Mazdaspeed3 or Mazdaspeed6 or STI?
#32
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interesting... I've been considering doing the same thing (s2k to ms3). I did some lurking on the ms3 boards, and while I can't compare the ms3 to the 6, here's what I found out:
1. with better motor mounts (esp rear), shifting is better.
2. most also suggest a short shifter.
3. The early probs with the engine falling out(!) are dealt with, although it sometimes it randomly still occurs. in a few cars - very rare - and yes, that would seriously suck.
4. mpg is pretty good, at least on par with the S, if not slightly better if one stays off boost (or us staying outta vtec land).
5. Other than the motor falling out(!), good reliability.
6. Bose system is decent, but not great.
After a test drive:
1. serious torque. I didn't find the torque steer scary, but it was significant.
2. the shifter wasn't as smooth as the S, but what is? It was...ok, not as bad as everyone was saying, but not smooth - it could be livable.
3. car tended to 'float' a bit going over RR tracks at 40mph. some suspension would probably address that.
4. Roomy car with lotsa potential (CAI will net 20+ hp - it's documented), good mpg, but limited by fwd. Kinda like my old EG with slightly more room.
1. with better motor mounts (esp rear), shifting is better.
2. most also suggest a short shifter.
3. The early probs with the engine falling out(!) are dealt with, although it sometimes it randomly still occurs. in a few cars - very rare - and yes, that would seriously suck.
4. mpg is pretty good, at least on par with the S, if not slightly better if one stays off boost (or us staying outta vtec land).
5. Other than the motor falling out(!), good reliability.
6. Bose system is decent, but not great.
After a test drive:
1. serious torque. I didn't find the torque steer scary, but it was significant.
2. the shifter wasn't as smooth as the S, but what is? It was...ok, not as bad as everyone was saying, but not smooth - it could be livable.
3. car tended to 'float' a bit going over RR tracks at 40mph. some suspension would probably address that.
4. Roomy car with lotsa potential (CAI will net 20+ hp - it's documented), good mpg, but limited by fwd. Kinda like my old EG with slightly more room.
#33
i love my MS3, seems like most people have no clue what it is. I just have 3 simple bolt on's SRI, upgraded TMIC, and a test pipe...so for less than a $1000 in mods and I pull away from 335i's (with cargo in the back of my car), new Genesis Coupes, Mustang GT's, lots of cars that are not expecting it.
Stock shifter isn't the worst, but with the TWM SS its pretty good. The shifting and overall solidity of the car is much improved with a stiffer rear engine mount, a $140 part completely changes the car, makes it much better to shift.
I've never had a problem with the floaty feeling since I installed coilovers the first day I had the car. But I will admit the car is a pretty rough ride with them. I also never found the torque steer to be too crazy except you have to be smart or it can catch you off guard. Don't get WOT until you are getting closer to centre with the steering wheel, if the boost kicks in full while taking a corner aggressively you will either understeer a LOT or you will simply be pulled hard to one side and smash into a wall if you don't know what you are doing.
Stock shifter isn't the worst, but with the TWM SS its pretty good. The shifting and overall solidity of the car is much improved with a stiffer rear engine mount, a $140 part completely changes the car, makes it much better to shift.
I've never had a problem with the floaty feeling since I installed coilovers the first day I had the car. But I will admit the car is a pretty rough ride with them. I also never found the torque steer to be too crazy except you have to be smart or it can catch you off guard. Don't get WOT until you are getting closer to centre with the steering wheel, if the boost kicks in full while taking a corner aggressively you will either understeer a LOT or you will simply be pulled hard to one side and smash into a wall if you don't know what you are doing.
#34
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I had a Speed3 for a while but traded it for the S2000. I think it was not really a great idea. Sort of regretting it.
I'm also entertaining the idea of an 05 STI, they're about the same price as the MS3/MS6 and offer 4WD. Tempting.
I'm also entertaining the idea of an 05 STI, they're about the same price as the MS3/MS6 and offer 4WD. Tempting.
#35
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Originally Posted by dparm,May 21 2009, 10:53 AM
I had a Speed3 for a while but traded it for the S2000. I think it was not really a great idea. Sort of regretting it.
I'm also entertaining the idea of an 05 STI, they're about the same price as the MS3/MS6 and offer 4WD. Tempting.
I'm also entertaining the idea of an 05 STI, they're about the same price as the MS3/MS6 and offer 4WD. Tempting.
It's a lot more sportier than the MS6, if that's what your looking for.
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Well insurance rates on an 05 STI are even higher than my S2000. *gulp*
I pay $132/mo now and it'd go up to about $175/mo.
Local dealer 1 has an 05 STI w/46k for $18900...it has some silly fartcan exhaust on it, illegal tints, and a BOV. Local Subaru dealer has an 05 STI w/43k for $19995. No clue if it's stock (no photos yet). Neither has a warranty left so I'd likely get one.
Think I should offer $17500 on the first or maybe $18500 on the second one?
I pay $132/mo now and it'd go up to about $175/mo.
Local dealer 1 has an 05 STI w/46k for $18900...it has some silly fartcan exhaust on it, illegal tints, and a BOV. Local Subaru dealer has an 05 STI w/43k for $19995. No clue if it's stock (no photos yet). Neither has a warranty left so I'd likely get one.
Think I should offer $17500 on the first or maybe $18500 on the second one?
#40
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Originally Posted by Shift_S2K,May 19 2009, 04:39 PM
Why does it need to be an STI? New 09 WRX = 265 Hp/245 Tq and I got mine a month ago for 26k + TTL which isn't tons over an MS3 and i would imagine less than an MS6.
Anywho, maybe it's just not your cup of tea, just thought I'd suggest it...
Anywho, maybe it's just not your cup of tea, just thought I'd suggest it...