240 suspension vs 325 suspension

[e30m3_78rus]

Does anyone have the experience of driving a e36 325, if so how does it compare to the 95+ 240, I just started geting interested in 240, so i don't know a lot about them, but since i am replacing my car in september i need to make a decision between the two. Whatever car I get i will do an engine swap, so i am just concerned about the handling of the 240 versus the 325.

[cdlong]

i've driven a 328is a little bit. i haven't driven an S14, but i assume it's fairly close to my S13. all i can say about the BMW is that it's perfect (well, almost, i wish the steering wheel was closer) it handles great, and the engine is amazing, it's so smooth and revs quickly. unless you were going to drop in a euro M3 engine, i wouldn't bother swapping it. my S13 feels really light on it's feet and balanced, the E36 felt more solid and connected to the road, but a little heavier. though the car is quite a bit heavier so that's not as bad as it might seem. either way, you won't be disapointed. but since you already drive a BMW the E36 would seem more familiar.

[Pudula]

I had a 95 bmw 325. Now i have a 98 240sx. Get the 240. The bmw handles well (loves to lose traction, which can be fun) but no better than my 240. The pedal feel in the bmw sucks...it's really rough feeling and not cool. Both are unbelievably slow in stock form, obviously. The 240sx doesn't feel any less expensive or smooth. Repairs would be cheaper too.

Ryan

[e30m3_78rus]

Thank you for info, i just looked at some numbers, and s14 has a smaller wheelbase, larger track and its lower, so it has a much lower centre of gravity. However the 325 can have the m3 suspension bolted on without much custom work. Still can't decide, since s14 is cheaper to mod.

[cdlong]

Originally posted by e30m3_78rus
Still can't decide, since s14 is cheaper to mod.

everything will be cheaper on the 240, buying, maintenance, modding, insurance, gas, etc.

[TheSparo]

that would seem like an easy choice for the common buyer, but for actual car enthusiasts, its a hard choice, but you know we all are gonna say 240 since it is a 240 forum, but about the suspension, get some Tein HE's and be set, or if you have lots of money left over, get they even higher quality ones... but its up to you
-Jeff

[DuffMan]

Both are strut front and multilink rear...

[Halz]

A lighter car with a lower center of gravity and wider track will inherently have a higher lateral grip/accleration thresh hold, with the suspension geometires being otherwise similar (strut front, multilink rear, etc.). A smaller wheel base would allow the car to rotate better. Unless alternate mounting points are used, bolting the M3 suspension to the car will not change that.

..then again, I am almost certain the E36 is capable of some very wide tires; an E36 M3 is using 285/30-18 front and rear (http://www.siastuning.com/yellodetails.htm) with slight modifications.. (Whats not written on the webpage, is that the car is now supercharged, and is a beast)