BMW e30 vs Subaru BRZ vs e36 M3 at VIR: Lap Analysis

[@universalrebel503]

Between frs and e36 chassis which do you think is the better platform to track and learn how to drive better?

[@toyboxgarage]

I don't think you could go wrong either way. If you are trying to keep to a budget, the e36 is probably more affordable, but you'll have more "old car problems".

[@getdealtwithquick]

Hey. Would love to get your thoughts on how good of a track platform the E30 is vs the E36, if you can speak to that. I owned 3 different E30s consecutively many moons ago. Loved how they drove, but never tracked them and don'thave E36 experience. Moved on but always thought of going back to build an S54 E30 for track days and now am not sure it's still the best platform. I hear the ancient rear suspension, steering and flexy front end ultimately make the E36 a better driver and more engaging without the weight of an E46. (I owned an E46 M3 and always thought they're too heavy).

[@toyboxgarage]

While I love the e30 as a platform, the e36 definitely does benefit from an updated suspension design that gives it an overall higher performance overhead. That said, the e30 is simpler and can be built into a super engaging, fun, and tossable car. Mine has an e36 steering rack, which is one of the best upgrades for any e30 in making it feel more modern, and with a good set of sway bars they can really make the car dance. But if you put the same amount of time and money into each chassis, the e36 is going to be faster around a race track, at the expense of being just ever so slightly heavier. Check out NASA SPEC3 racing to see how inexpensively fun e36's can be.

[@getdealtwithquick]

@@toyboxgarage Really good insights, thanks. Cost to get into one AND to build it is of course a consideration, too. How is the E30 parts availability situation these days? I figure it's got to be getting more and more challenging because every E30 I see for sale around here is in rough shape and / or at has parts missing.

[@toyboxgarage]

Depends on the parts. Diffs and transmissions have started to go up in price, especially for anything in good shape. Otherwise, e30s have such a strong community that you can always find what you need. But of course it's an old car that is going up in value, so parts prices aren't going to get better. Without a doubt the e36 is picking up the torch of the e30 as most of the decent ones become more and more valuable.

[@chechen_power1jz]

​@@toyboxgarageif e30 and e36 have same engine m50b25 . Which one is more to drive?

[@toyboxgarage]

@@chechen_power1jz I can't really say, since I don't have much hands-on experience with the e36 platform

[@Quartz-GT]

Great vid and explanations!

[@toyboxgarage]

Glad you liked it, thanks for watching!

[@adamw3503]

Can we get some details on your car? Diff? Stock m50? Suspension, tires? Thanns

[@toyboxgarage]

It's a 1991 318is with a stock M50 bolted up to a g250 5sp trans, e36 driveshaft back to a 3.24 3 clutch lsd. e36 steering rack. Condor bushings everywhere underneath, H&R race springs with Koni SA shocks and GC camber plates. Reinforced subframes. Tires are 225 Hankook RS4s on 15in wheels, though I have a set of 17s that I sometimes run as well. Brakes are stock with PFC 08 or 11 (can't remember) pads, stainless lines, and ducted cooling. OMP seats, Kirk 4pt bolt in roll bar, Sabelt harnesses.

[@adamw3503]

@@toyboxgarage thanks. I just swapped in an m50 and would like a similar set up. Videos are great, keep them coming

[@chechen_power1jz]

E36 and e30 with m50b25 which one is more fun to drive daily? ​@@adamw3503

[@shifte30]

Really solid analysis! Are you going to hyperfest/ofest at VIR this October? I have an m50 e30 that I track as well and will be there. Maybe we can link up!

[@toyboxgarage]

Thanks! I can't make it to hyperfest this year, but I may make it out to the BMWCCA event in mid October. It's no party, but I'm generally there for the laps anyway.