sedan vs coupe

#1

Currently my car is a coupe but it has some rust. I just found a nice sedan. Are there any drawbacks or advantages to having a sedan? I think it would be cool to race a four door e30, what do you guys think?

#2

Every time I turn myself into a human pretzel to get to something in the back seat area, I think to myself how nice it would be to have a 4 door.

#3

I agree with that… Maybe the cage builder will give me a better deal as it will be easier to do?? Any drawbacks though?

#4

I heard visibility isn’t quite as good, but just go faster than everyone else and you should be fine!nn

#5

There are zero deficits to do with an E30 4-door vs. a 2 door. In fac t mathmatically the 4 door is technically stiffer. But with cage that is a moot point.

Weight is practically the same.

I was looking for a 4-door before a 2 door fell in my lap - mostly because I wanted to use the back seat.

#6

my spec e30 is a two door and my lemons e30 is a 4 door so ill give you my pros and cons from both. beings that i am 6’3" i have had a very hard time getting in and out of the four door since the front door is smaller so i am more inclined to suggest the 2 door, however, it is very nice to be able to open the back doors to get to things. but i like two doors better mainly because there is more room for me in them. performance wise, both cars are spec and both perform about the same so its really a matter or size vs convenience

#7

I went with the two door over the four door because of the door opening size. Being a big guy I didnt want to struggle getting in and out of the car. Also god forbid you have to get out quickly the extra space sure makes sense to me.

Andrew Z
Drive-gear.com

#8

I was looking for a coupe (mainly for looks), but found a sedan first. I agree with everyon else. Entry/exit is a bit tighter. Nascar bars are somewhat awkward with the 4-door B-pillar. I have rally-style Xs. The B-pillar is right over your left shoulder, so the blind spot is quite annoying. I still drive the car to/from the track so its main advantages there are power rear windows for ventilation control and being able to fit 3 tires in the back seat around the cage (1 still rides in the passenger seat).

Overall, the rust should be a bigger factor in your decision.

#9

With proper mirrors, there is no blind spot. You don’t look over your shoulder in a race car.

+1 on the benefits of easy ingress/egress with a coupe. I’ll take that over the 4 door’s rear seat access advantages in the paddock/garage.

#10

Rust is the biggest factor… The cleaner the shell the better.

I have a 4 door and other than looks - I like the looks of the coupe better - I’m quite happy with it.

Now Andrew is about the size of your average NFL Lineman - me, I’m about 6’ and would never be considered “slight of build”. I have no issue getting in or out and feel very comfortable in the car. I also don’t notice any blind spots. Of course I used to race a 1970 Datsun 240-z with Nascar door bars - Talk about a tight fit!

Access to the rear is much more convenient in a 4 door and yes there’s storage back there.

If I were to do it again I would concentrate on finding the cleanest, most rust free car available be it a 2 or 4 door. But, hey, that’s what I did the first time!

#11

Thanks for the input everyone. I ended up buying this one due to the lack of rust. My current car (coupe) has rust and its obviusly not going to get better. This 4 door I just picked up has 135k and almost no rust at all, so I’m happy. $1700, not bad.