That 78 is a beaut, Silver.
I've always been a big BMW fan, but it seems like with every generation they go more and more away from what made them great. So much less about driving dynamics now, and way more emphasis on things that make housewives and real estate agents happy.
The best 3 series was still the e30 in my opinion. My brother owned one for a while, and while it had it's electrical issues, it was a blast to drive around.
The 3 series is about as common as a Corolla now though....kind of lost it's magic for me.