Hi reanimation
You wouldn't happen to have a white G reg mk1 MR2 would you? And have also been looking at beemers?
Spotted your posted on the IMOC website (assuming that is you).
I've got a mk1 MR2 (well my girlfriend has) and a BX 16v. Very different cars, but both have their good points.
Engines behave pretty much the same - the MR2 has the TVIS which gives you a kick at 4.5krpm, the BX doesnt have such a 'violent' change into the powerband but certainly picks up well as you get past 4.5krpm.
In a straight line in the dry they're very similar. In a head to head I can just about pull away from my girlfriend (but she drives like a girl obviously
). Once you get to a corner the difference is much more apparent. The MR2 has much more grip, and if you're brave enough you can keep your foot in until it does break away and wind on the opposite lock to sort yourself out. The BX doesn't feel quite has stable and doesnt have as much out right grip - and of course when you run out of it you'll get understeer. Although IME lifting off will tuck you back in, or even give you a bit of a wiggle from the back end which is quite amusing.
Both good cars in their own right, and I enjoy driving both. But if you want something cheap, to cart your stuff about in at a fair speed it's gonna be hard to beat a 16v.
My only other experience of a BX was a 19DTR I used for about 6 months when I was 18. In terms of equipment it was great, but it was very slow and you cornered on the door handles. The 16v is much better in terms of handling, looks, engine and interior. My mate has a TZD which gets the nicer interior and a bit more power, but the suspension is still very wallowy. But he bought it because it was cheap to run, and it's done him proud (he's even done a few road rallies in it!).
Blimey, that was a long post. Hope it's of some use!
My dad has been hassling me to geta diesel for ages so i might go that way. I have a blue oval badged RWD car with big engine waiting to be finished for fun and a small mid engined jap car that i should sell, but a daily rocket would be nice too. 
