Corrado vs. TI?

[aparatchik]

I need an upgrade/sidegrade/addition to my 1970 BMW 2002, and am considering both the Rado and the TI. I seem to have a thing for 90's funky performance oriented hatchbacks! While I know this is most likely a partisan crowd, I'm hoping that there is someone who can offer some insight into the benefits and drawbacks of each. Budget is in the 5-6K range, FYI.

[KetteringTi]

Corrado maint. costs > ti maint. costs.

Plus the 'Rados tend to have lots of PITA quirks.

Still kinda want a 'Rado though...

[REDIS]

corrado FWD < 318ti RWD. the corrado is faster though and has more performance options.

[96cali]

Having owned both (a '92 Corrado from '94-'99 sold with 70k and '96 Ti from '02-now with 76k miles) I can tell you the Ti will be more reliable and cost less to maintain by far. If you don't mind a car that demands upkeep you could go with a VR6 Corrado and have a blast. But for $6k, you'll get one with issues. On the other hand you can get a very solid Ti for that price and build it into what you want, when you want.

[aparatchik]

The RWD issue is something that will always work in BMW's favor. I've actually never owned a FWD car, but have driven enough of them to know I prefer RWD by a fairly wide margin. Looks like maintenance costs and reliability are also in favor of the Ti. Too bad they don't have that cool self-ejecting spoiler!!

Anyone in California have a lead on a nice, smogged, Ti? Preferrably in black or any of the blues, with Sport package (not sure about actual Ti terminology yet... Sport, ClubSport?)