Re: HELP!!!! M3 or 325is w/mtech kit (archive)

Most will say hands down M3. I have an original 88 M-Technic 325is with an impecable service record at 150K miles. It's as smooth as glass....might I remind MUCH smoother than an M3. I have been in one,(e30 M3)and it is truly a different and exciting experience. Unless you live in areas where you can cut it loose, and often, you might find the M3 a bit cumbersome to operate while navigating through rush hour traffic with its peaky four-banger (I also have an RX-7 and know the feeling). Look at it this way; Look at what you are willing to give up to get:

M3: Hey, enough said. It screams performance. Race-bred handling.
M Tech 325: Not quite as fast, but closer than you'd think. Handling very close in M-tech.
M3: 192 mostly high RPM hp; roughly 167lb-ft of tourqe, again high RPM.
325is: 167hp w/ 164lb-ft of tourqe felt across the board. About a good cat-back, chip and intake away from matching the M3.
M3: Gas mileage poor for 4 cylider, but hey, Its an M3!! No one buys it for its gas efficiency.
325is: slightly better gas mileage with 6 cyl.
M3: Have the cash to fix it? MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE THAN 325IS!!!
325: With the M kit, it commands just as much attention as an M3 (at least mine does), mainly because so few E30 variants remain.
M3: Easier to hype performance, but again, more expensive that 325is!! Timing CHAIN adds strength, and drivetrain noise.
325is: Timing Belt keeps the M20-B25 engine smooth and relatively noiseless (until 4000rpm). The belt asset is also a liability of the silky 6. If it snaps, time for a new engine.
M3: 4.10:1 Rear diff; hence, more chaotic acceleration than the 325is.
325is: 3.73:1 diff; Slows it a bit. Power is felt all across the band versus the top in the M3.
Both have same gear ratios.

Basically, if you can get both, you are golden. If only one, consider ALL the elements; how you drive, road conditions, do you want the M3 for envy appeal over practicality, etc.

Tip: If you can buy an M3 from an older (55+) crowd, do so. They are less prone to racing the S14 engine block into an oblivion than a hormone charged 22 year old, like me:) Otherwise, if cash is no object, do an M3 but also do your homework.

In any event, welcome to the E30 Family.

Brian,22
88 MTech 325is
Red

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