Bimmer Mag. on the E30 318is and 325is
Much of that is down to the nimbleness of its chassis. Tossability is the word that comes to mind, and it***8217;s here in spades. The 318is is easy to drive fast, and before long I***8217;m exploring the outer limits of grip provided by the Sport suspension and narrow tires.
Even though 54% of its 2,602-lb. curb weight is over the front axle, that***8217;s still just 1,405 lbs, making the BMW***8217;s nose light and pointy, quick to respond to steering inputs. Chuck it into a second-gear hairpin and the front tires wash wide with just a bit of understeer, which then transforms into a neutral state as the BMW rotates adroitly past the apex. There is a considerable amount of body roll to contend with, but once the car rolls over and takes a set, the 318 corners with impressive stability.
Elsewhere, the brakes are well matched to the power, while the steering and pedals feel substantial and accurate. And don***8217;t let the fact that there is a little four-pot engine under the hood fool you: A properly driven 318is can tear up a winding road with the best of them. This may be one of the most fun BMWs I***8217;ve ever had the chance to drive, despite its modest output.
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***8220;The M3 has somewhat more power, but handling and turn-in were almost identical,***8221; he says. ***8220;The 325is runs so smoothly and handles so well, I saw no need to keep the E30 M3.***8221;
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Motoring down the same section of road that we enjoyed in the 318, I immediately notice the M20 six***8217;s additional power and refinement. Where the M42 has just 134 hp and 127 lb-ft, the M20 has 168 hp and 164 lb-ft, with those peaks arriving at 5,800 and 4,300 rpm, respectively. It***8217;s noticeably more powerful, not to mention far more refined. In fact, the 2.5-liter M20 inline-six is an absolute gem of an engine, creamy smooth in its power delivery and with an eager character that permeates the entire car. Revved to its horsepower peak of 5,800 rpm and beyond, it emits the mellow, raspy growl that can only come from a BMW inline six.
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One big distinction is the feel at the front; with 1,507 of its 2,844 lbs. over the front axle (where the 318is places just 1,405 lbs.), the 325is turns in less sharply than its lighter sibling. It***8217;s not that the 325 isn***8217;t nimble and responsive, only that it***8217;s less so in direct contrast to the four-cylinder model. It***8217;s carrying another 102 lbs. over the front axle, and it feels like it.
http://www.bimmer-mag.com/issues/113/articles/the-is-mystique?page=1#.VF3pqO_b_MI