Better Track Car out of the Box?

[bigjae1976]

I think what the E46 gains in power over the E36...it gives back in weight. But the S54 is more reliable. Can you say oil pump nut?

But the E9X is a beast. Bone stock, I think it would be better for auto-x since it rotates with throttle much better than the E46. In the E90 just pin the throttle to the floor with a little steering input...you'll be facing where you just came from in a split second.

[Z K]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

But the E9X is a beast. Bone stock, I think it would be better for auto-x since it rotates with throttle much better than the E46. In the E90 just pin the throttle to the floor with a little steering input...you'll be facing where you just came from in a split second.

I agree with this. Throttle steer is very easy in the E90.. very sensitive. I can barely ever go full throttle without the rear losing traction. Most of the time I have to feather it to keep the front pointing the right way.

Unfortunately the E90 is too big and heavy to be competitive at autocross. Smaller cars dominate due to the sharp corners and quick exit speeds needed in autocross. You can carry momentum better. Big high powered cars spin their power away with wheel spin or work the tires too hard.

Here is one of my autocross runs from last year. I get tail wagging every time I try to put my foot down. I am using the Normal throttle setting.

[Parkanzky]

I have an e90 M3 and an Elise and I'd autocross the Elise over the BMW any day. But I've also had a few Miatas and if I were to get into autocrossing, I'd buy another of those for that. They handle really well. Very toss-able. On top of that, they're cheap to buy, bulletproof, parts (stock and mods) are cheap and plentiful. They're basically the perfect car to buy if you want something that you can ride hard, put away wet and not feel guilty about.

[dd1981]

Originally Posted by Z K

I agree with this. Throttle steer is very easy in the E90.. very sensitive. I can barely ever go full throttle without the rear losing traction. Most of the time I have to feather it to keep the front pointing the right way.

Unfortunately the E90 is too big and heavy to be competitive at autocross. Smaller cars dominate due to the sharp corners and quick exit speeds needed in autocross. You can carry momentum better. Big high powered cars spin their power away with wheel spin or work the tires too hard.

Here is one of my autocross runs from last year. I get tail wagging every time I try to put my foot down. I am using the Normal throttle setting.

Wow that's nice, I would have got lost lol

Originally Posted by Parkanzky

I have an e90 M3 and an Elise and I'd autocross the Elise over the BMW any day. But I've also had a few Miatas and if I were to get into autocrossing, I'd buy another of those for that. They handle really well. Very toss-able. On top of that, they're cheap to buy, bulletproof, parts (stock and mods) are cheap and plentiful. They're basically the perfect car to buy if you want something that you can ride hard, put away wet and not feel guilty about.

What about bigger tracks? Like the autobahn in Joliet Illinois? That's my local track so that pretty much my only option.

[Parkanzky]

Originally Posted by dd1981

What about bigger tracks? Like the autobahn in Joliet Illinois? That's my local track so that pretty much my only option.

I thought you said you wanted to get into autocross? When I've done that, it's in parking lots full of cones. Sometimes they do it at race tracks, but they'll use cones to add chicanes and slaloms to keep speeds down. If that's what you want to do, then the Elise/Miata/S2000 are, in my opinion, the best options.

If you want to run big tracks (And I've driven Autobahn and really liked it), you'll feel like the stock Miata is way underpowered. You'll probably feel that way about the Elise after awhile too. I haven't driven the M3 on the track yet, but I'm guessing that I'd eventually decide it was underpowered. It seems you can never have enough power...

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by Parkanzky

I have an e90 M3 and an Elise and I'd autocross the Elise over the BMW any day.

Yeah but he was comparing a stock E9X to a stock E46. The E46 will be understeer hell for auto-x if its totally stock. I really think the E9X will kick the E46's ass in an auto-X, both being stock. Yeah its heavy but a skilled driver can rotate the E9X much quicker.

[GotE46M]

I would definitely consider the S2000 as well.

[Slapshot9]

E36 325i, even cheaper and runs a class down. Miata is a better option for strict autocrossing.

[dd1981]

Originally Posted by Parkanzky

I thought you said you wanted to get into autocross? When I've done that, it's in parking lots full of cones. Sometimes they do it at race tracks, but they'll use cones to add chicanes and slaloms to keep speeds down. If that's what you want to do, then the Elise/Miata/S2000 are, in my opinion, the best options.

If you want to run big tracks (And I've driven Autobahn and really liked it), you'll feel like the stock Miata is way underpowered. You'll probably feel that way about the Elise after awhile too. I haven't driven the M3 on the track yet, but I'm guessing that I'd eventually decide it was underpowered. It seems you can never have enough power...

No I do, but I guess I'm still trying to figure out what the best alternative is and what car to go with. I really prefer rwd and you guys are saying that the cheaper cars like neons and stuff are better for auto cross.

I wouldn't mind having a car for both worlds autox and the bigger tracks, e36 m3 just seems like the route to go.

Originally Posted by Slapshot9

E36 325i, even cheaper and runs a class down. Miata is a better option for strict autocrossing.

Yeah even cheaper then the m3 and easier to find.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by Slapshot9

E36 325i, even cheaper and runs a class down. Miata is a better option for strict autocrossing.

But its a Miata.