Mazdaspeed 3 vs. Subaru WRX

[Patmoss99]

i agree- the reviews are entirely exaggerated- i took the MS3 for a spin a few weeks ago, and unless you pound it every time you move from a stop, you'll notice about as much torque steer as a tricycle.

[daseffekt]

Honestly I've noticed about as much torque steer in my 2010 MS3 as I've noticed in my 07 civic SI and 99 Integra.

Funny enough, my Integra had more torque steer off the line than the MS3, as far as I can tell (had the car only 2 weeks now).

When you launch the car full throttle you are holding tight to the steering wheel anyway, so unless you're trying to sip your mochaccino while texting and steering with your knees, torque steer isn't much of a problem.

I've also read that performance engine mounts can help with wheel hop, which will make you feel more stuck to the road.

And if you read the "car reviews" comparing the various hot hatches.....most of those reviewers are obsessed with luxury, they always seem to make the GTI their top choice, even though it is shitty, unreliable German engineering with 63 less horsepower. They care mainly about interior luxury, which the GTI does better (for a much higher price) but the MS3 has in spades compared to the WRX.

Honestly it comes down to preference. I get car deals through my work, so the price of the MS3 and WRX were exactly the same, but the MS3 came with more bells and whistles (tech package) and better handling, while the WRX did not have those features, but did have the AWD. I live in southern California so I don't care at all about that. Sure its a bit quicker off the line because of AWD but with a few suspension mods I don't see why a MS3 couldn't be just as good, while looking better doing it.

[10mm]

I drove the WRX before the speed 3. Suspension is, for lack of a better term, soft. thousands more expensive than what I got my MS3 w/tech (22.5) for and the sales guys were absolute A-holes at subaru, like they were doing me a favor by LETTING me buy a car from them. I was getting rid of an 06 mazda3 hatchback and looked into the speed3 one tuesday afternoon at lunch, and bought one that friday after work.

WRX: AWD, more forgiving suspension, less common.

Speed3: Superior handling, more "fun" to drive, best value on the market.

my .02

[jadnice]

Yesturday I went with a friend who wanted to buy a 2011 Honda Civic.... I must admit as a 2010 Mazda 3 owner... I was not impressed. Its clear you get a better car with more bells and wistles(more HP, better interior tech etc) with Mazda. Plus the car just looks better.

[10mm]

I had an 07 Civic SI, could only stand it for 12,000 miles, thing rattled constantly, terrible transmission, plus you got the "ricer" treatment from everyone.

The mose discerning buyer chooses Mazda, lol

[daseffekt]

Originally Posted by 10mm

I had an 07 Civic SI, could only stand it for 12,000 miles, thing rattled constantly, terrible transmission, plus you got the "ricer" treatment from everyone.

The mose discerning buyer chooses Mazda, lol

Just sold my 07 SI to get the 2010 MS3 and I'm so happy I did. Honda quality went downhill. My 99 Integra was great, lots of fun and never a single problem. My Teg got me into cars, racing and "go fast" parts. Working at a race shop, needless to say I modded my Integra to the hilt.

The SI got me bored with cars and had a ton of minor problems that added up to a lot of annoyance. I didn't add a single mod to my SI other than tinting; it just didn't inspire me to do anything with it. The gearbox stuck horrible in 3rd, grinding gears far too often. I'm not a rough driver and never had problems before or after. It was just a shitty gearbox.

Don't get me wrong, I loved my SI but I love my new MS3 more

Anyway, I really felt like I stepped up big time in quality with the MS3 and I'm totally happy with it. I've gone from getting hit up by Honda rice rockets to BMW's and more "sophisticated" cars to race (not that I oblige them.....never race on the streets). I'm glad to say I'm once again a fan of aftermarket tuning.

[Mazdinha]

Since this is the first time i found some good conversation on this forum, i need some suggestions on a car

I just got a 2012 ms3 bit i have 2 cars on the side , my 2000 jetta gls n 05 mazda 3 sedan, i amm planning on trade both in a new car but also my wife will be driving , i tought about a mitsibishi gt or even a ralliart , any other suggestions, ?

[OrangeVirus1]

ralliart is a waste of money imo. get a hyundai gnesis turbo for her

[JTMS3]

Genesis turbo would be less trq/hp so you could still claim tops in the garage. Unless of course you get the R-Spec 3.8l....

[Pacha302]

i think the ms3 even beat the 3.8 in a review if i recall...not straight up obviously, but overall it beat it

As for choosing, i thought about the gti, wrx and the cooperS, and they are all trade-offs for one another, for around the same price. The ms3 was more well rounded for me, however this is just an opinion so don't take everything to heart. And i don't plan to mod anytime soon, so yeah i know which can be better modded etc etc, heres what i thought

GTI=nicer interior, more "refined", but slower
COOPERS=a lot nicer interior, more gadgets, great on gas but slower
WRX=mad power! AWD very fast, but the interior is pretty bland for a 26k car
MS3=faster than most, with decent interior

Also i got a great deal, $20,500! end of the year markdown, absolutely love it

...my0.02c