What modern cars does e30 match...

[Low_E30]

Back in the 80s a 325i was very quick and refined.

I wouldnt say a 325i was considered as 'very quick' back in the day.... An E28 M5 was very quick, as was a Sierra Cosworth...

A 325i was likely considered fast for what it was was but wasnt renowned for its rapidnesss in the same was a 2.8i Capri wasnt (The capri was more renowned for its naughty rear end!)....

In the end of the day, its all relative, it all comes down to what your used to driving nowadays that will determine how fast a 325i feels, if one jumps to a E30 325i from a 1.1 Corsa, of course it will fast, but in reality a modern family diesel may be faster....

[verde]

I beat a Mini Cooper S in my E30 to 100mph which was a fairly close race.

I drive a lot of modern cars, especially diesels. E30s wouldn't cut the mustard with a lot of them.

But the way a good E30 drives is a hell of a lot nicer than any of these modern cars.

That is good going with the cooper, imagine, both of you on a private road at the same time, what a coincidence

I don't do much racing of modern diesels, but when a mate and I found our selves on another piece of private dual carraige way, my touring pulverized his 2.2 x type. Although my m20 is "breathed on" its still only 2.5.

As for the way moderns drive I really can't understand why you would want to feel so distanced from the controls of your car, so non tactile. I got into a peugeot the other day (a small one, POS) and forgot to engage my brain into peugeot braking mode. The first time I used the middle pedal I almost rearanged my own face on the inside of the windscreen, with an unplanned emergengy stop. I mean how weak are french peoples legs these days?

e30s are not about the out right speed, they are just a pleasant place to be, in a car, driven by the right wheels, in the comfort of a well layed out interior, with controls that are comunicative, and responsive. And they look cool too, especialy tourings

This is one of the funniest posts iv read in a long time " how weak are french peoples legs these days "

[jamlid]

The e30 isn't exactly fast, but the driving experience is just so good. After a weekend of driving a 1.0 Micra (admittedly a pretty decent little car!) my 325i felt amazing!

I think there is always something that can't quite be explained as to why we bother with these old cars until you own one. The fact that I park up at work and turn back to enjoy how it looks in a car park full of modern sh!te, makes it worth it for me!

[harry_p]

Just read a review o the new 420d

0-60 in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 149mph, and 60mpg!

Would give a 325i sport a good run for its money while using half the fuel. I don't want one, but its pretty impressive.

[mercdriver]

I hit 146mph in an f10 m5 in a split second (or so it felt) but it didn't give me the rapid feeling. I could. Of convinced myself I was doing 100. But in an e30, hitting 100 feels like loads faster.

(I do love my job by the way)

[bss325i]

Just read a review o the new 420d

0-60 in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 149mph, and 60mpg!

Would give a 325i sport a good run for its money while using half the fuel. I don't want one, but its pretty impressive.

My best mate will be leasing one very soon so I'll see if he's up for a run to see how they fair.

Having driven many E46 and E9x 320d's, It would be close.

[Simon13]

Back in the 80s a 325i was very quick and refined.

I wouldnt say a 325i was considered as 'very quick' back in the day.... An E28 M5 was very quick, as was a Sierra Cosworth...

A 325i was likely considered fast for what it was was but wasnt renowned for its rapidnesss in the same was a 2.8i Capri wasnt (The capri was more renowned for its naughty rear end!)....

In the end of the day, its all relative, it all comes down to what your used to driving nowadays that will determine how fast a 325i feels, if one jumps to a E30 325i from a 1.1 Corsa, of course it will fast, but in reality a modern family diesel may be faster....

Thats where your a bit wrong, the 186 units sold M5? was a major rarity even in 1988. The 325i was a quick old thing in its day, small car, big donk and a drivers car as an overall package with a good pedal man behind it made it quicker than the bigger horsepower stuff in some respects

The 325i is great now for the same reasons it was in 1985 the rest doesn't matter if a diesel fiesta can have it from the lights

[harry_p]

Back in the 80s a 325i wasn't that much slower than a cosworth. They were only 200bhp or so as standard.

Only by the 90s when they were cheap enough for people to buy and modify did they become giant killers. And with a strong turbocharged lump it was a lot easier to get silly power out of them. Well, until they blow up, which they do, regularly.

Remember an escort RS turbo was only 130bhp ish ( from memory, I'm not a ford buff ) the 325i was always considered pretty rapid.

[hennabm]

Size wise the 1 series is about the same but the packaging is terrible and interior space seems a lot less, especially in the boot area.
In my 323 I can lay two folding chairs side by side across the boot floor: Not in my 116 I can't. Built to withstand impacts better perhaps but not as much interior space.

Visibility is worse because of the modern thick A pillars on a 1ser. I know these protect the occupants but they don't do much for blind spots.

A 325 in its day was pretty rapid as was the 320 and 323. However if caught in the wrong gear a 320 and 323 has no low end torque and could easily be humiliated

Having said all that, the soundtrack of the M20 and the looks of the E30 cannot be beaten by any modern

[Jozi]

I'd like to see how a GT86 compares to an E30. It's designed from the ground up to be a drivers car, wonder how close it would be compared with a properly sorted m52'd e30 (similar-ish power).

[oomz1975]

A well looked after 325i with a good driver will more then adequately deal with most things on the road.

[rallygaz]

well for me its all about the feel!! in my time ive had a lot of quick cars and the only car i put above the e 30 was my mexico!

[mcbonio]

Been driving around recently and think the e30 is pretty brisk even compared to newer cars.
I have owned a few BMWs and it feels quicker than the e46 325. Infact up until around 70-80 I'd say its pretty close to the 330's. Or is it because it just feels faster ...

Sorry but an e30 325i wouldn't come close to an e46 330i.! Not only does it have more power but it can put it down more effectively too.

I've raced my brothers e46 320d which has 150bhp in my e30 325i and it's always been pretty much neck and neck. My e46 330Ci has 231bhp and leaves his e46 320d standing everytime.

Older cars feel faster, it's all part of the charm.

[Ianb]

Put it this way, I've just bought an Audi A4 2.0 tdi Quatro 170 with Twat nav, valcona leather etc etc and I already want rid, I'd rather drive an E30 325i anyday. Modern cars are POS no character whatsoever. At least it's renewed my determination to build a fun e30 asap LOL

[Cypriotgeeza]

I done both my mates in my old 318is, One had a ford puma (1.7) and my other mate had a 60 plate fiesta zetec S Wasnt too much in it but it was enough for a clear victory!

felt so proud i even tried it with a E30 325i and got put in my place..haha

[Morat]

Been driving around recently and think the e30 is pretty brisk even compared to newer cars.
I have owned a few BMWs and it feels quicker than the e46 325. Infact up until around 70-80 I'd say its pretty close to the 330's. Or is it because it just feels faster ...

Sorry but an e30 325i wouldn't come close to an e46 330i.! Not only does it have more power but it can put it down more effectively too.

I've raced my brothers e46 320d which has 150bhp in my e30 325i and it's always been pretty much neck and neck. My e46 330Ci has 231bhp and leaves his e46 320d standing everytime.

Older cars feel faster, it's all part of the charm.

Having chased my wife in her 330i Touring in my 325i Touring I can concur. The E46 is much faster, even if it doesn't feel it. The VANOS and smooth torque curve mask what is going on. The sound and feel of an M20B25 getting "on cam" at 3400rpm (or whatever it is exactly) is fantastic and something you don't get in an E46 - but the E46 will have vanished by then
The E46 has much more grip in corners too, and with DSC the worst you'll do is bog down instead of powering out of the corner - unless you're a total idiot of course. BUT the same corner in an E30 is an achievement

[AlfieN]

can add to this, a work friend of mine has an e90 525d with a cheap map.
my 325 touring has a speedtouch mild chip, custom exhaust and thats it.

on a private bit of road we both went for it and stayed neck a neck untill about 110 and thenthe 525 just left me.

was quite impressed with the touring to be honest as i thought the diesel would leave me a lot earlier.

[bss325i]

I done both my mates in my old 318is.......
felt so proud i even tried it with a E30 325i and got put in my place..haha

I wish i had space in my sig for this!

[Cypriotgeeza]

I done both my mates in my old 318is.......
felt so proud i even tried it with a E30 325i and got put in my place..haha

I wish i had space in my sig for this!

Truth needed to be told my friend

[bss325i]

I done both my mates in my old 318is.......
felt so proud i even tried it with a E30 325i and got put in my place..haha

I wish i had space in my sig for this!

Truth needed to be told my friend

Ideal for those 318iS VS 325i threads.

[bmandy68]

[bab-91]

I wish i had space in my sig for this!

Truth needed to be told my friend

Ideal for those 318iS VS 325i threads.

Ah but the 318is would have taken both in the corners

[Cypriotgeeza]

Truth needed to be told my friend

Ideal for those 318iS VS 325i threads.

Ah but the 318is would have taken both in the corners

Mate we came up to a roundabout but when hes already too far infront what good is cornering? lol

[leeparkes]

I done both my mates in my old 318is.......
felt so proud i even tried it with a E30 325i and got put in my place..haha

I wish i had space in my sig for this!

Claimed, funny quote

Had to chop it a little to fit, however lmao!

[bab-91]

Mate we came up to a roundabout but when hes already too far infront what good is cornering? lol

I was trolling my good man

[Cypriotgeeza]

whoa im in a sig ...Such a proud moment

[Rav335uk]

whoa im in a sig ...Such a proud moment

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

[bosers]

My 325 is pretty quick and sounds/looks amazing. (imho) Owned by a transit? I think not.

[bab-91]

My 325 is pretty quick and sounds/looks amazing. (imho) Owned by a transit? I think not.

It would be close! In the transits favour

[bosers]

I'd take that challenge Tranny man! Biggedy biggedy Bab-91!