Bench racing question...

What's the closest current car from the last 15 years to a BMW 2002?

All I could come up with was a 1st Gen Scion xB...

SER Sentra/200sx, except for the Nissan being a better, cheaper car

Miata, as long as you don't need to actually use all four of the 2002's seats?

I don't get the xB thing, unless you think the 2002 is entirely defined by its boxiness...

Sentra SER, VW GTI, or Neon ACR come to mind.

BMW 1 series. The 2002 wasn't exactly cheap when it was new.

Yep 1 series, external dimensions almost exactly match the E30.

No idea why someone would bring up a FWD econobox.

I wouldn't say any FWD car is close to the 2002....

When I think 2002 and think of someone who posts on this forum I think as light as possible with RWD and good handling.

IMO I would say these:

BMW 318ti

240sx

BRZ - more a modern 240sx than an ae86.

^ probably the closest. Seats 4(technically), compact car, rwd, meh power, great handling, fun.

After that it gets thin....

Mazda Miata - wouldn't really say a roadster fits that if so they S2000 as well. I just can't say they are a modern 2002 in all seriousness though.....

As someone else said BMW 1 series maybe but that's pushing it imo. I would say thats more like if you wanted a E30 or E36 3 series but it's the only other car that is mostly the same characteristics that isn't at the vey ending edge of 15 years aside from the BRZ.

If I were a 2002 or Datsun 510 fan I would probably try and test drive a BRZ/FRS. If I wanted used I would look for a 318ti or 240sx. You pretty much have no options unless you want a roadster or something not at all like a 2002 like a MR2.

edit: Maybe a Z3 Coupe? I think they are below 3000lbs

I think some of us posted FWD cars because in the last 15 years, it's hard to find a 4-seater that isn't FWD and reasonable roomy. At least the FWD cars mentioned handle very well.
I didn't know we were constrained by powertrain layout and seating capacity. I offer up

I went with cars that were of the same ilk.

SVT Focus?

I guess I was thinking comparable weight/hp with upright seating for 4. I had to overlook the FWD vs RWD aspect because I couldn't think of anything with RWD that was in the ballpark. I guess the 240sx is about it.

You know, a BRZ may actually be smaller than a 2002 after inflation because it has grown less than the average american car enthusiast.

Also, if you come across a picture of 4 people in a 2002 please post it up so we can all laugh at how uncomfortable they are.

stroker wrote: What's the closest current car from the last 15 years to a BMW 2002?

318ti?

MINI.

To be honest, I bought my E30 because I was told it would be "like a RWD MINI". Sadly no... the MINI is much more fun... and has a more of an 'eager' feel to it. I'll admit, however, the rear seat is only useable for short distances and/or most occupants are of moderate stature. With a tall driver or passenger (say 5' 10" or more), the rear leg room becomes negligible.

When was the last 240 or 318ti made? 15 years ago was 1998.

Ian F wrote: When was the last 240 made? 15 years ago was 1998.

Ha, I was going to say "B13 SE-R," then I realized 1994 was 19 years ago.

Unless it had to be shaped like a box, what about an RX8? Seats 4ish, small, RWD, quick but not over powered?

In reply to Ian F:

Last 318ti sneaks in at 1998, not sure on 240.