Quote:
Originally posted by SoCal911SC
True on the hp thing, but remember, hp is fun to talk about, but torque is what moves the car down the road.
The "e" engine peaks 174 lb/ft of torque at 3250 rpm and has a very flat, useable powerband.
The "i" engine peaks at 164 lb/ft at 4300 rpm and has a far peakier powerband.
With a manual trans, no doubt the "i" is the choice. A 5 speed "e" isn't much fun because it has a low redline.
But for a daily driver automatic, the "e" is certainly not a bad choice. They get great mileage, AND in automatic form are faster in normal "stoplight to stoplight" driving. You really can appreciate the high torque, low rpm powerband in normal driving. The way the "i" automatic shifts, unless you are really booting it, you are always way out of the powerband. They both have the typical BMW straight 6 turbine-smooth feel, but I think the "e" even a little moreso than the "i."
Neither is a bad choice, though. Both the "e" and "i" engines were also used in the heavier 5 series, so don't have a problem pulling the 3.
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Good summary of the engines/cars, my only difference would be that I owned a mint '86 325es 5-speed, and it was an awesome car. Great in the city, great over the road, and had good "squirt" w/ the torque motor and manual trans. Fun w/ a gearbox happens because of a power/torque band, not just at high rpms.
The eta motor would unquestionably be better than the "i" in an automatic, it is just a match made in heaven. That motor is the gold standard to this day for displacement and torque in relation to gas mileage. AND it runs on regular and they don't break if maintained. Did I mention how cheap they are on the used market?
