If you had 2.5-3k to spend on a car would you rather buy an E30 3-series or a 4th gen Camaro with an LT1? Which car is better all around? The Z28 has a lot of power but the E30 is supposedly the best driver's car. Thanks for any help.

 

E30 all the way and im not just saying that cause i drive one. Stock m20's are great motors and run for ever and still get 20-25mpg city and near 30hwy. If your looking at e30's highly recommend trying to find a late model 325. the early model 325e and 325es have econo 2.7 motor really low reving. late model 325i and 325is have 2.5 with a way better head. "revs higher"
The 318 e30's with the m42 engine are actually great little motors i hear from alot of guys they love boost and will handle about 400whp with supporting mods same with a m20.
e30 has alot more going for it, Performance wise in all aspects...Drift,auto-x, or drag.
Lost of Engine swaps you can do if wanting to mod to that extent.

Lt1's are junk imo They really don't make that much power maybe 330hp at the flywheel and 280-290 ish at the wheel with basic bolt ons and a tune. And really only thing going for it would be going in a straight line.
Not sure what your looking to do as far as mods and plans for the car.

 

I thought it would be cool to get a cheap e30 and turbo it or get the camaro and lower it, put wider wheels and beefy tires and add to the suspension and have a cool road racing car.

 

Is there even a Coilover market for that year of camaro that aren't made for going in a straight line?
if you want a road racing car deff go with a e30, better power to weight. my car factory is like 2600lbs, those camaro's are like 3800lbs.

 

i'd only get the camaro if you wanted to go straight and stomp the gas pedal. Beyond that, the bmw wins in every way.

 

My friends with LSx engines don't really have a good thing to say about the LT1 engine. Even when someone buys an LT1 car to replace with an LSx motor they feel its a waste because the chassis isn't worth it.

The BMW e30 model would be the better choice in your scenario. I autocross with their owners and they enjoy them on and off the track. The Chumps Car Team EuroTrash uses an e30 chassis as well and its really held up, the motor needed to be rebuilt but it started as a car they bought for around $150.