This gorgeous pair of homologation German classics has sparked many discussions on PH long before our sister magazine
featured them within their June issue (which just so happens to be on sale now).
Eagle-eyed PHers had aleady spotted these particular cars advertised for sale in the classifieds, and a fierce discussion raged within the General Gassing forum as to which was best.
Here in the PH office I sit firmly in the Merc camp, as the 190E 2.5-16 was a car I fondly recall driving in my early 20s. I loved the Recaro seats, the subtle bodykit, the sheer performance offered by the 16v engine and the unusual dog leg gearbox. Ask my colleague Riggers, however, and he will stand up for the E30 M3, as he fondly remembers watching them race (rather sucessfully) in the BTCC when he was a lad.
This pair split opinion, and you either like one or the other. Sure, we'd all like to have a go in both but I bet that everyone reading this knows which one they would want to own were the opportunity to arise. Subtle 'minicab with bodykit' looks, or flared-arch race track refugee? It's a decision only you can make.
So enjoy looking at these cars and remember the wonderfully outrageous homologation specials we have seen over the years. Can you imagine the current C63 AMG and BMW M3 causing so much opinion-dividing excitement in 20 years time? No, neither can we.
BMW E30 M3
Engine: iron-block, alloy head, dohc 2302cc 4 cylinder
Power: 215 bhp at 6750rpm
Torque: 170lb ft at 4600rpm
Price when new: £23,128 (1987)
Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16
Engine: iron-block, alloy head, dohc 2498cc 4 cylinder
Power: 197bhp at 6750rpm
Torque: 173lbft at 5000rpm
Price when new: £31,520 (1990)