E30 m3 vs 325i

[simbokarl]

Hi everyone my dream car is of course the e30 M3 but I was wondering how the e30 325i compares to it?

I know the engine on the 325i is less powerful but that’s all I know. Does anyone have any first hand knowledge they could share about the difference between the two? If the 325i isn’t that much different I’m seriously looking to buy one as it’s MUCH cheaper.

Thanks! ]showbox speed test

[Cloggy Saint]

The main difference is about 50 grand.

[flybynite]

It may have become a 'dream car' now but for many (including me) back in the day they were not flavour of the month. I went from a 323i to a 325i and then to an E36 M3. Could have had an E30 M3 (much) cheaper but that four-banger did not do it for me.

It has advantages, weight and balance is something the E30 needs and the 4-pot gives it that. On a track where you can rev the bollox of it it is the engine to have. On the road the torque and noise of the straight 6 is what I preferred.

The steering geometry is better on the M3 but that can be retrofitted if you can find a set (less common than whole M3s today)

Was not a fan of all the add-ons either, especially from the rear quarter, still prefer my E30s with less added plastic. Alpina got it right for me.

Price of them now, along with the difficulty getting bits if you bend or break it mean many don't use the M3s as much as people use nice 325s

[orangecurry]

Different engine, suspension, steering, even the wheels are five-stud; all body panels different - even the roof and rake of windscreen?

Isn't it easier to list the things are the same?

[ah]

I’d put them in this order, BMW B6 3.5s, then the M3 and finally 325i.