a good C2 is 210bhp and similar torque so yes they will keep up with M3's in a straight line. Also alot more mid range punch
They were the 6 cylinder alternative to the M3 in performance terms!
advice-corrado vs 325
Moderator: martauto
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whiterhino
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cheers for the info mate.Youve got yourself a vr6 killer aswell then.that makes two of us. 
M3 cecotto ultimate driving machine
Just as its easy to get more power from the VW V6's, std engine vs std engine should be the topic, once you get in to tuning engines the world is your oyster.M5pilot wrote:The M52 2.8 is heavily restricted aswell.
Easy to get 220bhp from them.
Really easy to do a twin turbo conversion on the VW V6's and really easy to supercharge them too.
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OllieB
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To get 220bhp from a 2.8 M52 requires an early E36 inlet manifold from a scrapyard and half decent air intake/exhaust, supercharging a VR6 has got to be mega bucks compared to that.....NicDale wrote:Just as its easy to get more power from the VW V6's, std engine vs std engine should be the topic, once you get in to tuning engines the world is your oyster.M5pilot wrote:The M52 2.8 is heavily restricted aswell.
Easy to get 220bhp from them.
Really easy to do a twin turbo conversion on the VW V6's and really easy to supercharge them too.
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I'm too scared to drift properly......
I'm too scared to drift properly......
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OllieB
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Plus the M52 is heavily restricted by the manufacturer for insurance purposes and so it doesn't encroach on M3 territory etc....
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I'm too scared to drift properly......
I'm too scared to drift properly......
Try emissions.
The balance of an inline 6 can be perfect, the balance of a VR6 can not.
They're a bastardisation of an excellent engine configutation (the I6). Why is it that with 400cc more capacity than the M20B25, they only make 20bhp more?
Why is it that with all their modern electrotrickery, they have a specific output of 65.5bhp/litre when the M20 manages 68.4?
Is it because they're an intrinsically flawed design that loses energy to out of balance forces and cylinder heads that have too much going on mechanically to comfortably accomodate things like ports? Almost certainly.
If modern design means generating engine configurations so that the salesmen have something to write about, then gimme '70's design any day!
Why, when everyone else was starting to make modern 4v/cyl engines did they have to use only 2?
When the agricultural M20 was designed (back in the `60s?) emissions control was not a requirement.
What power would the 325 be putting out if it had to run on low octane unleaded with a cat converter?
It would be lucky to top 130bhp.
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pacerpete
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The M20 engine was launched in 1977, all Facelift E30s with an M20 were 'cat prep' i.e 8.8 c/r lean fuelling and o2 sensor wiring in place ,with a catalyst fitted they lost about 5 bhp.
The VW VR6 engine is a nice engine,shame about the cars and the owners !
.
The VW VR6 engine is a nice engine,shame about the cars and the owners !
.
er according to this (http://www.bmwworld.com/engines/m20.htm)
the m20 was released in 1971 in the new sixes (wonder why they'renick-named that?!), also in the e12 before 1977, i think 1977 was when it was on the e21.
comparing the engines once modified is pointless, as has already been pointed out. they can both have simple cheap mods done to them etc. plus i think 220bhp on an m52 with an m50 inlet is more than a little hopeful. i'd like to see proof of a 28bhp increase from this alone, we all know that rolling roads vary etc, but show me a 28bhp increase on the same rollers/same car from an inlet manifold alone and i'll accept your 220bhp. plus fitting an m50 inlet is quite involved.
and tuning a corrado doesn't seem to be that difficult either, i typed in 'corrado modifications' into google, and this one was on the first results, http://www.corrado-vr6.info/modifications.htm, he made an extra 17bhp (201bhp/197lb torque) on the rolling road with simple mods (chip, big bore throttle body, air filter) too.
oh and while talking about this particular car, will adding a chip, bigger tb and air filter get an m20 to over 200bhp and 197lb torque? hmmm.
the m20 was released in 1971 in the new sixes (wonder why they'renick-named that?!), also in the e12 before 1977, i think 1977 was when it was on the e21.
comparing the engines once modified is pointless, as has already been pointed out. they can both have simple cheap mods done to them etc. plus i think 220bhp on an m52 with an m50 inlet is more than a little hopeful. i'd like to see proof of a 28bhp increase from this alone, we all know that rolling roads vary etc, but show me a 28bhp increase on the same rollers/same car from an inlet manifold alone and i'll accept your 220bhp. plus fitting an m50 inlet is quite involved.
and tuning a corrado doesn't seem to be that difficult either, i typed in 'corrado modifications' into google, and this one was on the first results, http://www.corrado-vr6.info/modifications.htm, he made an extra 17bhp (201bhp/197lb torque) on the rolling road with simple mods (chip, big bore throttle body, air filter) too.
oh and while talking about this particular car, will adding a chip, bigger tb and air filter get an m20 to over 200bhp and 197lb torque? hmmm.
2.1 318is, MS, LPG. 200bhp, 175ft/lbs GONE!
Boxster, e46 m3, e36 sport touring and alpina B3 3.0
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pacerpete
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Sorry ,no M20 (or M60 as it was initially known) till 1977 in both e12 520 and e21 320 . M20 has no parts in common and is a very different engine to the earlier M10/M30 engines.
BMW world or what ever it is called is wrong like so many other so called reference sites.
BMW world or what ever it is called is wrong like so many other so called reference sites.
fair enough! apologies! so did the e12 have the M30 big six then? i must admit i'd always thought the e3s and stuff had the M30.
2.1 318is, MS, LPG. 200bhp, 175ft/lbs GONE!
Boxster, e46 m3, e36 sport touring and alpina B3 3.0
Getting 220bhp from an M52 is not hard tim_s.
Just go to www.e36copupe.com/forum
You'll see many people whohave got 220 bhp 328i's.
As mentioned above by someone, they are heavily restricted on production so that they stayed under 193bhp which was (is still?) an insurance cut off point. Above this and the insurance was a higher level.
A remap, Alpina527 mod and induction sees 220hp.
There are guys with rolling road results on the same rolling road to prove this on the e36 forum.
This is where I got the info from.
Just go to www.e36copupe.com/forum
You'll see many people whohave got 220 bhp 328i's.
As mentioned above by someone, they are heavily restricted on production so that they stayed under 193bhp which was (is still?) an insurance cut off point. Above this and the insurance was a higher level.
A remap, Alpina527 mod and induction sees 220hp.
There are guys with rolling road results on the same rolling road to prove this on the e36 forum.
This is where I got the info from.
sure, i use e36coupe quite a bit and you're right - there is more available from the m52. here's some example before and after bbtb+manifolds from e36coupe. notice this first chap who has all the mods you listed to get 220bhp but gets 208bhp:
notice 7bhp difference
and
in these varied examples (surely the variations tell you a lot about how rollers vary etc under conditions anyway!), bbtb+manifold is worth an av of say 10bhp (pic shows one run before, one after - difference of 7bhp, other chap shows 14bhp. not 28bhp from a manifold, induction kit and zorst alone. the first example seems to be a pretty good one seeing we have the curves etc, and you get 7bhp from the manifold/tb mods.
also these guys' cars on the rollers even with the standard engine get some pretty good figures.
point is its not really much different from a raddo, which on favourable conditions can also make some pretty cool figures.
both engines can make good figures with some modding. comparing a modded 328 to a vr6 not modified or vice-versa is a pointless exercise. im sure if you read up on veedub sites there are loads of tricks you can do to a raddo too. i know there are schrick manifolds and stuff available - dont know much about it all but no doubt has a similar impact to the manifold stuff on the m52.
notice 7bhp difference
and
good 14bhp power, not so good torque difference.OK, here's my various plots at the different stages of modding. My cars a '96 328i Sport:
Plot 1: Completely standard engine (after having alusil block fitted and run in)
200 BHP @ 5330 RPM
204 LBS/FT @ 4320 RPM
http://www.328sport.pwp.blueyonder.co.u ... ase328.jpg
Plot 2: Alpina527 full kit installed (throttle body + manifold)
214 BHP @ 5780 RPM
208 LBS/FT @ 4480 RPM
http://www.328sport.pwp.blueyonder.co.u ... 28_mod.jpg
in these varied examples (surely the variations tell you a lot about how rollers vary etc under conditions anyway!), bbtb+manifold is worth an av of say 10bhp (pic shows one run before, one after - difference of 7bhp, other chap shows 14bhp. not 28bhp from a manifold, induction kit and zorst alone. the first example seems to be a pretty good one seeing we have the curves etc, and you get 7bhp from the manifold/tb mods.
also these guys' cars on the rollers even with the standard engine get some pretty good figures.
point is its not really much different from a raddo, which on favourable conditions can also make some pretty cool figures.
both engines can make good figures with some modding. comparing a modded 328 to a vr6 not modified or vice-versa is a pointless exercise. im sure if you read up on veedub sites there are loads of tricks you can do to a raddo too. i know there are schrick manifolds and stuff available - dont know much about it all but no doubt has a similar impact to the manifold stuff on the m52.
2.1 318is, MS, LPG. 200bhp, 175ft/lbs GONE!
Boxster, e46 m3, e36 sport touring and alpina B3 3.0
I was only following one guys car - T1000 - Im sure you must have come accross him.
He aparently has 260bhp now...dunno how real that is though.
He aparently has 260bhp now...dunno how real that is though.
yeah you can get some serious power out of the m52! its true! i am well impressed at what they get out of it. people do well out of the m50 too. i want to put my 330i pistons to good use and make a 3l m52 with a 3l crank. that would be cool.
don't get me wrong i think its an awesome engine! but i just dont reckon there's any point in unequal comparisons between it and the vr6, which also has potential etc!
don't get me wrong i think its an awesome engine! but i just dont reckon there's any point in unequal comparisons between it and the vr6, which also has potential etc!
2.1 318is, MS, LPG. 200bhp, 175ft/lbs GONE!
Boxster, e46 m3, e36 sport touring and alpina B3 3.0
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jaistanley
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I haven't read all the previous replies but if you go for a VR6 man, youre mad.
I've had a VR6 and it was a little bit cool, fairly 'nice' to drive, fairly quick etc but at the time I had just got out of a golf GTi so yea, it was all a little better. It didn't feel at all quick because the torque builds up in such a way, it didn't have very good dynamics at all, It torque steered (bet you've forgotten what that is since having an E30 yea?).. The list goes on.
The rwd front engined layout makes so much more sense (unless you're a car manufacturer trying to make a compact, cheap and compromised hatchback) and is so much nicer to drive. I'm not even going near the vehicle dynamics side of things but lets just say: RWD FE is 'better'.
Trust me: You're better off selling the 318i, sitting tight and getting a mint e30 325i (sport if you like).
As far as inline six being 'best': This is because not only first order (pistons going up and down) being balanced in the engine, 2nd order vibrations are cancelled out inherrently in the design (the side to side motion of the con rods balances), rather than requiring damping and cancellation with complex balance bar set-ups. No other engine design can do this (it's about the phasing of forces through the engine) and is the erason most straight six engines feel so smoothe. The VR does some very close though, its only a small angle.
Personally I dont like the design of the VR heads at all. They have irregular port and cooling channel designs and due to the design of engine have an old fashioned 'wedge' shaped combustion chamer (head is flat and pistons are at angles). Any wear on the engine also means cylinder 6 will smoke like a bitch at idle and on overrun. The inlet design messes up fueling and the un-atomised fuel washes the oil from the bore. Lame.
Things on the VR's good side: They sound fantastic at full chat (as does the M20 IMHO) and the corrado looks fairly nice (still a poxy shopping car with a nice body though and thats me saying that... Mr MK2 golf!). I wanted a Corrado for years, was gonna fit Golf Rallye divetrain and TT 1.8T engine. Drove one for a while, then got an E30 and I wouldn't touch one now. The E30 is better put together and longer lastig, plus has RETRO cool, not just relying on the fading 90's image. Yea some people call them classics but only in the sense that VW managed to charge people a fortune for a shite golf.
My mum drives a Corrado 'rolling on 17's' to use your chav twat lingo. My mum nick.... My mum. "I like the look of them' she says.. Then makes brumming noises like a retarded five year old. I'll encourage you to use a little more discretion when choosing a car.
Jai
I've had a VR6 and it was a little bit cool, fairly 'nice' to drive, fairly quick etc but at the time I had just got out of a golf GTi so yea, it was all a little better. It didn't feel at all quick because the torque builds up in such a way, it didn't have very good dynamics at all, It torque steered (bet you've forgotten what that is since having an E30 yea?).. The list goes on.
The rwd front engined layout makes so much more sense (unless you're a car manufacturer trying to make a compact, cheap and compromised hatchback) and is so much nicer to drive. I'm not even going near the vehicle dynamics side of things but lets just say: RWD FE is 'better'.
Trust me: You're better off selling the 318i, sitting tight and getting a mint e30 325i (sport if you like).
As far as inline six being 'best': This is because not only first order (pistons going up and down) being balanced in the engine, 2nd order vibrations are cancelled out inherrently in the design (the side to side motion of the con rods balances), rather than requiring damping and cancellation with complex balance bar set-ups. No other engine design can do this (it's about the phasing of forces through the engine) and is the erason most straight six engines feel so smoothe. The VR does some very close though, its only a small angle.
Personally I dont like the design of the VR heads at all. They have irregular port and cooling channel designs and due to the design of engine have an old fashioned 'wedge' shaped combustion chamer (head is flat and pistons are at angles). Any wear on the engine also means cylinder 6 will smoke like a bitch at idle and on overrun. The inlet design messes up fueling and the un-atomised fuel washes the oil from the bore. Lame.
Things on the VR's good side: They sound fantastic at full chat (as does the M20 IMHO) and the corrado looks fairly nice (still a poxy shopping car with a nice body though and thats me saying that... Mr MK2 golf!). I wanted a Corrado for years, was gonna fit Golf Rallye divetrain and TT 1.8T engine. Drove one for a while, then got an E30 and I wouldn't touch one now. The E30 is better put together and longer lastig, plus has RETRO cool, not just relying on the fading 90's image. Yea some people call them classics but only in the sense that VW managed to charge people a fortune for a shite golf.
My mum drives a Corrado 'rolling on 17's' to use your chav twat lingo. My mum nick.... My mum. "I like the look of them' she says.. Then makes brumming noises like a retarded five year old. I'll encourage you to use a little more discretion when choosing a car.
Jai
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Turbo-Brown
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Pretty sure that 90degree 'Vee' V8 engines with Cross Plane cranks can be perfectly balanced (not flat plane or any other Vee angle though)
Also, 60degree Vee V12 engines can be perfectly balanced
Isn't it interesting that until recently and barring the inline4 engines, BMW only used these configurations
Just out of interest, is the VR6 engine an odd fire design, or does the crank just have offset pins?
Also, 60degree Vee V12 engines can be perfectly balanced
Isn't it interesting that until recently and barring the inline4 engines, BMW only used these configurations
Just out of interest, is the VR6 engine an odd fire design, or does the crank just have offset pins?
)
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jaistanley
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I don't know what the phasing of the crank is...
Should've mentioned the V12, not sure about the 90 degree V8 .. Kinda makes sense as you can oppose the opposing banks rod movements but would need to draw velecity and accelleration diagrams to work it out (and do you think I will??).
I'll look the firing order of VR6 up on 'tinternet in a minute, see if that yeilds anything. Just out of interest like.
Jai
Should've mentioned the V12, not sure about the 90 degree V8 .. Kinda makes sense as you can oppose the opposing banks rod movements but would need to draw velecity and accelleration diagrams to work it out (and do you think I will??).
I'll look the firing order of VR6 up on 'tinternet in a minute, see if that yeilds anything. Just out of interest like.
Jai
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Turbo-Brown
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It's not so much the order I'm interested in, it's the timing of the firing strokes.
Take a 90degree Vee V6 with a 3pin crank, you'll get firing pulses at 30degrees, then 90degrees later, then another 30 etc.
EDIT> This all makes for an interesting read on the subject:
http://www.thrashercharged.com/tech_htm ... esign.shtm
Take a 90degree Vee V6 with a 3pin crank, you'll get firing pulses at 30degrees, then 90degrees later, then another 30 etc.
EDIT> This all makes for an interesting read on the subject:
http://www.thrashercharged.com/tech_htm ... esign.shtm
Even though Jai won't like me saying this I think the rear suspension on these cars is a pile of wank! The only good thing about these cars was that in the golf they were light, the Carrado isn't and the engine is crap. There are only 3 front wheel drive cars I would ever consider owning and they are all Honda.
1. Civic EG6 1.6 vtec (160bhp) Ԛ£1500
2. Civic EK9 Type R 1.6 vtec (187bhp) [jap import only] Ԛ£9000
3. Integra Type R DC02 1.8 vtec (201bhp) Ԛ£8000
All these cars are very very light weight and fully independant suspension all round even the EG6 will give a 325i sport a run for its money the other two would destroy it!
Carrados are never remembered the way the mk2 Golf was and sure as hell not like the E30's. You pay too much for them to buy and then shit loads to run them. As for the VR6 engine, well when they brought out the mk3 golfs they had to detune the 2.0 16v to 150bhp so that it wasn't faster than the VR6!!!! Then it got dumped for the 1.8T engines so what does that tell you.
If you want it for the looks then none of this matters and thats fine but don't buy it thinking its gone be a classic, it was VW's very own DeLorean!
I'm note saying E30's are the best thing out there and you should only drive RWD, E30's have loads of bad points and if somebody offered my me an EK9 swap for my Sport I'd bite there arm off. If you want a v6 buy a 3.0 Capri at least it'd be fun!!
As for having fast cars, well you've been in my Pulsar that was fast but you just couldn't use it on the road and when I was having fun a Ԛ£1 per mile kinda stings. Now I've got the 325i sport no where near as quick but just as much fun and alot nicer to use as a car. Trust me it'll feel damn fast compared with your 1.8!
1. Civic EG6 1.6 vtec (160bhp) Ԛ£1500
2. Civic EK9 Type R 1.6 vtec (187bhp) [jap import only] Ԛ£9000
3. Integra Type R DC02 1.8 vtec (201bhp) Ԛ£8000
All these cars are very very light weight and fully independant suspension all round even the EG6 will give a 325i sport a run for its money the other two would destroy it!
Carrados are never remembered the way the mk2 Golf was and sure as hell not like the E30's. You pay too much for them to buy and then shit loads to run them. As for the VR6 engine, well when they brought out the mk3 golfs they had to detune the 2.0 16v to 150bhp so that it wasn't faster than the VR6!!!! Then it got dumped for the 1.8T engines so what does that tell you.
If you want it for the looks then none of this matters and thats fine but don't buy it thinking its gone be a classic, it was VW's very own DeLorean!
I'm note saying E30's are the best thing out there and you should only drive RWD, E30's have loads of bad points and if somebody offered my me an EK9 swap for my Sport I'd bite there arm off. If you want a v6 buy a 3.0 Capri at least it'd be fun!!
As for having fast cars, well you've been in my Pulsar that was fast but you just couldn't use it on the road and when I was having fun a Ԛ£1 per mile kinda stings. Now I've got the 325i sport no where near as quick but just as much fun and alot nicer to use as a car. Trust me it'll feel damn fast compared with your 1.8!
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jaistanley
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Dude... DO NOT get me started...
H beam suspension is a very cheap way of making rear suspension.. It's also light, compact and provides better dynamic camber than many (certainly the E30 semi trailing arm set up).
When one wheel is in compression and one in droop, the design of the beam also compensates the camber for the opposing side. (if it's done properly that is). There is also an inherant roll stiffness to them, according to the stiffness of the beam.
Now we both know it isn't 'good' but you so my head in with sweeping statements like that. The Honda system is better but at a cost. I ragged around in a golf for years and its 'fine'. Used properly I shat all over many Hondas, and Alfas, and the odd scooby (thank the brakes). No doubt your celica wouldn't have stood a chance but your too chicken to go against my 'INerTia Drift TEChniQue' daniel son. (little initial D for ya)
Personally I couldn;t give a shit about the Corrado suspension because its soo boring. Boring cos it just does a job. Not exactly an object of desire though.
I can live with the semi trailing arm set up of the E30.. It isn't exactly well behaved during weight transfer but that's the appeal eh? Lift off oversteer here we come! (and powered slides too, I love RWD)
Jai
H beam suspension is a very cheap way of making rear suspension.. It's also light, compact and provides better dynamic camber than many (certainly the E30 semi trailing arm set up).
When one wheel is in compression and one in droop, the design of the beam also compensates the camber for the opposing side. (if it's done properly that is). There is also an inherant roll stiffness to them, according to the stiffness of the beam.
Now we both know it isn't 'good' but you so my head in with sweeping statements like that. The Honda system is better but at a cost. I ragged around in a golf for years and its 'fine'. Used properly I shat all over many Hondas, and Alfas, and the odd scooby (thank the brakes). No doubt your celica wouldn't have stood a chance but your too chicken to go against my 'INerTia Drift TEChniQue' daniel son. (little initial D for ya)
Personally I couldn;t give a shit about the Corrado suspension because its soo boring. Boring cos it just does a job. Not exactly an object of desire though.
I can live with the semi trailing arm set up of the E30.. It isn't exactly well behaved during weight transfer but that's the appeal eh? Lift off oversteer here we come! (and powered slides too, I love RWD)
Jai
Honestly Jai I think if you had driven an eg6 you could have hammered the golf easy. Your golf was good there is doubt about it. Its all personal preference and you got used to it and turned the shortings to your advantage but had you owned and driven an eg6 for the same amount of time you would probably have been faster than in the golf. I just recon when you've got 4 wheels you should bloody be able to use them not 3 
!!!!
Anyway the point of this thread is should he buy a Carrado VR6 or a 325i sport, and its a tuff choice all down to personal choices and seening as I have a sport and your building an Uber crazy death machine e30 3.2
we will both say bmw but Nick remember I don't work on VW's any more I quit 
!!!!Anyway the point of this thread is should he buy a Carrado VR6 or a 325i sport, and its a tuff choice all down to personal choices and seening as I have a sport and your building an Uber crazy death machine e30 3.2
we will both say bmw but Nick remember I don't work on VW's any more I quit Hey come on, its not like it would be a 1.3 golf with 4 gears
Still not sure though, been lookin at the Jap scene a bit more. But I think I'm just gonna have to see what the financial situation is like when I actually get round to driving again, not to mention get my proper full time contract from work!!
Although been lookin at my current e30 sittin outside my house with a dead battery. Given her faults, she still looks very smart! and you know at the end of the day I'm all about the aesthetics, just take how good lookin I am for example
anyways, back to the point, still keen to get a new ride before summer but might just wait till I can afford something I really want within a reasonable budget. Saying that, still got to figure that out, otherwise I could be waitin for some time while I save up for a carrera gt.
Oh yeah, Ryan, you gonna get back to me bout my bathroom sometime??!
Still not sure though, been lookin at the Jap scene a bit more. But I think I'm just gonna have to see what the financial situation is like when I actually get round to driving again, not to mention get my proper full time contract from work!!
Although been lookin at my current e30 sittin outside my house with a dead battery. Given her faults, she still looks very smart! and you know at the end of the day I'm all about the aesthetics, just take how good lookin I am for example
anyways, back to the point, still keen to get a new ride before summer but might just wait till I can afford something I really want within a reasonable budget. Saying that, still got to figure that out, otherwise I could be waitin for some time while I save up for a carrera gt.Oh yeah, Ryan, you gonna get back to me bout my bathroom sometime??!
Hi there guys new here I saw this link on a VW forum and thought I may be able to offer a helpful opinion, I stress opinion before I get flamed, but having owned a few VW's (Mk1 GTI, several Mk2 GTI's and Mk3 VR6 Highline) and BMW's (E30 320i, E30 325's conv. and E36 M3 EVO conv.) all modified to various extents. I thought I'd chip in, despite not actually owning a Corrado.
I must say its nice to read a thread with so many open views on it and not just BMW's are better than VW's sorted etc.....
I've owned a Motorsport 325i E30 convertable, bubble leather, anthracite BBS's etc... Not sure if it had all the tricks of the 325i sport, but it was certainly a nice car, and a LOT of fun! I sold this and bought a late Mk2 16v GTI as needed somthing a bit more practical than the convertable. Almost instantly I missed the noise of a 325i, but eventually found a compramise with a VR6 Golf (which I still own amongst others). Admittedly it is a late OBD2 managment VR6 and was putting out a lot more power as standard than the 174bhp that VW quote (the majority of early OBD1 VR6's are more likely around 174, OBD2 tend to be about 10-15 bhp more) I find the VR6 a lot more free revving than the 325i and definately quicker (presume the Convertables weight comes into play here too) Although found the 325i a more enjoyable driving experiance, especailly on damp roads
Both cars have there good and bad points, I know the Rado's have many faults particularly electrical switches (sunroofs etc...) and are becoming quite rare and sort after now, making 2nd hand parts a bit of a nightmare, so can prove expensive to maintain. they do however have a fantastic chassis, and with a few tweaks and the right set up are thought of as one of the best handling VW's around. The 325i, I'm sure now are developing faults but shares a lot of its basic parts, with lower models so easier to source 2nd hand bits, but again they are getting old. But you just can't beat getting sideways in the wet!
I like both cars and engines for different reasons, both sound fantastic and give a good bang for your buck, I guess at the end of the day I'd have a good look about if it was me and see whats gonna give you the best buy for your money. Drive them both and speak to owners of both (as you are) and see what YOU thinks going to suit you best.
Simon.
Ps. Great forum, and some stunning cars, wish I'd known about it when I had my 325i!
I must say its nice to read a thread with so many open views on it and not just BMW's are better than VW's sorted etc.....
I've owned a Motorsport 325i E30 convertable, bubble leather, anthracite BBS's etc... Not sure if it had all the tricks of the 325i sport, but it was certainly a nice car, and a LOT of fun! I sold this and bought a late Mk2 16v GTI as needed somthing a bit more practical than the convertable. Almost instantly I missed the noise of a 325i, but eventually found a compramise with a VR6 Golf (which I still own amongst others). Admittedly it is a late OBD2 managment VR6 and was putting out a lot more power as standard than the 174bhp that VW quote (the majority of early OBD1 VR6's are more likely around 174, OBD2 tend to be about 10-15 bhp more) I find the VR6 a lot more free revving than the 325i and definately quicker (presume the Convertables weight comes into play here too) Although found the 325i a more enjoyable driving experiance, especailly on damp roads
Both cars have there good and bad points, I know the Rado's have many faults particularly electrical switches (sunroofs etc...) and are becoming quite rare and sort after now, making 2nd hand parts a bit of a nightmare, so can prove expensive to maintain. they do however have a fantastic chassis, and with a few tweaks and the right set up are thought of as one of the best handling VW's around. The 325i, I'm sure now are developing faults but shares a lot of its basic parts, with lower models so easier to source 2nd hand bits, but again they are getting old. But you just can't beat getting sideways in the wet!
I like both cars and engines for different reasons, both sound fantastic and give a good bang for your buck, I guess at the end of the day I'd have a good look about if it was me and see whats gonna give you the best buy for your money. Drive them both and speak to owners of both (as you are) and see what YOU thinks going to suit you best.
Simon.
Ps. Great forum, and some stunning cars, wish I'd known about it when I had my 325i!
1997 VR6 Highline in Mulberry
8.5/9x 17 Colour Coded RH ZW1 Splits
212.9 BHP/198.7 lb ft torque with the Shrick!
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Nice one mate!
Comments from yourself and all the others are still very much appreciated!!
Once I've got a definite budget in mind I'll probably bring up a similar post to once again get some useful info and opinions. Not to mention see if anyone wants to buy my e30, although I haven't totally decided on selling my current pride and joy just yet.
In the mean time, I'm still keen to hear bout the comparison mainly between a vr6 corrado and 325i sport as these are still the top 2 contenders given my budget.
But at this point I think its less of a case of assessing my situation and more about the sole comparison between the 2 cars. Which is totally cool with me and hope that others have found this thread interesting. Didn't realise it had made it onto a VW forum.
So by all means, keep it coming guys.
Nick
Comments from yourself and all the others are still very much appreciated!!
Once I've got a definite budget in mind I'll probably bring up a similar post to once again get some useful info and opinions. Not to mention see if anyone wants to buy my e30, although I haven't totally decided on selling my current pride and joy just yet.
In the mean time, I'm still keen to hear bout the comparison mainly between a vr6 corrado and 325i sport as these are still the top 2 contenders given my budget.
But at this point I think its less of a case of assessing my situation and more about the sole comparison between the 2 cars. Which is totally cool with me and hope that others have found this thread interesting. Didn't realise it had made it onto a VW forum.
So by all means, keep it coming guys.
Nick
A vote for the G60 here.
Cracking engine, cracking power, awesome sounds - nothing else sounds like it
Don't be scared of the supercharger reliability issues, they are fine so long as they are serviced at the correct intervals and decent oil/filters are used.
200bhp easily obtained.
Cracking engine, cracking power, awesome sounds - nothing else sounds like it
Don't be scared of the supercharger reliability issues, they are fine so long as they are serviced at the correct intervals and decent oil/filters are used.200bhp easily obtained.