Learn me BMWs

granth wrote:

Keith wrote: I'm just saying. Given the number of complaints people have about the straight line speed of a stock 1990 Miata, it's worth pointing out that a stock-engined 2002 is no ball of fire either. The owner of FM has one, and he won't stop making comments about it even with the dual Webers, the header and other updates. Once he's got the car running well, maybe we'll even see it on the road more than once every six months...

A well sorted 02 (m10 sounds like the FM owner has other issues) vs a 1.6 the 02 will run quicker lap times all day. But a 99/00 motor in a 1990 miata that is a different story. I think this would be very close in lap time, sort of depends on how many mods on the miata...

You'll notice I've never mentioned lap times. I've always specified straight line speed. I don't have any idea how well a sorted one will lap, but I do know that the lightly modified one that comes to our track days does okay. I might be able to take him in a 1.6 Miata given similar tires, never tried.

Yes, Bill's 2002 has some issues. Part of the ownership experience of an old car like the 2002. It's running okay (now), but it's just sluggish. I have no idea what the otaku engine code is, it's a 2002 engine.

M10 (2.0L)

• 1500 = 1.5L
• 1600 = 1.6L
• 1800 = 1.8L
• 1602 = 1.6L
• 2002 = 2.0L

Keith wrote:

granth wrote:

Keith wrote: I'm just saying. Given the number of complaints people have about the straight line speed of a stock 1990 Miata, it's worth pointing out that a stock-engined 2002 is no ball of fire either. The owner of FM has one, and he won't stop making comments about it even with the dual Webers, the header and other updates. Once he's got the car running well, maybe we'll even see it on the road more than once every six months...

A well sorted 02 (m10 sounds like the FM owner has other issues) vs a 1.6 the 02 will run quicker lap times all day. But a 99/00 motor in a 1990 miata that is a different story. I think this would be very close in lap time, sort of depends on how many mods on the miata...

You'll notice I've never mentioned lap times. I've always specified straight line speed. I don't have any idea how well a sorted one will lap, but I do know that the lightly modified one that comes to our track days does okay. I might be able to take him in a 1.6 Miata given similar tires, never tried. Yes, Bill's 2002 has some issues. Part of the ownership experience of an old car like the 2002. It's running okay (now), but it's just sluggish. I have no idea what the otaku engine code is, it's a 2002 engine.

c'mon now you sound like some high HP guy with a v8 that will blow the doors off a miata or an 02 straight line speed, who really cares it all about lap time.

But the one thing the miata has going for it is bang for the buck. A well sorted 02 is much more $$ than a 90-93 with a header, some racelands wheels and tires. As we all know the answer is and still will be Miata!

It's true that 1.6 Miatas are great drag cars, that's why so many people leave the engine stock. Unfortunately, not many people have experience driving them so it is a poor choice of cars to use for comparing accelerative capabilities. I apologize.

That 2002 of Bill's is a cool car. I really do want to see it out on the road. But I know from personal experience what a hassle it can be sorting out an old car. In theory an E36 shouldn't need much sorting, certainly not of the "why isn't cylinder #2 firing" and "I need to change the jets for this altitude" type. I think this needs to be taken into consideration when looking at what BMW to get, there's going to be a dramatically different ownership experience.

Miatas are fine but I need a back seat. A bottom end that is ready for boost is an idea that I haven't been able to get out of my head. Everything should have a Turbo.

2002s, or any vintage car, are cool if you're up for the ownership experience.

They're great to drive to work once a week, so you can appreciate what a pain in the ass it must have been to live with cars on a daily basis 35 years ago.

Personally, I won't put my two little girls in my old RX7s, MR2s, or a BMW 2002, if I'm ever lucky enough to find one that isn't rusty as hell. Something to think about if you intend to carry precious cargo in the back seat.

An E30 is about the oldest BMW I would buy with the intent of daily driving.