Subaru WRX vs MAZDASPEED 3

[Uberu]

I was at barnes and noble buying sport compact car, but i saw a car and driver with an article pitting the MAZDASPEED 3 vs the WRX. I don't remember the whole article but here are a couple of the points it made

1: WRX with 30 less hp and 45 less ft-lb dominated the MS3 due to all-wheel drive (they weigh almost the same)
2: MS3 has trouble launching (has to launch at 1800 rpm due to poor traction)
3: Although the MS3 was slightly faster than the WRX on an autocross track, everyone who drove both of them in the tests agreed that the WRX is the better choice for autox.

I would say go and buy the magazine.

[S4toSTI]

Yeah and at the end they pick the mazda. I have driven a mazdaspeed 6 and i wouldn't touch a awd turbo new mazda if my life depended on it.

[CHAOS]

i like to form my own opinions but awd > fwd

[MPowerKai]

Originally Posted by chaos311clarity

i like to form my own opinions but awd > fwd

if we are talking about the mazda 6 than yes but if we are talking about the mazdaspeed version than it's awd too

[CHAOS]

i was refering to the 3 vs wrx.. .i know about the 6... but ihavent gotten to drive either the MS3 or MS6

[Uberu]

i don't see why they would choose the MS3, the WRX offers more imo

[CHAOS]

the 3 is probably way more comfortable but i dunno

[Crzyguy972]

Originally Posted by chaos311clarity

the 3 is probably way more comfortable but i dunno

not at all its the same chasis as the regular three so when i sat in it it was so crammed thats y i went with teh six

[CHAOS]

ahh i see... i used to love the mazda 6... i still love the older styling... but my tastes have changed... im a former mazda owner and because of that im scared to own anything they make lol

[WRXD]

Originally Posted by SGMsubI

i don't see why they would choose the MS3, the WRX offers more imo

how do you figure?

I read the article. The MS3, for 24,500 MSRP, it includes leather heated seats, bose stereo, foglights, auto climate control, 18" wheels, HIDs, summer performance tires, rain sensing wipers, and an all around more solid and quality interior. It also has the option for dvd based navi for like $1750 more. The MS3 beat the WRX in the stopping distance and slalom. It lost in the 0-60 and the 1/4 but by only by a 10th in the quarter and 2 tenths in the 0-60.

Compared to a TR, the creature comforts sound pretty nice, and it has comparable stock performance. It doesnt suprise me that the mag picked the MS3.

[drew]

I was just reading that on the crapper today, good article. I thought they ended up choosing the WRX. personally, I would go with the WRX, for the same price you get a loaded ms3, or a TR WRX... I love leather and options, but I'd stick with the subbie

[dougiefresheq]

so well for the so called STI slayer (MS3) it can almost kill a WRX but still no bannanas for the ms3

[TTsupra911]

Originally Posted by dougiefresheq

so well for the so called STI slayer (MS3) it can almost kill a WRX but still no bannanas for the ms3

It's a Mazda did you expect anything else. I am sure the the MS3 is going to be a competator, but it's over rated and is barely stacking up to the vehicles on the market now. They are not setting any new benchmarks and are only in the middle of the class.

[Pocket_Rocket]

Going to be careful what I say here but my vote goes with the Speed3 "Mazdaspeed" is offereing a performance pack that will raise it to 300hp and still be covered under warranty. Personally...I like the hatch better and its much more refined on the inside in my opinion. It also comes with a Nav option and has radio and ipod functions through the steering wheel too. To me, it offers much more for the money with little performance loss over the WRX..

If anyone has read the other reviews of this car.. they are pretty much glowing.. Its worse downfall is lack of AWD but for a FWD car it does pretty damn good.. Unlike my PIG SRT-4, at least this thing handles. My SRT-4 handled TERRIBLE even with suspension and had NO communication through the steering wheel. NOT what they are saying about this car..



I am strongly considering trading my Mini Cooper S for one..

[CHAOS]

i gotta test drive the new mazdaspeed cars... they look very well put together.

[BradC]

Originally Posted by TTsupra911

It's a Mazda did you expect anything else. I am sure the the MS3 is going to be a competator, but it's over rated and is barely stacking up to the vehicles on the market now. They are not setting any new benchmarks and are only in the middle of the class.

Maybe that applied when the MSP came out, but what in this cars "class" has more HP and higher benchmarks?? I dont think an AWD sedan is in the same class as a FWD hatch. Closest thing is the new GTi and the MS3 slaughters it.

[CHAOS]

i think the ms3 is going to directly compete with the new srt-4 caliber... at least performance wise

[BradC]

Originally Posted by chaos311clarity

i think the ms3 is going to directly compete with the new srt-4 caliber... at least performance wise

Agreed. I think straight-line the caliber should be faster depending on its heft. Ugly as sin though.

[Spocknasty]

I work at Reedman-Toll...where Subarus are sold.

We just got Mazda...I'll let you guys know which car handles best soon.

[1988 Olds]

LOL Mazda is defiantly the better looking car in my opinion.