E30 M3 v 944S2

[Bananaman]

Thinking of getting a 3rd car to go with my Tracked up 7 & Tow car.

I fancy something that I can put on a Classic policy, it must be reliable as I will be using it 50% of the time 7-8K/year. I really fancy the M3 but am a bit undecided.

The way i see it is

CAR      + points          - points

M3        Handling          LHD

           Engine            Image(boy racer)

           Trackability     Theft & Vandalism?

           (if a wet trackday)

944       Availability        Image(old swinger)

           Reliability          3.0L engine strength?

           RHD                 Handling?

Any thoughts???

[studbuckle]

     Image(old swinger)

       

I think you have that in the wrong column

If it was me i'd go for the M3. Or a 635Csi?

[JohnCh]

You can't go wrong either way -- they are both great cars.  Having owned a 944 turbo for the last 8 years (and having specifically chosen it over the M3) I would vote for the S2 based on my preference for its steering feel, driving position, reliability (my friend had lots of problems with his M3), parts availability, midrange torque, and ease to upgrade (e.g. 968CS suspension is a bolt on as are Big Red brakes from the later 911 turbo).  

Drive 'em both and then decide.  

-John

[S8ight]

Audi Quattro  

whats wrong with left hand drive ? its great for scaring passengers    have had my LHD Quattro for about seven months now and the only time its a pain is overtaking on twisty roads.

out of the two though i'd go for the M3 (only because it looks like the Audi)

[gregh]

Andy,

Octobers Evo mag has a article on future classics -

TVR Griffith vs Porsche 968CS vs BMW M6. Let me know if your interested in borrowing the mag to read the article, or it's on the shelves now.

[samcooke]

Of the two: 944. Build quality is in a different league. As an example, I was swapping the wheel bearings on a mates S2 and the little cap that covers the rear hub nut isn't pressed, it's turned from solid and then plated - seriously over engineered.

I'd say it's a much more usable road car too, mainly due to the fact that the steering wheel is on the right side so you can safely overtake but also as the suspension is much more pliable and road friendly.

Have you thought about an S14 200sx? Image is iffy again but serious poke, spot on reliability, reasonable mpg as it's a blown 2.0 four, leather and air con and those three magic letters: LSD all for about £5k. No classic insurance, but an extra few hundred spent on cover is nothing compared to when the inevitable happens with a 15 year old M3 or Porsche - have a look at some parts prices.

HTH

[Bananaman]

S14 200sx

Are we takling Nissan here.        

[S8ight]

- have a look at some parts prices.

that will put you off the Nissan. i had on R reg one and within twelve months it had gone through two rear tryes and eaten a pair of front discs.

although they are a good fun car though  

[samcooke]

Takling Nissan indeed. The image is the tricky bit to overcome, it's a better everyday choice than the others but zilcho car park cred.

i had on R reg one and within twelve months it had gone through two rear tryes and eaten a pair of front discs

Any quick tintop will eat rears and brakes if you drive it properly - they're supposed to wear out  What the M3 and Porker might well do is break non-wear items, simply due to age - not saying the 200 will be faultless, my mates turbo let go at 60k, but he drove it like an idiot/hero - just that you stand less chance of bits dropping off.

And I know it's gay, but I wouldn't have a tintop without wind. Traffic jams and 30 degrees aint funny.

[simoke]

Had the same thought about 12 months ago, looked around for some time. A good condition M3 is fairly expensive (8-9K) and good conditon 944 is even more. The  I came across an article on the BMW 320is, basically an Italian M3. Same engine, reduced to 2.0l capacity but still 195bhp, but based on the standard 3 series body so parts are cheap. Found one a few months ago, 1988, 40,000miles, immaculate condition and only £5000. Haven't looked back. The engine does need some revs to make it sing but that's fine on the track, still very respectable on the road. And to cap it all my brother-in-law bought a 944 turbo (immense performance) so we've got best of both worlds.

I don't think you could go far wrong with either.