You are completely missing the point. The magnitude of the community surrounding performance is nearly nonexistent compared to other makes and models, much of which has to do with good platforms to start (2.3-16 was a good one, but hard to find) and the rest having to do with parts, community and knowledge availability afterwards. Again, I ask -- try to find something like spec e30 series or spec e36 series within the realm of MB. Hell, try modding a w202 with the same budget as an e36 and see how far you get.

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth