Nissan vs. BMW: Grassroots Motorsports forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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May 19, 2008 10:47 p.m. Nitroracer Dork

My current daily driver probe gt is about to find a new owner and I have been going through all the best options for its replacement. I want something rear wheel drive again, must have a manual transmission, and get similar mileage to the probe, 26/27mpg. I know miata is the best answer but until I can leave work at the drop of a hat with a trailer and cash I probably won't be getting one. My funds leave me with about $2700 including taxes, tags, and some minor repairs. The best two I've come up with are the S13 240sx and E30 325is/318is.

The nissan should be easier to get parts for the day I need them, gets good gas mileage, and I have a general lust for nissans any way.

The bmw seems cheap enough but Im weary of getting parts to bring one back to competent daily driver status. Love the inline six sound, but its got to be an 87+ the eta just doesnt have the grunt Im looking for.

Im looking for some pros and cons between the two. Let me know what you think.
May 19, 2008 11:32 p.m. Nomad New Reader

240 gets the "drift tax" so you may be looking at a beat rat with only $2700 E30 is a decent choice and there are parts available but they are not "dirt cheap" just regular cheap. I don't think 325is would give you consistent 26/27mpg but regular gas is ok. 318is is 28-31mpg but takes premium 91.

You should plan on replacing cooling parts and timing parts min on whatever you get so add that to the budget.
May 20, 2008 6:46 a.m. Clay None

240sx doesn't have a timing belt so that should save you some $$ in planned repairs. I'm also looking for a 89-91 E30 and they aren't as common as they used to be. You can get an E36 for about the same money it seems.
May 20, 2008 10:22 a.m. Nitroracer Dork

If anyone owns a 240sx how big of a difference is the KA24E compared the to twin cam KA24DE? I drove a 97' pickup with a KA24E and it was a dog, but probably had quite a few pounds on the S13 chassis.
May 20, 2008 10:56 a.m. Salanis HalfDork

If I recall, the 91 318is got a timing chain instead of a belt.

And I've been seeing E36s waaaay down in price.

I have been told that the way to find a reasonably priced 240sx is to look for one being sold by a Grandma who thinks "drift" is something you do in a boat with the motor off.
May 20, 2008 11:11 a.m. mad_machine New Reader

I have seen the 318ti as low as $2500 for a decent, straight, drivable car.. that gets even better miliage than you are asking for.