M140i vs I30N

[Raul_z4]

Hello everybody,

I am comparing all the hothatches of the moment to purchase and so far, the one that I love the most is the I30N (chassis, sound and racing details that make it unique, in a world of new dull cars).

But I was also thinking the M140i, I know it is totally a different approach (RWD, much more power, although is more of a GT cruiser car than a B road/rally car set up, and less exhaust sound).

I've tried the m140 and it's crazy fast!! You could double the speed limit any time...

The only drawback I see in the German car it's the uncommunicative steering wheel and the lack of LSD standard,I didn't tried hard cause the car was from the dealer. But in many reviews they say it's so twitchy, unpredictable and doesn't give you the confidence like an M car should. (it just powerslide safe ,not drift)

Therefore I create this post in case someone would have tested both cars and could help me.

I enjoy mostly the cars on the B roads going 9/10, but also some city and long journeys (Daily / focus car).

(Currently I have a Z4 3.0i e85, I love RWD, but also was looking for something more practical)

Thank's in advance!

Greetings

 

[Raul_z4]

I can install the LSD but it's very expensive 3.500€ in Spain.

I drive on B roads at 9/10 max, my Z4 also has an open diff and you feel it when you really push it, with 360bhp I can't imagine...

And the sound are very different, the beamer was louder inside, and the I30n seems more exhaust tune...

I think I'm going to wait the upcoming M240i RWD version, it will come with LSD standard

 

[Raul_z4]

Fitting a diff definitely improves the drive and putting the power down, but it doesn't sort how horrible the dampers seem to feel in these Mx40 F series cars. Going over anything that isn't a smooth surface at speed legit feels like the car is trying to throw you off the road like a pogo stick. Seen so many posts on the Facebook group and forums about this and have also owned a M240 myself for over 2 years with the same complaints.

Personally I wouldn't buy one as a B road blaster if that's your main thing. In a straight line or on a roll though there's not many other hatchback that touches them standard. Apart from the A45S/RS3 I suppose but then they're stupid money.

Thanks for sharing your experience with M240i/M140i, basically are the same car with different body.

When I say I30N perf I mean the facelift, they already been dyno with 305hp and 410nm stock. (Could reach 350hp in stage 1).
Still waiting the reviews though ,but seems lighter and much faster than before (I know still FWD) but think about it, all new hothatches are, Or haldex....

I love the GR yaris, but it's tiny and doesn't sound.

The focus RS the suspensions are so harsh for daily like megane trophy.

Type r is ugly (to me )

Thats why I30N ticks all the boxes....

(Now in my radar are: I30N, M140i, upcoming M240i (with lsd) and upcomimg GR corolla (but I don't see the appeal of 3 cylinders in hatchback).

Also GR86, but it would be very slow and I want to feel a turbo car

 

[Raul_z4]

Don't really care for brand snobbery or what others think of a car, I just want a car that I love to take out for a drive for no reason down some nice roads. Give me a car with a great chassis over ridiculous amounts of power any day

Amen!
I'm going to test the i30n facelift and make a decision soon.

Drag times like Mat Watson promotes are useless in real life, (300-350hp 400-500nm) is more than enough for me, but the handling part is the key for enjoy a fast and confident ride.

 

[Raul_z4]

Bit late to the party but I've just got rid of an i30N performance - albeit not the new model. Moved from a GT86 (fun but slow) to the i30N. Was a great car and lots of fun, sounded amazing and was definitely a head turner but they do have to be driven hard to get the best out of them. Quite a heavy car and not the fastest in a straight line. Has all the tech you could want - at least the outgoing model did. The original plan was to get an M140i and it only didn't happen because our house move caused our insurance premium to nearly double. I don't think you can compare the two cars directly as in reality the M140i is in a different league. Given the choice I'd be BMW all the way.

The new I30n is a bit lighter and more faster with the new turbo.
I also like the gt86 but is so slow and the rear "seats"...

I tried an M140 auto and tuned yesterday, it was so fast. But after trying it for second time I wasn't so surprised about the speed. But in some bends the engine was so laggy (like 3 secs) I'm used to NA and I didn't like at all, it could be due to the bad tuned it had maybe.

But the point that I finally made with these m140/240 are just so refined in all the aspects that doesn't thrills you to go faster in bends.

When I came back to my Z4 I went 10/10 with it and started to laugh, it handles so much better.

I think my next move is an M2 or a cheaper, more adordable and pracrical I30n facelift.