Author Topic: E30 318is vs E36 318is (Read 5168 times)

Wise Old Dog · « **on:** February 25, 2008, 04:00:01 PM »

I have always heard that the E36 318is is slower, doesn't handle as well, feels heavier, and generally speaking, "is not as much fun"

I'm not trying to start any type of debate, but I would like to hear comments from those members who have had the opportunity to drive both.

I'm looking for a car that has a few more options than the E30 (tilt, cruise, power sunroof, etc) and maybe the E36 is it. I want to keep the same engine.

Again, no debate here, just the facts.

Nick_318is · « **Reply #1 on:** February 25, 2008, 05:45:45 PM »

the e30 is lighter, better built and more fun.

e30 4cyl · « **Reply #2 on:** February 25, 2008, 05:47:53 PM »

I am also interested to hear opinions about this. I can't decide, e30 or e36??? :confused:

sheepdog · « **Reply #3 on:** February 25, 2008, 07:14:40 PM »

From what i have seen and heard, the e36 is a better cruiser, and will take the e30 in the corners.

It will not be as much fun, and the 30 would beat it on a track most likely due to the better acceleration making up for the slight cornering advantage.

I say test drive both.

tjts1 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 25, 2008, 09:03:10 PM »

I have my eye out for an 318ti. Think of it as a long wheel base E30. Most seem to be a bit overpriced at this time but if I find one with a busted engine I'll happily swap over my engine.
While there is a weight penalty, the E36 has some distinct advantages like interior room, ergonomics, chassis rigidity and crash safety etc.

John W · « **Reply #5 on:** February 25, 2008, 09:27:15 PM »

Road tests of the day raved about the e36 318is and hailed it an improvement over the e30. But due to the whims of the times, the e30 is now generally more popular. They're both good cars.

Perfomance numbers from magazine road tests put both the e30 and the e36 at about 10 seconds in the sprint to 60 mph. The e36, however, weighs about 200 pounds more. It also has better f/r weight distribution and multilink rear suspension. The steering benefits from a quicker ratio rack, IIRC.

Out on track, performance should be similar, but with its lower roof line, better rear suspension and superior aerodynamics, I'd put my money on the e36 if I were forced to bet.

I used to own a 97 318ti. It's basically e36 suspension up front with an e30 subframe out back (i.e. rear trailing arms). It was a fun car and with the hatch very practical. It also weighs about 100-150 pounds less than an e36. You might consider one of these as well.

When all is said and done, I do prefer the e30. It feels more involving to drive, a little more sturdy (and some say it actually is), the electronics are somewhat less complicated and I just like boxy cars with upright seating positions. It just feels *right* for me as I'm sure an e36 feels to others.

e30 4cyl · « **Reply #6 on:** February 25, 2008, 09:58:34 PM »

I did hear something about the e30 being easier to induce oversteer and being more fun. Something along the lines of while under hard cornering, if you abruptly lift off the throtle the inside rear trailing arm becomes unloaded and creates positive camber and makes the rear end easier to rotate. I believe they call this trailing throttle oversteer. The e36 with its multilink does not do this so the rear end stays more planted. I have heard many times that unless you completely rebuild the suspension and change all sorts of geometry, the e36 will always understeer. It is possible to come close to neutral but that is it. This may be another reason why many say the e30 is more fun to drive?

Boyracer · « **Reply #7 on:** February 26, 2008, 09:00:12 AM »

I have not yet driven E30 318is but I have sit in one few times as passenger. I have E36 318is myself.

E30 feels smaller inside and it is somewhat noisier but you tend to feel perhaps more connected to road. I have to test drive E30 to be sure.

Me and Frankie (he has E30 318is) drove on local racetrack (Ahvenisto) few times last summer, both cars are almost stock. I think our best laps were something like 2-3 s apart, my laptimes being around 1:44 and E30 being the faster one.

I think most of the difference is due Frankie being far better and more experienced driver, not E36 being that much slower car. While E30 accelerates better, E36 might be able to maintain speed bit better on turns.

In my opinion leap from E30 to E36 was far larger in technology and styling then from E21 to E30 or from E36 to E46 so there is kind of generation larger gap present and it is down to personal preferences what body you should go for, both are fine cars

rloewy · « **Reply #8 on:** February 26, 2008, 05:15:10 PM »

Quote from: John W;43588

When all is said and done, I do prefer the e30. It feels more involving to drive, a little more sturdy (and some say it actually is), the electronics are somewhat less complicated and I just like boxy cars with upright seating positions. It just feels *right* for me as I'm sure an e36 feels to others.

Pretty much my opinion as well. Not a surprise looking at your cars sig, as I currently own a '91 318i a '93 Miata and has sold a '72 '02... spooky.

John W · « **Reply #9 on:** February 26, 2008, 07:22:14 PM »

Quote from: rloewy;43647

Pretty much my opinion as well. Not a surprise looking at your cars sig, as I currently own a '91 318i a '93 Miata and has sold a '72 '02... spooky.

Haha. Apparently, great minds think alike!

fabe · « **Reply #10 on:** February 26, 2008, 09:58:06 PM »

the E36 is more well cushioned hence the slightly more 'numb' in its driving experience. Of cos, that's on stock for stock basis.. It all depends what you're looking for in your car. We all have our list of criterias to look out for. I love mine for its directness since mine runs on pillowball mounts and stiff suspension. U may look for more creature comfort..

johna · « **Reply #11 on:** February 27, 2008, 05:05:58 AM »

I have had two E30 318is and one E36 318is (current car) all with M42 engines.

I think that the performance feels similar, maybe the E30 took off a little quicker.

I think that the E36 has better roadholding, although the handling might not be quite as "fun".

E30's have great all around visibility and are very easy to park.

The E36 is quieter inside and has a few more luxuries like auto power windows and dual climate control air conditioning (personally I prefer the E30 ventilation system). E36 also has folding rear seats if carrying capability is important to you.

I chose an E36 mainly because it's newer and easier to find a car with lower mileage and in better condition. Also E30 parts are getting harder to come by and subsequently more expensive (I mean second hand parts like dashboards and options like sports seats, trip computer etc).

Royalratch · « **Reply #12 on:** March 02, 2008, 04:31:48 AM »

Quote from: Wise Old Dog;43554

I'm looking for a car that has a few more options than the E30 (tilt, cruise, power sunroof, etc) and maybe the E36 is it. I want to keep the same engine.

First off, you can quite easily get or retrofit an E30 with all of the above.

My brother had an E36 318iS. I still have my E30 iS. The E30 wins on fun to drive, character, and looks. These things matter to me. The E36 is a better cruiser, more refined, quieter etc. Comes down to what you want out of a car.

I have a second car (E30 318iS Touring with Cruise/AC/Computer/Heated Leather!) to do the mundane stuff. The iS Coupe is the car I'm closest too.

I can't see how the E36 can beat an E30 if you're truly a car nut, it just doesn't quite get you in the gut. The E36 is still an awesome car but London is rife with them and they are easily mistaken for Toyota's!

If you had to go get an E36 surely you'd have to look into the 2.5L 323i/6 or the 2.8L 328i/6. Why stick with the M42/M44 in a bigger, heavier car?

The 4 pot suits the E30 very well. The E36 has nicer engines in it's range including a decent 2.5L Diesel so for me, more engine choice would be the only reason to go there.

To be honest, there is no wrong decision here!