318i vs 320i

[kimble325i]

is there much in it and what would be better round the twistys both standard spec. this has prob be discussed before i bet! i am not talking about the 318is just to be clear thanks.

[fuzzy]

probably the second most discussed behind the great 318is v 325 debate

[maxfield]

They 318i will be better balanced...

[kimble325i]

surley with a 320i's toque it would hammer it on the strait's?

[maxfield]

From what I've read there isn't much difference in power, so the 318i might just be able to inch it.

[0658e30]

I'm new to E30's but from what I know the 320i doesn't make much in the way of torque because the stroke is too short.
That engine must be a screamer though.

[Ziggy]

One of the race series use 318i & 320i - 320i has a slight edge on the straights, 318i on the twisties. It's pretty even overall.

[ShepsEvo3]

Usually, its not the most powerfull car that wins the race, the 320i may beat the 318i down the strip, but round a race circuit, give me the 318i everytime!

[Brianmoooore]

And for those of us who are buying our own petrol, the 318 has an advantage. 320 sounds nice!

[snoops]

as you asked what would be better round the twisties, i would say 318i and its more economical than the 320

[fuzzy]

as you asked what would be better round the twisties, i would say 318i and its more economical than the 320

is there much of a difference in engine weights? enough to make a difference?

[e30bmlover]

320 for the sound of the 6 cylinder symphany!!! and of course the 325 swap!

[Andyboy]

A 320i is nice and smooth but it's got very little low down torque and with a small TB it doesn't really rev either. Plus it's quite thirsty. For everyday use a good 318i is probably a better car. If you can get one with a good M40 engine you'll be surprised at how pokey the 1.8 is - not a racer but very useable. They're also good for an easy 35 mpg and a 320i is not.
Most 318i's need a new cam/rockers/tappets though.

[chinchilla]

why did i get a 320i

[Onz]

i can vouch that a 320 is a much more driveable car. the 318 has better accelleration vut the 320 balance and mid range power makes it a more nimble car. The 318 makes too much noise for not enough poke.

[darkchild]

There's probably not much in it to be honest though the slight power advantage the 320i has will be lost with the frequent stops for refuelling

A 320i though has a silky smooth straight 6 that sounds lovely as the revs mount whilst most tappety 318i's sound like a lawnmower.

[theflop]

it's all about the 6 cylinder

[kimble325i]

would a stripped 318i hammer a standard 320i?

[Rosc0PColtrane]

Yes in the same way a stripped 320i would hammer a 318i!!

Silly question really!!

[e30bmlover]

Yes in the same way a stripped 320i would hammer a 318i!!

Silly question really!!

lmao. just found out my b20 engine has more leaks than a little, so the b25 will be going ahead. still badged as a 320 of course.

[Rosc0PColtrane]

I hope to be following a similar path after the summer, at some point...

[Ziggy]

I hope to be following a similar path after the summer, at some point...

It really is a big difference mate - I know you've been considering all manner of conversions, but the b20->b25 swap is about as easy as can be (& if you're not satisfied, move on to bigger things later!) ...

& that's part of the reason I'd have a 320i rather than a 318i.

[Rosc0PColtrane]

I hope to be following a similar path after the summer, at some point...

It really is a big difference mate - I know you've been considering all manner of conversions, but the b20->b25 swap is about as easy as can be (& if you're not satisfied, move on to bigger things later!) ...

& that's part of the reason I'd have a 320i rather than a 318i.

A lot needs to happen first and then it's down to circumstances as to what I do with it.

It's about time to start thinking about throwing shekels at it.

As most of my driving is around town, I hardly need a 300bhp monster and the b20 is more than adequate. Plus who can argue with the soundtrack?

[Onz]

also 320 has rear disks. so you can brake later

late braking = faster cornering

[maxfield]

also 320 has rear disks. so you can brake later

late braking = faster cornering

No it doesn't 325s/cabs/tourings/IS's came with rear disks.

And it doesn't mean faster cornering, it means later braking so you can go for those extra few meters on the straights.

[Rosc0PColtrane]

What is the brake bias on e30's?

Do rear discs really make that much of a difference?

[Ziggy]

A lot needs to happen first and then it's down to circumstances as to what I do with it.

It's about time to start thinking about throwing shekels at it.

As most of my driving is around town, I hardly need a 300bhp monster and the b20 is more than adequate. Plus who can argue with the soundtrack?

The soundtrack's another (very significant, esp. when compared to an m40!) reason I'd go for a 320i...

b25 makes it an entirely different car to drive though - & I can only compare a tintop 320i to a 325i cab - ie (because of the weight gain) the least difference!

Hardly any $$ needs to be thrown at it either, & you could do the swap in a weekend, without breaking a sweat.

[Rosc0PColtrane]

Cool. Andy said the same thing. Whatever is available at the right time. I'm not worried exactly what happens, but here's hopin that something better will happen. Couple things need to drop into place first.

[e30bmlover]

also 320 has rear disks. so you can brake later

late braking = faster cornering

mine dosent! disc and drum!

[0658e30]

also 320 has rear disks. so you can brake later

late braking = faster cornering

I can't see any logic in this. Just having slightly better brakes on the back doesn't mean you can get away with braking any later.
I've looked at a fair few 320i's and the only ones that have had discs on the back were a couple that had ABS fitted.
Now ABS means you can get away with braking a bit later.

[Brianmoooore]

Now ABS means you can get away with braking a bit later.

Most certainly doesn't! A good driver can brake later without ABS in a straight line.
320 saloons do not have rear discs, unless they have ABS.

[325icabby]

Ive just sold a 318i touring on ebay that i rebuilt the motor in. i swear by the m40 engine in good shape, my mate has a mint low miler 320 saloon on a g and the touring with a boot full of tools used to slaughter it! he is getting 60 miles to a tenner and the touring was doing 75. i think the 6 potter is alot heavier than the m40. i think if its nimble handling and a bit of economy you want its 318i every time. just my pennies worth

[darkchild]

i swear by the m40 engine in good shape

Are these decent M40's available at the same place as rocking horse sh!t. Only kidding!

[ChrisBarns]

all i can say is that a non interested in cars girl said "doesn't your car sound lovely" about my 320 cabby.

[Rosc0PColtrane]

So did you score?