mr2 mk2 vs 318is (or e30 equivalent)

Post Mon Nov 10, 2008 12:05 am

any opinions? mr2 would be 2.0 16v non turbo think it would be fair to compare to an i.s. should be intersting.

Post Mon Nov 10, 2008 12:44 am

Whats your point dude ? Are you getting one of these two cars ?
I reckon the MR2 would be quicker to 60 and probably overall but I think I would rather have the 'is' !

Do you mean an E30 'is' or an E36 ?

E30 looks better than the MR2...E36 probably just edges it over the MR2 on looks

Post Mon Nov 10, 2008 1:33 pm

I've had an MR2, MR2 turbo and a 318is.

Both versions of the MR2 would blow the 318is to the weeds, the 16v NA MR2 is surprisingly quick and the turbo is stunning!

That said I've sold them and still hung on to my E30 (although it is being M50ified at the moment).

If it's speed you're after get the MR2. If it's looks and fun you are after get the E30

Post Mon Nov 10, 2008 2:43 pm

what about round corners? would the mr2 be any good? or is the i.s more chuckable round a track?

Post Mon Nov 10, 2008 2:52 pm

I gave up my MR2 because it was less fun on the roads. In the IS if you near the limit of adhesion you go a little bit sideways and it's easy to get it back - great fun

. In the MR2 when you break traction you end up either through a hedge or facing the way you came - not quite so much fun

!

The MR2 would be quicker round a track but the E30 would be more fun for.

This is just my personal opinion after having had the two. I'm sure some will disagree with me. there were different revisions of the Mk2 MR2, supposedly Rev1 had "dangerous" handling.

What are you looking for in a car?

Daf

Post Mon Nov 10, 2008 3:02 pm

i drove an mr2 for like 10mins its was a turbo version (tweeked up a bit) and its flys it was crazy quick , its was fun , but i got an e30 318i over it , yes its slower and it cheaper but its better on fuel, and you can boot it around with out the fear of dieing when going around a coner.

Post Mon Nov 10, 2008 3:06 pm

think your going to get the e30 awnser everytime! ive owned a mr2 with the ae92 engine in and the later mr2 but i that was many years back and id defently jump in the e30 if all 3 were sitting outside my house,

i got quickly board with the mr2 for lack of pulling power the e30 even the is has more pull than a revy jap car

so e30 id say

Post Mon Nov 10, 2008 3:07 pm

What are you looking for in a car?

a steering wheel and a seat???

Post Mon Nov 10, 2008 3:34 pm

a steering wheel and a seat???

Engine can be quite uesful at times too

Daf

Post Mon Nov 10, 2008 3:35 pm

want it as a dedicated fast road/track car (oulten park) just looking at these as there quite cheap in comparison to and i.s and have more power for the up hill bits on tracks and are well balanced i have heard? have had 2 i.s's and my second one was awesome and planted and would have made a top tack car, allthough sold it but thats another story!

Post Mon Nov 10, 2008 3:47 pm

Ive owned a 360bhp mr2 turbo and hired a mr2 16v for the mr2 challenge last year at pembrey (2 poles , 2 wins and 2 fastest laps ). A stripped 2.0 with cage will absolutely thrash an IS. However on limit handling is far more tricky but remember the golden rule of mid engined cars is don't lift and you will be fine.

the N/A Mr2 can be classed as little bit gay but they really are very good cars and woul most likey see off a well specced 325i.

The e30 is far cooler tho .

Post Mon Nov 10, 2008 6:15 pm

what about reliability are they good for that too?

Post Mon Nov 10, 2008 6:18 pm

japanese reliability is second to none.the cars can often be dull but mechanically they excel.

Post Mon Nov 10, 2008 6:44 pm

thanks for the info, is the std suspension set up good on the mr2?

Post Mon Nov 10, 2008 6:58 pm

Not bad.

Get some bilstein or tein dampers and you will be laughing.