E30 vs. Miata

"Jay Lauer" (thefaultinourcars) 01/04/2014 at 20:31 • Filed to: None

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CHOOSE YOUR SIDE! But do explain why.

I'm actually considering between the two as a fun Daily Driver

xxxxxx > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 20:32

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E30 because classier/cooler

Manuél Ferrari > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 20:34

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E30 cause it was my first car (84 318i)

And you always are loyal to your first car

DasWauto > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 20:34

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I'm too tall for the Miata and don't like convertibles anyway. Choice, made.

Jay Lauer > DasWauto 01/04/2014 at 20:35

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I'll put you down for Miata then.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 20:36

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DD or Toy?

DD would be an E30 325i.. Why? Well, more torque, more space..

Just a toy? Well.. It's an MX-5.. Nimble, fun, no roof..

BUT... if you don't have kids, Mx-5 all the way, more nimble, more fun..

So yeah... Mx-5 all the way.

Jay Lauer > DasWauto 01/04/2014 at 20:39

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Ah, see I've always wanted a convertible. Out of all the cars my dad had when I was a kid, and all the cars I've owned the past years, I've never had a convertible. Also, I'm only 5'11", so I fit in little cars.

The Miata was probably more fun to drive, but I have to be real with the fact that I do a lot of highway driving and a lot of bitching about uncomfortable cars. On long cruises, I bet I can get more MPG out of an E30 anyway.

My only real concern is how fragile they are. My current E46 loves to raid my bank account.

Intercept0r > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 20:41

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You can actually still get low mileage, unmolested Mk 1 and 2 MX5's for the price of a weekend away. E30's not so much - 98% of the remaining ones are running restos which are only waiting to shit their insides onto your driveway and ruin your 'new iPad' fund.

PS9 > Manuél Ferrari 01/04/2014 at 20:41

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I'm not. My first car was a fourth gen F-body, and as a complete fanboy of American Muscle car performance, and a obsessive collector of LSx information, I can tell you that it was a complete pile of shit. That you could get it with a vette engine relatively cheap was it's singular defining virtue."Don't fucking buy that piece of shit." automatically flies out of my mouth when I'm asked about those cars.

I can also tell you that a 4th gen Trans Am is on my 'must own' list. Yes, I realize this is a contradiction. No, I will not be removing that car from my list.

Jay Lauer > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh 01/04/2014 at 20:43

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DD, with maybe one track day to try. But, it would be a full time DD.

I'm a college student with no kids, so I only require reasonable practicality.

However, I know firsthand how completely 'un-fun' MX-5's are highway cruises, which I make everyday to campus.

Jay Lauer > Intercept0r 01/04/2014 at 20:44

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True, I buy fixer uppers though. My dad owns a mechanic shop and I use that to my full advantage. It's just a matter of gauging a fixer-upper against a pile waiting to shit it's insides.

You've hit a key point though, MX-5's are cheap. Everything about them is cheap, and I do love having money.

With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 20:46

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College student? I believe the practicality of the MX-5 will truly shine when it comes time to pay the mechanic.

Plus, no one will call you to help them move.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 20:46

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Ahh... yet again I forget that most of you guys live in the US.. MX-5 for twisty turny wibbly wobbly fun... But the E30 (even the 318i) is quite a blast on the twisties..

DasWauto > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 20:47

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E30s are pretty solid, probably less finicky than an e46, but it's always going to be a 20+ year old car so things are going to wear/dry out, break, rust etc, no matter how solid the base is.

An e30 can be a great, fun DD but I would (and do) keep a newer car at least as a backup (or primary in my case as my e30 is a project).

That said, they are comfortable as well as fun to drive and you can get decent mileage out of one; a late 318is is probably perfect.

merkyg > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 20:48

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E30. Because less hairdresser.

wkiernan > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 20:49

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I have two NB Miatas right now, both of which I bought used, so you know I like those. I have also driven a 2002 and a E21 320 and wow did I ever like them. My question is, can a guy like me who can afford a used Miata (though not a new Miata) also afford a used E30 these days? I have always been under the impression that used E30s are, like, twice as expensive per-mile to keep on the road as used Miatas, both because E30s of comparable condition and mileage cost more than Miatas and also because any replacement parts are going to be out-of-sight.expensive.

banjo cat ghost of oppo past > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 20:50

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I can cram a V8 in to both..which is what I would do almost immediately to either. However only the BMW has trick looking widebody fenders that can be grafted on to it.

Jay Lauer > DasWauto 01/04/2014 at 20:53

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Well as long as its not rusting, I can fix anything that may be an issue, I just want it to be reliable enough to daily drive and make sense.

Do 318's have enough power/torque really? Isn't it like 130hp for 2700lbs? I'll need to drive one sometime.

Manuél Ferrari > PS9 01/04/2014 at 20:53

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Bummer it was so crappy!

Jay Lauer > banjo cat ghost of oppo past 01/04/2014 at 20:54

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I'm still highly considering dropping a 5.0 into a 1st gen RX7 if I can find a good 5.0/T5 on the cheap. They're getting few and far between to find anymore.

Building a V8 Miata is rather expensive, though. $4k for the kit without any drivetrain.

Tom McParland > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 20:56

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I don't care for convertibles so E30 for me.

Jay Lauer > wkiernan 01/04/2014 at 20:57

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See, I've been getting mixed responses on E30 parts. Some say expensive, some say cheap.

I do love the idea of a cheap turbo build on a NA Miata, but I've been trying to look into ways to make it less annoying on the highway.

Jay Lauer > Tom McParland 01/04/2014 at 20:58

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Bummer, everyone's hating on convertibles.

I really like the idea of one, never having owned one.

DasWauto > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 21:00

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Just under 140hp IIRC, but yeah, try one and see if it's enough power and torque for you. The more modern 4-cylinder will return better mileage and you'll have to decide if it's worth it for you.

The M20 isn't great on gas, I would think worse than a Miata, but does produce decent torque and a nice noise, imo.

Tom McParland > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 21:00

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I don't hate them if I didn't live in NJ I might feel differently. I just prefer that closed cockpit feel over the open-top thing.

Tom McParland > DasWauto 01/04/2014 at 21:01

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Good to see I'm not alone on the not digging convertable thing

DasWauto > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 21:02

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Cheap for a BMW, probably a little more expensive than a Miata.

Are there different diffs available for the Miata? If you can bring the revs down below 3K at a reasonable speed it should be a little more bearable.

Jay Lauer > DasWauto 01/04/2014 at 21:03

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Well the problem with the Miata is the fact your spinning at about 4000RPM going 70-75. I'm not sure what it is on the 318, but if it has enough torque than it could be geared down, unlike the Miata.

I used to have a Mazda3 hatch that was great on gas, fantastic car, but I'd still rather have an E30 for the RWD. I can spare a few pennies for fun.

DasWauto > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 21:05

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Heh, my DD is a Mazda3 hatch. We seem to think alike.

Jay Lauer > Tom McParland 01/04/2014 at 21:05

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Ah, see I dig the open-top thing. Probably a want-what-you-don't-have type of thing.

Even in KS, it's a toss-up owning a convertible. I could get it's ass hailed on.

lucky's pepper > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 21:07

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E30 because of the first picture in your post. Damn that's a nice looking car, back when BMWs were lust-worthy. Must be 325 though.

In all seriousness a four seat sedan makes sense as a daily driver. A two door roadster doesn't. To me at least.

Jay Lauer > DasWauto 01/04/2014 at 21:08

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Hopefully with a stick?

I really liked mine, but I never turn down an opportunity to make money, so I let it go. Luckily, I replaced it with a WRX, so I was plenty happy.

Jay Lauer > lucky's pepper 01/04/2014 at 21:09

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Why not 318?

I've heard that they're great. Hell that one almost one that Mexican rally tournament.

DasWauto > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 21:10

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Yep, 5-speed, 2.3l.

Jay Lauer > DasWauto 01/04/2014 at 21:14

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Good taste!

I have been curious about the Mazdaspeed3 a little. It's FWD, which is a bummer, but it's so looney and smiley.

WhereAreMyPants > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 21:16

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I can't?

I am the soul of Oppo, having owned an 87 325is and an 04 Speed Miata.

I actually caught the girlfriend pining for the Mazda recently, which is awesome, since she's the reason I'm driving a "grown-up" WRX now.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 21:17

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As a college kid, you'll be better off with the E30. The trunk and interior space will come in handy.

Jay Lauer > WhereAreMyPants 01/04/2014 at 21:19

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Grown-up and WRX together must mean its an 08-newer. I never once thought my 04 WRX was mature. It was just a puppy on wheels.

Jay Lauer > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 01/04/2014 at 21:21

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Very true. Very true.

The E30 will haul more cases than the Miata.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 21:23

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And bitties.

avens > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 21:24

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It's one of those things that looks cool to people that haven't own one, but in practice and engineering wise convertibles are worse, therefore a tradeoff for coolness.

A miata that was never conceived to be a convertible would be the better car to drive (stock; what it counts) and to own (less mechanical issues, better feeling, faster at the same price).

Jay Lauer > avens 01/04/2014 at 21:25

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Well I can live with the minute power and speed diferences, but is manual top convertible really have more mechanical issues?

Patrick Frawley > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 21:27

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Miata. Miata Miata Miata.

Because any chance to get a convertible is the right one. Because of the greatest gearbox ever put in a car. Because they are one of the few cases where innate goodness and life-affirming wonderfulness do not come with a depressing price tag.

Because there will always be three-box sedans to do things in life, but maybe not two-seaters. Because parts are cheaper and are less likely to be needed, except tuning pieces but still cheaper. Because it's a much better vernacular image. Because it's a better autocrosser.

Because you need to own one once. Because that's what I'm thinking lately too. Do it.

wkiernan > DasWauto 01/04/2014 at 21:30

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I don't know about NC diffs but NA and NB Miatas have come with 4.3, 4.1, 3.9 and 3.62 rear end ratios for various markets. If I had a bunch of money I'd like to try swapping the 4.1 diff in my '04 six-speed for a 3.62 for a longer cruising 6th gear (in fact gears 1 through 5 would actually still be a bit shorter than corresponding gears in the five-speed, and they're pretty peppy), but I'm given to understand it's expensive and kind of a pain in the ass to do .

911e46z06 > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 21:30

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You're DDing it dude. I'm all for somewhat impractical cars, but you will definitely need to move more than a laptop bag at some point.

Jay Lauer > 911e46z06 01/04/2014 at 21:40

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I hate that you're right.

911e46z06 > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 21:43

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It's not a sacrifice man. I've driven both, and much preferred the e30. Straight 6 > 4 banger all day every day. And you can even get the e30 in a convertible if you're so inclined.

WhereAreMyPants > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 21:46

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It does. 13 wagon, here. Loved my 02, but you're right, they're very different cars.

marshknute > 911e46z06 01/04/2014 at 22:20

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Your argument is invalid.

JasonStern911 > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 22:31

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as a daily driver, the Miata wins. they're rock solid reliable, parts are cheap and more easily available, they're easy to work on, there's a huge aftermarket support, etc., etc.

enthusiasts should own one of each at least once in their life, and decent condition E30s are only going to go up in price. so if you're willing to spend a bit more and do more wrenching, then the E30 is probably the way to go. but if you'd rather spend that wrenching time actually driving, then it's hard not to recommend a Miata.

Jay Lauer > JasonStern911 01/04/2014 at 22:36

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I feel like Miatas are raising in value more-so than E30s are.

I just don't have any clue what E30 parts cost compared to Miatas. Wrench time I'm not too worried about. Although, I'd like to do a Turbo Miata.

The convertible is a plus for me, but it's also less practical. It's a tough one.

911e46z06 > marshknute 01/04/2014 at 22:40

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Yeah, but if you need someone to hold the ladder when you climb up (you know, so you don't die) you're going to need more space.

Seriously, I rode to a golf game with my buddy in his Miata. 2 6'2'' + dudes and 2 golf bags. It got weird. A back seat would have been better.

lucky's pepper > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 22:41

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If you were buying a 1911, would you get it in .38 Super? NO! You'd buy it in .45ACP. Same thing with an E30!

If that makes no sense to you, sorry. I've been into the Makers Mark :-)

JasonStern911 > Jay Lauer 01/04/2014 at 23:11

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the price difference is probably regional. decent to good condition E30s in my area are slowly rising. Miatas tend to be seasonal, which if you are looking now is in your favor as convertibles in January tend to be in less demand than convertibles in July.

in general, German parts cost more than Japanese parts. and parts from older, lower production cars tend to be more expensive and harder to find than newer, more mass produced parts.

and I'm not knocking the E30 with respect to reliability, presuming it was properly maintained. I'm just giving credit to the Miata for its reliability from personal experience. of course, less options and luxury features probably helps. and turbocharging a car that wasn't designed to be turbocharged will likely lead to reduced reliability.

should you get a different daily driver, http://exomotive.com/exocet/ is also an option...

and if you have concerns about driving a convertible, I highly recommend picking up a hardtop. I had one when I had my 986 and it transformed the car into a practical winter vehicle, snow storms excluded. but unless you are getting a 325ix, then the E30 has the same concerns regarding traction in winter.

Squid > Jay Lauer 01/05/2014 at 02:34

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Miata, because I own an NB. But I haven't driven an E30 yet. I know they are comparable in performance and all but I still think the Miata is the cheap and reliable way to go for accessible RWD performance. The major downside of the Miata is cargo space though, you can't carry much shit with you. So if you need one as a DD/only vehicle get used to taking out the passenger seat for large items or having to rely on a friend with a larger car to help out. But I still think the cost of ownership will end up in favor of a well taken care of Miata vs. an E30.

Squid > DasWauto 01/05/2014 at 02:39

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You lose power like crazy if you put a higher gear in there. A 1.8 Miata is about a 75 hp car until ~4,000 RPM. It isn't worth it to sacrifice what little power there is. It just takes some getting used to cruising at 80 mph with the motor chugging along at 4,000 RPM in 5th.

Squid > Jay Lauer 01/05/2014 at 02:48

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So, look for a car with a turbo on it or find an NA with a solid motor verified by a compression test, then find a used turbo kit or dump the $2500 on a FM turbo kit and be happy putting down ~200 hp to the wheels, the 1.8 is pretty solid up to around 250 hp at the wheels with out fear of blowing up the insides. Then pull the interior out and dynamat the hell out of the car, and the package shelf and the little tunnels going into the trunk and the whole trunk and get a hard top and dynamat that if you want it to be quiet. But really turbo Miata is lots of fun and damn reliable as long as the kit is put in correctly and tuned correctly. Lots of info is out there and miataturbo.net is a good source for info, just not a good place to ask questions unless you like the douchey response of "have you tried searching for it?"

Some earplugs work well to drown out the noise on long drives but honestly it isn't that bad. I've survived 8 hour road trips in my NB and it really isn't the best for long drives, but it isn't terrible. Hardtops help with the noise somewhat, canvas tops are quieter than the vinyl tops, but a Miata wasn't meant to be as quiet as a 7 series Bimmer.

Storz > Jay Lauer 01/05/2014 at 09:13

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Depends on your situation. I've owned both and if I had to do it again I would get another Miata. The E30 is an a amazing car but the Miata is just so much more. The handling on the Miata is simply out of this world, and with the popularity of the E30 now the prices are all out of whack on what a 20-30 year old car should cost.

I've had 25 cars and the Miata is in the top 5, and one of the few I regret selling.

Storz > Jay Lauer 01/05/2014 at 09:17

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My '89 325is and '91 Miata doing their thing

Joshamania > wkiernan 01/05/2014 at 12:31

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I bought my first e30 back in September and honestly, I've been shocked...shocked...at how cheap parts are. Suspension parts are about the same price as my Jetta...everything else seems to be cheaper...or at least the little stuff. Had to replace a headlight....$10. All the little wearable stuff, wiper blades were cheap, fluids are reasonable...gas is way cheap as no turbo. The car was also $400.

As far as old cars go, people like them, race them, buy parts for them...the market is still pretty good for e30s, so really you're not going to be spending any more for parts on it than you would any other car. Less, if anything, as there's a lot of used parts out there still....them being parted out instead of just crushed because a lot of people still like/drive them.

wkiernan > Squid 01/05/2014 at 13:15

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Well, if you put the 3.62 diff in a U.S. market '04 NB with a six-speed, the overall gear ratios (that is engine revs divided by axle revs) for first through fifth are actually just a bit higher than they are in the stock five-speed:

engine revolutions per rear axle revolutions

1st - 5-speed (stock) 13.60 / 6-speed (stock) 15.42 / 6-speed (3.636) 13.67

2nd - 5-speed (stock) 8.12 / 6-speed (stock) 9.30 / 6-speed (3.636) 8.25

3rd - 5-speed (stock) 5.73 / 6-speed (stock) 6.75 / 6-speed (3.636) 5.98

4th - 5-speed (stock) 4.30 / 6-speed (stock) 5.14 / 6-speed (3.636) 4.57

5th - 5-speed (stock) 3.50 / 6-speed (stock) 4.10 / 6-speed (3.636) 3.64

6th - 5-speed (stock) n/a / 6-speed (stock) 3.46 / 6-speed (3.636) 3.07

NBs with five-speeds aren't all that pokey* and then in sixth gear instead of the engine turning 4000 RPM at 80 MPH, it would be down to about 3550 RPM. The more I look at this the more desirable it seems to me. My big fear, however, is that after I'd spend all the money to get it done I'd decide I liked it better with the original jackrabbit gearing. Then, too, I could save up my pennies instead as Joshamania suggests and own both a Miata and an E3o, rendering the original poster's question moot.

* opinions differ; e.g. all Shelby GT500 owners say stock NBs are slow as molasses.

Jay Lauer > Storz 01/05/2014 at 13:32

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See, I'm thinking that the E30 craze hasn't hit Kansas yet, cause I can buy one that needs a bit of work for $1500-#3000. But you're right, the Miata drives that much better.

I'm just trying to keep my DD intentions in mind, so I don't want to hate it if I need to carry some stuff or make a six-hour drive.

Jay Lauer > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh 01/05/2014 at 13:37

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Well my father owns a mechanic shop, so I'm not too worried about paying the mechanic anything, as terrible as that sounds.

Coming from an E46 3-series, nobody asks me to help them move anyway. Also, there probably isn't too much of a practicality difference, aside from two extra seats.

I'm intrigued by the 318i, I'm just worried that no one would want to buy it. I still have to buy a car I can sell.

Jay Lauer > Manuél Ferrari 01/05/2014 at 13:39

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My 95 v6 teal Mustang was a huge pile of shit.

But it was my pile of shit, god damnit, and I loved it's ass to death.

Jay Lauer > Patrick Frawley 01/05/2014 at 13:44

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Damnit, that was compelling.

I still think it would be a better gearbox with a lower 5th gear, cause it's not the best highway car. But I drove two of them, and it was a blast.

Personally, I'd do bits and pieces mods (comfier seats, install a interior light that's useful, cupholders, creature comforts, etc.) and maybe a turbo.

Jay Lauer > WhereAreMyPants 01/05/2014 at 13:45

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I really like that the new ones don't have all the wind noise that the old ones had, but I do miss my 04 wagon all the time. You can't match that level of fun with that level of practicality.

CPT Speedbump > Jay Lauer 01/05/2014 at 15:20

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E30!! its classic, less technology=better, and it doesnt get you looked at as if your interested in the same sex (something you may ahve to live with happening if you have a miata). that all said, for a daily driver? miata. E30 maintnance will bankrupt you if your dd'ing it.

Manuél Ferrari > Jay Lauer 01/05/2014 at 16:17

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You know what I mean!

When we are young ANY car is the best car in the world. My car had a ton of miles on it when it was handed down to me. The average pickup truck was a lot faster in a straight line than I was. But I didn't care, I had wheels! I could see my friends who lived across town after school instead of taking the bus to my neighborhood where no kids my age lived.

If I had known how nostalgic I would have become about my car I would have kept it instead of "upgrading" on a budget to an older bimmer with more power. The second car was in worse shape and I should have stuck with the first one. I should have kept my first car for life. I could have swapped an I6 into it later if I really wanted more power.

How long did you keep your Mustang?

Storz > Jay Lauer 01/05/2014 at 17:08

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I did several 5+ hour trips in my Miata and it was fine, they are great on gas and not too loud considering its a soft top. A hardtop will make it even quieter inside. The trunk was enough for my wife and I on several weekend long vacations.

JoelA237 > PS9 01/05/2014 at 20:07

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That is because 4th gen Trans am's are fucking sexy.

JoelA237 > Jay Lauer 01/05/2014 at 20:08

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I would go with the Miata, ONLY because they are cheaper to keep running/moving etc. Both are fun cars, but having owned two e30's... they are not cheap to keep up and going right.

CoupeMagic323ci > Jay Lauer 01/05/2014 at 20:22

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e30.... because e30.

BadgerSpeed > Jay Lauer 01/05/2014 at 20:49

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Fun 2nd car? Miata, especially if you have a significant other. Chances are it will be an easier sell to them. Worked for me. ;)

DD. Well-sorted E30 if you are in northern climate. Miata if down south.

This is why the answer usually is Miata.

Jay Lauer > Manuél Ferrari 01/06/2014 at 16:41

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I kept it only six months, doubled my profit, and even sold it before I turned 16 (I had been driving it on a restricted license.) This was about 6 years ago. I was quite the little money-smart awkward skinny kid.

I actually managed to find the car about 3 years later sitting for sale in an outside town outside of Wichita.

I even had the money to buy it, but I knew that would be a stupid buy for a college kid. So it took pictures of the VIN in case I ever want to track it down later in life.

I've had much much better cars than it, but none of them were ever as fun, or ever treated so badly by me. I think I floored it once a day or so. But I still think about it more than any other car.

Jay Lauer > Storz 01/06/2014 at 16:42

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NA Miata?

Jay Lauer > BadgerSpeed 01/06/2014 at 16:42

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What if I'm directly in the Middle?

Kansas.

Manuél Ferrari > Jay Lauer 01/06/2014 at 16:44

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Nice turning a profit!

How funny you saw the car for sale later. What's the chances of that??

First cars are like first girlfriends. There may have been a lot of problems but we still remember them fondly because they were the first.

Jay Lauer > Manuél Ferrari 01/06/2014 at 16:52

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Well I knew I sold it to a high school girl from this town, I just never thought I'd actually see it.

I've always thought that true car people are the ones that get more excited about faults than attributes. I didn't care about it being fast or safe or fuel efficient, cause it was neither. What I really liked was that the seals were bad so it would whistle at 62MPH or that I retrofitted cupholders an made a secret compartment to store money, and condoms. I liked that it would overheat in cold weather and cut the heater.

You wouldn't want a girl that didn't argue with you or tell you you're stupid, and you wouldn't want a car that sometimes didn't fight you back.

Manuél Ferrari > Jay Lauer 01/06/2014 at 17:03

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So true. Perfection is boring. It gives us appliances.

andb > Jay Lauer 01/06/2014 at 22:26

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I have owned a 97 Miata for 6 years and an 87 325e for 3. I have decided to sell the Miata in the spring, after daily driving, auto crossing*, canyon carving, long distance driving, and camping out of both. I prefer the e30 for every activity. It is more comfortable to live with on a daily basis, seats more people, holds more luggage, and just feels like a much more substantial car. It is much better equipped as well, with power everything, heated seats, better audio, and a more powerful drivetrain. I'll admit that windows down/sunroof open < top down, but its a reasonable trade off. Putting the top down is only really comfortable a small percentage of the time. Stop and go traffic = backing in the sun. Long drives = sunburn/windburn. Mid morning or late afternoon = blinded by the sun, regardless of hat, sunglasses, or sun visor position. The windshield frame PERFECTLY blocks a traffic signal unless you stop early or pull up practically underneath it. The stupid zip out rear window is a pain, and my most recent replacement zipper has torn again. I know having to mess with the top is a minor complaint, at first, but after several years, I have spent an unreasonable amount of time walking back and forth around the car putting the top up or down. And I'm not anti convertible. I may use the money from selling the Miata to buy a 325ic (or a bauer if I can find one). The aftermarket and community support for the e30 is AMAZING these days.

*The Miata is technically a BETTER car for autocross, sure, but I still have a better time autocrossing the e30. Frankly, the Miata is a better car than I am a driver, so I constantly feel like the car is doing all the work, while with the e30, I feel like I am trying to draw out the cars potential. Kind of like the addage "I'd rather drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow".

BadgerSpeed > Jay Lauer 01/06/2014 at 23:50

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Then it goes back to Miata. Get a hardtop if the rain is crazy once in a while.

Storz > Jay Lauer 01/07/2014 at 07:52

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Yes NA