I am currently looking for a HPDE/Track rat car to run a lot of laps. I want to find a car that can help be get better as a track driver and provide a lot of laps on a low budget. I am torn between BMW e36/e30 and an NC miata. I am leaning towards the miata since it is newer but I love BMW's and have always wanted and e36. I want to do a full cage and many upgrades so looking at track built cars no need to register for the road.
Goal is a lot of cheap laps for improving my driving.
E30's are fun, but I'd recommend an E36 over an E30 these days for a track rat, or perhaps even an E46 given they've fully depreciated.
E30s have appreciated a bit, and the e36's quicker (factory) steering rack and better rear suspension put it a ways ahead of the E30.
Mechanically, the BMWs (at least, naturally aspirated I6 cars) have proven pretty robust on track - mechanically simple and strong, with adequate factory brakes given good pads. Cheap OEM+ brake upgrades are especially easy on the E36 and E46. The inline six really is a jewel.
I haven't driven a 2.5 NC, so can't comment, but despite loving BMWs (currently have an E30 with M50B30), an MX5 is likely next. I had an NA and miss it more than most of the cars I've had.
Agree with the above, E36 is a better chassis to work with over an E30. Now finding a decent one on the other hand, might be difficult. It seems like more of them got clapped out than E30s for some reason.
That said, as much as I love BMWs of that era, I think I'd rather have an NC. Sharper steering, way better gear box, better suspension. Lower consumables too due to lower weight.
The number of E36s that have been dead nuts reliable in Lemons/Chump/LuckyDog is incredible. That is 6, 8, 14 hours of straight running flat out. They almost like track abuse more than street driving. I used to daily(still own) an E36 and I must say that it's been an easy platform to work on, and relatively easy and cheap to get parts.
I can't knock the NC miata. I test drove a 2.5 swap for somebody on this forum back in 2017. It was a killer car, but I only have about 15 minutes behind the wheel. Not sure the long term reliability but it's a sweet chassis. Lighter than the E36 but not a tiny thing like an NA/NB would be.
A well built E36/46 is weirdly capable. That said I'd still go after the miata. I think total running costs will be lower in the long run and it's more of a drivers car out of the box.
For reasons already outlined I would strongly prefer the e-36 but finding one will be more difficult. While E36 M3 cars have survived in good numbers - the non-M cars that used to be cheap and plentiful have become harder to find, especially in desirable configurations such as 5-speed coupes. For this purpose there's nothing wrong with a sedan - and some say the 4-door is a stiffer chassis. Non-M/non-sunroof cars are extremely uncommon but do exist ('97-'98 only, I think)
Convertibles and 4-bangers turn up a lot but aren't as suited for this purpose.
I can't speak to the reliability of a 2.5 swap, but the NC is a phenomenal chassis with comparatively low running costs. My wife and I have owned all 4 generations of Miata and the NC was my favorite. Granted I'm not exactly small (6'2", 215 lbs), so that certainly tilts things in the NC's favor. With the stock 2.0 they're as reliable as an anvil on track.
I haven't owned an E36 or E46, but I do currently own an E82 128i 6MT, which is frequently compared to the USDM E36 M3 (similar PWR and layout). As a daily, there's no comparison, the Bimmer is just about perfect. As a track car, the NC is 500-700 lbs lighter with double wishbones up front (vs Mac struts) and better shifter feel.
If I had another NC I would be looking very hard at an SCCA TT Sport 6 build- relatively cheap build that would be a lot of fun and allow me to not only track, but also compete. For an E36/46, I would make sure it had the 3.0L and build it for NASA TT5.
You didn't say anything about racing in the OP, but this was announced this week:
https://www.scca.com/articles/2017738-spec-mx-5-to-become-scca-runoffs-class-in-2024
I expect this to be a successful class which means good things for ongoing support for parts, etc. even for those who don't race.
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