"MentalJuggernot" (MentalJuggernot)
01/07/2014 at 04:11 • Filed to: None
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"MentalJuggernot" (MentalJuggernot)
01/07/2014 at 04:11 • Filed to: None | 0
| 12 |
Basically I have the opportunity to pursue one of these three cars. My daily driver is out of commission with what I believe is a blown head gasket; I'm just waiting to find someone with a compressor that I can borrow to do a leak down test and see for sure. In the meantime, I've been splitting cars with the rest of my family.
I know the answer is always Miata, but the idea of a Corvette (and a car that potentially has value in it) really appeals to me. And of course, the chassis of the E36 can't be forgotten. There may be an outside chance I can pursue a E36 M3 as well in which case that's the one, but for now it's these three.
I can't decide; I need to have a car that works in the near-ish future, but the barn find is really rooted in my mind. What are your thoughts?
IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
> MentalJuggernot
01/07/2014 at 04:19 |
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318i or 318ti? What condition is the corvette in? What mods have been done to the Miata?
Need Moar details.
StoneCold
> MentalJuggernot
01/07/2014 at 04:37 |
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I echo IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK.
Is the Corvette an automatic? If it is, that means it has the Doug Nash 4+3, which is great when it works, but a nightmare when it doesn't, and it doesn't work often.
Tuned Miata? Tuned how? Mod list? Any work on the soft top/hard top?
How many miles on the BMW? What body style?
DancesWithRotors - Driving Insightfully
> MentalJuggernot
01/07/2014 at 04:52 |
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I'm going to join in the echo chamber, here. In my Oppo choice, it was Fiat vs. Miata, and Fiat won, because Fiat.
In this case, it's a harder decision. If the Corvette is a manual, it's easy, just because old Corvettes are epic and win. That is, unless it's a 318ti in good shape, in which case the E36 Compact > Corvette. (Especially with an M3 swap. Do it.)
offroadkarter
> MentalJuggernot
01/07/2014 at 08:16 |
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Need more info on corvette, I mean C4's aren't great but neither is a 318
Storz
> offroadkarter
01/07/2014 at 08:24 |
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I loved my C4. Had a mint '87 Z51 4+3 car that I daily drove for 3 years back when I lived in Michigan. Fantastic handling, sounding and driving car.
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Storz
> MentalJuggernot
01/07/2014 at 08:29 |
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Having owned an 87 Corvette, a 91 Miata, and a 98 318 I would say that if the Corvette is in good shape that would be my first choice. '85 was a little down on power compared to the later model C4s (no roller rockers etc) but a small block Chevy is endlessly upgradeable. Even if its an autotragic swapping in a manual is not all that difficult.
If the Corvette is a complete basketcase the Miata would be my second choice, simply more fun to drive than a 318.
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Storz
> StoneCold
01/07/2014 at 08:57 |
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I loved the 4+3. I would drive mine like a regular 4spd manual most of the time and just click the OD button on the highway. It was cool however to roll along in 2nd gear OD, floor it and have it downshift to "regular" 2nd gear automatically and take off.
Orange Exige
> MentalJuggernot
01/07/2014 at 09:39 |
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Autozone rents compression test kits fyi if you have one in the area - don't ask how I know :/
I love E36's, but I could never get a four cylinder one.
I also have an NA Miata and don't care for Corvettes so I'm very biased with the remaining two choices.
But still I'd say Miata.
PilotMan
> MentalJuggernot
01/07/2014 at 10:32 |
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I vote Corvette, unless the Miata is selling at way less than the sum of it's parts. I wouldn't go a fourbanging E36.
Post some pics yo!
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MentalJuggernot
> StoneCold
01/07/2014 at 15:36 |
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wasn't letting me edit this post, so I testposted with all the details and ended up posting again lol...check it out:
http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/basically-i-ha…
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
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MentalJuggernot
> IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
01/07/2014 at 15:36 |
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http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/basically-i-ha…
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
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MentalJuggernot
> Orange Exige
01/07/2014 at 15:37 |
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thank you kindly for that!