BMW E30 M3 vs BMW 320d - Auto Express

The BMW E30 M3 is a hero car. In its day, it was considered seriously quick. But has its performance stood the test of time or will it be humbled by today's far more mundane 320d?

This is the first in a series of Heroes Humbled? videos we'll be publishing over the coming days.

[WarthDader]

I would choose the E30 anytime. its one of the most iconic cars ever made. And it has a soul that is almost totally missing in the newer car.

[EugVR]

i think some are missing the point of only to show how much performance has come on....
I remember the E30 M3 being so fast in its day but today that performance is avaliable to most, in the most boring of vehicles. ...which we take for granted. ..
Same with the cosworth when i was 16 years was the unbeatable car, now a 330d rep mobile would leave a std cosworth to 60, 100 and the 330d is faster flat out....its just progress. ...

[Zero_Ninety]

I'd have an E30 M3 over a modern 320d every. Single. Time.

[thatsjustme]

30+ years later and the e30 m3 still looks so good!!

[hvf]

an interesting test. but even if the f30 was faster, i would still get the e30. with these hero cars, its not about how fast they are. you could easily buy something faster for far less money and have it be more economical and so on. its about how they make you feel. cars just arent made like that anymore. raw, unassisted and pure

[nicolasestevez]

The E30 wasn't made for a drag race. Even though it won, It would be even faster in a lap race against that new 3-series

[williamgson]

Why are everyone getting so worked up because of these videos? They are just here to show how far cars have come in 25 years.

[rhn]

Im glad the E30 won, I love those, amazing even today.

[gregbez]

I know which one I would rather have and it's not the diesel. Of course a modern car is more advanced but that's besides the point. Owning a classic is a thing of beauty.

[ziomorph]

Holy shit a 2.3L 4 cylinder with 215 HP? Thats amazing for back in the day

[ChristianArreguin]

well what a shit comparison. a drag? seriously? no lap around a twisty track or anything?

[MrTewe]

320d runs not bad for a 2 litre Diesel Engine, 25-30 years ago it had been a really fast car.

[jasonl]

even if it was e30 318i, e30 all day any day.

[RichardFanders]

Can't believe this was 4 years ago :o I remember watching these videos when new and would have guessed 18 months ago.

[blues]

at 0:16 when he was walking down the line of the classic cars I started foaming at the mouth..

[Justin]

Great series. Looking forward to seeing all of these. Never thought my E92 330d would be able to beat any M3.. after seeing this race I think it probably would!

[LRS]

Damn E30 still looks good!! Makes me remember my first BMW, a 1989 316i, with nothing at all (even the sunroof had to be cranked manually), but one of the most sturdy and fun cars I have driven.

[Dogmatv]

Old is gold..loving the e30 true vetran, currently using the e46 which is great.

[roadhouseguy]

Nice idea for a series. Wish you could a full inside out comparison of old vs new. Heritage is always great to see.

[saucysimpson]

The new auto box would have won the race