E36 318is or 320i

[jox43w]

i read in the e30 the 318is is quicker than the 2.0 is it that same for the e36?

[320ise]

the e36 320i is a 150bhp 6pot 24v, the i.s is a 140bhp m42/44 4 pot and the engine is lighter than the 6 pot, so i would say there about the same really but the i.s will be more nimble as its lighter etc.

[Andyboy]

There is almost no difference in handling because the E36 engines are way back over the crossmember, not hanging off the front like an E30.

The 320i is a nicer car. It has a bit more go, sounds better, about the same fuel consumption etc. The two cars have the same gearing and final drive.

[Elecblondie]

I've got an e36 320i but would rather a 318is but then I suppose the grass is greener on the other side. My 320i does rubbish fuel economy but with a shorter final drive it's pretty nippy.

[Rogerio]

in my opinion, i prefer the 320i, is more slow but the noise of 6 cilinder is something of the other world!
the 318is is more fast than 320i!

[Bob_S]

definately have an e36 320 over a 318is.. the 4 pots just havn't the poke to drag that lumbering shell along

[320ise]

i think officially the i.s is faster in a strait line and also round the bends.

[e36boy]

Id say the 4 pot would be quicker off the mark but top end the 6 pot will be better and the 4 pot will be better on the bends due to it being lighter and also better suspension setup etc.

[bss325i]

Id say the 4 pot would be quicker off the mark but top end the 6 pot will be better and the 4 pot will be better on the bends due to it being lighter and also better suspension setup etc.

What differences are there in the suspension?

[e36boy]

318is had sport suspension 320i didnt.

[bss325i]

318is had sport suspension 320i didnt.

ALL coupes had mtech sport supension.