument instead of writing inaccurate b
ks?MX-5 for the road, M3 for the track.
My second car was a 1.6 Eunos and my third car was a 3.0 E36 M3.
I never had as much fun driving the M3 because I was always thinking "what if". I loved owning and driving it but I was always a bit scared of it, whereas in the MX-5 you felt like you could push the boundaries a bit more...even if it did leave you facing the wrong way up the exit of a ruondabout or two
You probably wouldn't have the same worries driving the M3 on a track but if you do have a bit of an off, or indeed if the engine / gearbox decide to let go, the Beemer is always likely to cost you that bit more.
Just my 2p worth.
My second car was a 1.6 Eunos and my third car was a 3.0 E36 M3.
I never had as much fun driving the M3 because I was always thinking "what if". I loved owning and driving it but I was always a bit scared of it, whereas in the MX-5 you felt like you could push the boundaries a bit more...even if it did leave you facing the wrong way up the exit of a ruondabout or two
You probably wouldn't have the same worries driving the M3 on a track but if you do have a bit of an off, or indeed if the engine / gearbox decide to let go, the Beemer is always likely to cost you that bit more.
Just my 2p worth.
Mortey said:
I am drawn to the mx5 as its lightweight and excellent handling. But would the lack of power become an issue, can you still slide around (in the correct environment of course) even without the big torque?
Easily. I originally had a mighty 115bhp and bugger all torque in the Caterham and had no difficulty breaking traction.A lightweight car needs less of everything while still being plenty of fun. The German horsepower wars have conditioned us to think a car needs loads of power/torque to be any good. It's not true. A heavier car needs more power/torque to be fun, a lighter car can be fun with much less (and it's cheaper to run, easier on tyres and brakes, less inertia, etc, etc).
C5L said:
a mobile jelly with an average 4 cylinder engine and gearbox and no LSD and wooly steering feel,
Spot the person who's obviously never driven one - the only point you're even close to right about is the average 4 cylinder engine.
C5L should have said:
a mobile jellyrelatively light, well balanced sportscar with an averageunexceptional, but bulletproof and entertaining enough 4 cylinder engine and perfect gearbox and no(optional) LSD and woolyexcellent steering feel,
As a fun car when you already have a 3-series for an everyday cruiser, the MX5 is clearly the better choice IMO. If you wanted just one car to provide a combination of fun, comfort and practicality, then the M3 would win.Edited by GravelBen on Tuesday 25th January 09:24
Mortey said:
Now I know the mx5 will be cheaper to run but I could probably stretch to the m3.
This is the telling bit. If the M3's going to be a bit of a stretch, then take the MX-5.The little Mazda is significantly cheaper on consumables like tyres and brakes (both on the cost of buying them and the rate at which it gets through them).
The Mazda also won't need any significant upgrades to take it on the track. The brakes on the 1.8 will quite happily lap most tracks all day long without significant fade, unlike those fitted to the BMW. If you go for one of the Jap import special editions, you also get lower, stiffer suspension and a torsen diff fitted from the factory too.
It's really a matter of personal preference - they both have their advantages and disadvantages. The MX5 feels more nimble and lighter on its feet and has a removable roof. The M3 has a much better engine, is faster, feels more rigid and hence more planted on bad surfaces. What are your priorities?
Personally, I think I'd prefer the MX5 unless I needed the practicality of an M3. You can always bolt on a supercharger if you crave more power.
Personally, I think I'd prefer the MX5 unless I needed the practicality of an M3. You can always bolt on a supercharger if you crave more power.
I had both an MX5 and a (well 2 actually) E36 M3 and it would be the M3 for me everytime.
As a previous poster has said E36 M3's are pretty under rated on this site but I actually think they are great and need not be 'too' expensive to run. With a few choice mods they can be turned into very capable and reliable track machines.
MX5's are also good, and very highly rated by most PH'ers. My knowledge of the variety of mdoels is limited but I do think there was a version available with a LSD and more power? Am sure someone will be along to correct me... but they do too also seem to make a good base for a track car.
As a previous poster has said E36 M3's are pretty under rated on this site but I actually think they are great and need not be 'too' expensive to run. With a few choice mods they can be turned into very capable and reliable track machines.
MX5's are also good, and very highly rated by most PH'ers. My knowledge of the variety of mdoels is limited but I do think there was a version available with a LSD and more power? Am sure someone will be along to correct me... but they do too also seem to make a good base for a track car.
GHW said:
The Mazda also won't need any significant upgrades to take it on the track. The brakes on the 1.8 will quite happily lap most tracks all day long without significant fade, unlike those fitted to the BMW.
Even the standard 1.6 MX5 brakes are well up to track work at standard power/grip levels - mine never felt like they were even thinking about fading.
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