Classifieds' Car Of The Day: Mercedes 190E 2.5-16 'Cosworth'

There's no doubt about it, here at CT towers we'd do anything to get ourselves an E30 BMW M3. That road-legal touring car has cemented itself in the history books, but as a result, is incredibly expensive to buy. The good news is that the car's arch rival - the Mercedes 190E 'Cosworth' - can still be picked up relatively cheaply.

Like the M3, you get a high-revving, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, a taut, rear-drive chassis and plenty of motorsport pedigree. This hot 190 originally started out as a rallying project, but the Merc motorsport bods were forced to switch their attention to touring car racing after the Audi Quattro burst onto the scene and made rear-wheel drive rally cars obsolete.

The 190's humble 2.3-litre eight-valve four-pot was given a 16-valve cylinder head from Cosworth, while the car was treated to stiffer suspension, a limited-slip differential and a drag-reducing bodykit. The rest, of course, is history. Later 2.5-16 versions come with 197bhp, giving a 0-60mph time of just over seven seconds and a top speed of 142mph.

Although it was more than a match for the M3 in race trim, the road version could never quite go toe-to-toe with its Bavarian rival. You can forgive it for that, as it's still a great car to drive, was built in right-hand drive (unlike the LHD-only M3), and prices are still reasonable.

Values are increasing, so now is the time to buy. If you're tempted, check the car thoroughly for rust, particularly on the jacking points and underneath the bodykit, which has a habit of trapping water. These are becoming rarer all the time, so if you find a decent one, snap it up.