ms3 ms6 which is better

I think an AWD car is more practical for the street and the track. Street, if you live in areas of heavy rain, snow and, ice at least a few months out of the year. Track, because traction and launching are 75% of the battle and AWD is what gets you that. yea, stock for stock the ms3 is faster and lighter but down the road I think the ms6 has more potential as power is added whereas the ms3 will get slower or stay the same due to traction issues unless you drive around on slicks all day.
 
It doesn't hurt that I still have my AWD car in the driveway ;)

While I feel you obviously make a great choice, I'll never understand why people (who live in warm climates) buy fwd... or even awd over rwd. granted, I've in CT all my life so I'm not as aware of what you have to deal with... but I imagine the worst thing is rain. Having owned a rwd car for all 4 seasons (and nearly dying a dozen times during the winter) I can safely say... if it wasn't for the F@#%ing snow... I'd so be rockin an rx-8
 
While I feel you obviously make a great choice, I'll never understand why people (who live in warm climates) buy fwd... or even awd over rwd. granted, I've in CT all my life so I'm not as aware of what you have to deal with... but I imagine the worst thing is rain. Having owned a rwd car for all 4 seasons (and nearly dying a dozen times during the winter) I can safely say... if it wasn't for the F@#%ing snow... I'd so be rockin an rx-8

Hah yeah I hear ya. Find me a new car (4-door) for $20k that is RWD and can even touch the MS3.

The reality for me is there are very few RWD cars out there, that are affordable and good enough.
New ones that I like are out of my price range, for example: BMW 335i, M3, Caddy CTS-V, hell I'd even hit the GTO - though I prefer a 4-door. I really can't think of any other RWD cars I'd want that are at least 4-seat and preferably 4 door. What cars am I missing? Oh yeah the mustang would be kind of fun with mods.

I like AWD cars for their enormous grip. I like to autocross, drive the twisties, and go to track days, and the AWD traction is a lot of fun. Part of the reason I bought this MS3 though is to get away from the drivetrain losses, enjoy a decent MPG, have more fun in a lighter more tossable car, etc.

Regarding the RX8. I think it is a great car but I didn't even consider one. Higher cost, poor gas mileage, less power. I'll take poor gas mileage if it comes with excellent power output.

Honestly if I was going to spend 30k+ I'd be holding out for the new evo or something in that category. If you have any question as to why buy AWD for performance, just look at the track times that the EVO and STI are capable of.
 
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good points... While the RX-8 isn't very powerful, its athleticism is unmatched. Plus.. it has 4 doors so it's at least somewhat practical... at least compared to its closest rival, the 350z.

But you make a good point. there really aren't any 4 door rwd cars that fit the bill. sort of a shame really... imagine the MS3 or MSP as a rwd... tha s*** would be sweet!
 
I like AWD cars for their enormous grip. I like to autocross, drive the twisties, and go to track days, and the AWD traction is a lot of fun. Part of the reason I bought this MS3 though is to get away from the drivetrain losses, enjoy a decent MPG, have more fun in a lighter more tossable car, etc.

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Decent MPG? Man, I must drive like Tom Petty (or whoever that Nascar guy is) because I get anywhere from 210-250 miles out of my tank. I LOVE this car but MPG isn't a reason that I have it :) Or at least it isn't a reason for me to buy another one. No doubt about it though, it's the best car I have ever owned. This thing is a rocket and never fails to impress.
 
If you look at all the posts here, you'll notice that the main argument everyone makes for the MS3 is performance. And they make it sound like they're comparing Honda Civics to Shelby Mustangs, but in reality to anyone not counting tenths of a second, the difference is pretty negligible. Still, if you're looking for performance first everything else a distant second, stick with the MS3.

If you're 25 going on 17 and want the 'Wild Child' look, go with the MS3.

If you're a little older, don't live at the track, don't want every punk ass in a STI or EVO trying to run you down at lights and want something more comfortable and a little more civilized in appearance, while still maintaining enough performance to cut off that chick on her cell phone in the 3 series, go with the MS6.

That's what it boils down to.
 
While I feel you obviously make a great choice, I'll never understand why people (who live in warm climates) buy fwd... or even awd over rwd. granted, I've in CT all my life so I'm not as aware of what you have to deal with... but I imagine the worst thing is rain. Having owned a rwd car for all 4 seasons (and nearly dying a dozen times during the winter) I can safely say... if it wasn't for the F@#%ing snow... I'd so be rockin an rx-8

As was mentioned, there aren't many RWD cars that fit the bill (looks, reliability, cost). I chose the MS3 because of the cost/feature ratio. +1 for a car like the MS3 in a RWD platform. That would make this car the deal of the century. A super Miata of sorts.
 
Decent MPG? Man, I must drive like Tom Petty (or whoever that Nascar guy is) because I get anywhere from 210-250 miles out of my tank. I LOVE this car but MPG isn't a reason that I have it :) Or at least it isn't a reason for me to buy another one. No doubt about it though, it's the best car I have ever owned. This thing is a rocket and never fails to impress.

LOL, I think Tom Petty is WAY too stoned to drive fast anywhere, ever. One of his lyrics come to mind: "Let's get to the point, let roll another joint..." I think there is a Richard and a Kyle Petty in Nascrap.

Compared to my modded WRX, and my S4, the MS3 gets very good gas mileage. Granted if you tap into all or most of the available power then you will be sucking the gas like a sow at feeding time. But for cruising on the highway or poking along in traffic, the MS3 is WAY more efficient than my previous cars.
 
If you look at all the posts here, you'll notice that the main argument everyone makes for the MS3 is performance. And they make it sound like they're comparing Honda Civics to Shelby Mustangs, but in reality to anyone not counting tenths of a second, the difference is pretty negligible. Still, if you're looking for performance first everything else a distant second, stick with the MS3.

If you're 25 going on 17 and want the 'Wild Child' look, go with the MS3.

If you're a little older, don't live at the track, don't want every punk ass in a STI or EVO trying to run you down at lights and want something more comfortable and a little more civilized in appearance, while still maintaining enough performance to cut off that chick on her cell phone in the 3 series, go with the MS6.

That's what it boils down to.

Sorry to be a post ***** here but I have to disagree with what you stated. I know it's your opinion but I just think you grouped too much into one category.

I am personally 30 y/o and one thing I liked about the MS3 was the sleeper factor. People ignore the MS3 and I feel as though it really blends in with most cars on the road....especially in silver or blue.

I have yet to find but TWO poeple who have wanted to "race" me or whatever and once was a new BMW and the other was a Civic SI sedan. When I owned an Rx7, people would try to race me almost every day.

Just a question, have you driven an MS3 and also a Mustang GT or Civic Si?
 
im 21 and im in an ms6. I think their was a pole on this forum showing that the majority of ms6 owners are in their 20's or late teens. That should rule out the fact that the ms6 is for the "older crowd"
 
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If you're 25 going on 17 and want the 'Wild Child' look, go with the MS3.

If you're a little older, don't live at the track, don't want every punk ass in a STI or EVO trying to run you down at lights and want something more comfortable and a little more civilized in appearance, while still maintaining enough performance to cut off that chick on her cell phone in the 3 series, go with the MS6.

That's what it boils down to.

I disagree. But then I'm 31 going on 21. I think it's just your perception that people are making the MS3 sound like it's THAT much faster/whatever than the MS6. I certainly don't think of it like that.

I've met very few "punkass" drivers in STi's and EVOs. I've had NONE try to run me down in the Mazda. Most people have no clue my MS3 is any different than a regular 3. I recently had a fun day of twisty driving with some friends (Elise, RS4-V8, S4-V8, 2 modded EVO's) - they are all very cool folks that enjoy their cars the way they were designed to. Not barrelling down an empty freeway at night. Anyway, they didn't know jack about the MS3, but they were definitely curious about it at the end of the day. I do get the occasional glance from a mazda driver.

It must be different where you are, or maybe it's just where you put yourself that you run into these types of people? Maybe I'm just lucky where I'm at, or it's the type of people I associate with.
 
If you look at all the posts here, you'll notice that the main argument everyone makes for the MS3 is performance. And they make it sound like they're comparing Honda Civics to Shelby Mustangs, but in reality to anyone not counting tenths of a second, the difference is pretty negligible. Still, if you're looking for performance first everything else a distant second, stick with the MS3.

If you're 25 going on 17 and want the 'Wild Child' look, go with the MS3.

If you're a little older, don't live at the track, don't want every punk ass in a STI or EVO trying to run you down at lights and want something more comfortable and a little more civilized in appearance, while still maintaining enough performance to cut off that chick on her cell phone in the 3 series, go with the MS6.

That's what it boils down to.


I think you're not seeing the whole picture. Acceleration times are one thing... how a car FEELS is another. For me, since I could care less about beating the guy next to me when the light turns, it's all about the feel... Without question, the MS3 FEELS faster... by a lot. Even if the MS6 WAS faster (and I believe it is to 60) because of it's size/heft/disconnect to the road... it just doesn't feel as fast.

Your depiction is a bit ridiculous too. The MS3 is pretty understated in the styling dept. Even the red is rather mundane when compared to some of the truly WILD cars out there... you know, the SRT, MSP, Evo, Sti, Cobalt (with wing) etc.
 
I own a speed6 and my lil brother owns a speed3. I love both cars. Im 20 and hes 19. We both drive each others cars all the time.

Now for the people who say the MS3 is "way" faster that is not true, i race my brother pretty much everyday, and it seriously comes down to: 1.) Whether or not i hit fuel cut lol or 2.) who shifts better. Both cars are speed Demons. Honestly though its the same engine.

I personally love the look of both cars, and i actually believe both of them have sleeper appeal to them because not many people hear or know of Mazdaspeeds.

I think it comes down to more a less how you personally wanna drive. Want leg room and ability to whip the s*** outta the car in a corner go MS6.

You want a smaller which usually equals a "quicker feel" go MS3. And if you like to race and such MS3.

And one more thing, i went in to buy a MS3 but left with the MS6 because it was cheaper. The MS6 was used with 2100 miles. Honestly you cant make a bad choice. But actually go with the EVOX due out soon. lol
 
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waht does ure brothers speed 3 have done to it that makes it a drivers race against your big turbo ms6....if you say i/tbe i rest my case lol
 
I own a speed6 and my lil brother owns a speed3. I love both cars. Im 20 and hes 19. We both drive each others cars all the time.

Now for the people who say the MS3 is "way" faster that is not true, i race my brother pretty much everyday, and it seriously comes down to: 1.) Whether or not i hit fuel cut lol or 2.) who shifts better. Both cars are speed Demons. Honestly though its the same engine.

I personally love the look of both cars, and i actually believe both of them have sleeper appeal to them because not many people hear or know of Mazdaspeeds.

I think it comes down to more a less how you personally wanna drive. Want leg room and ability to whip the s*** outta the car in a corner go MS6.

You want a smaller which usually equals a "quicker feel" go MS3. And if you like to race and such MS3.

And one more thing, i went in to buy a MS3 but left with the MS6 because it was cheaper. The MS6 was used with 2100 miles. Honestly you cant make a bad choice. But actually go with the EVOX due out soon. lol

Are you stock?? or you have under the hood what's in your sig. Anyways i feel performance wise that it comes down like this:

(STOCK)1/4mile
MS6>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
MS3>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

From a (ROLL)
MS6>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
MS3>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Both cars are winners in my book. I mean, it all just comes down to preference and looks.

Both are sexy but i chose the MS6. Couldn't pass up the Grand Touring deal i got.
 
Are you stock?? or you have under the hood what's in your sig. Anyways i feel performance wise that it comes down like this:

(STOCK)1/4mile
MS6>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
MS3>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

From a (ROLL)
MS6>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
MS3>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Both cars are winners in my book. I mean, it all just comes down to preference and looks.

Both are sexy but i chose the MS6. Couldn't pass up the Grand Touring deal i got.


im not stock but do to having no tune and fuel cut im actually slower now due to my mods. But i do slightly agree with your little diagram but again i think it goes to who drives better. I have beat me brother on the roll and from the line. And the same goes for him. Once again you cant lose if you end up with either one.
 
waht does ure brothers speed 3 have done to it that makes it a drivers race against your big turbo ms6....if you say i/tbe i rest my case lol

My brother is stock. Big turbo MS6 takes a lot of work to become fast again, so until i get all my other upgrades like fuel pump, maybe new internals, tune, etc, then ill be fast again. As of right now im running slower then stock, which is unfortunate but its the price you pay for buying a mazda with bad ass stock turbo seals. On a brighter note though I hope to have completed the project by next summer. =)
 
this is my take on it since I had the opportunity to drive both back to back. I love both cars but the speed6 is the one I got. Here is my reasoning.....


I got the speed6 because it was AWD, launched like a bat out of hell and was a total sleeper!!! No one knows what it is unless they know what Mazdaspeed means. I like sleepers. And not to mention it is a pretty upscale looking car. Did I mention AWD? I love it and will never ever get another understeering FWD car......EVER!!!!

The speed3 is a blast! I loved the test drive and think that it may even be just a little faster than my speed6! But at a price. The interior is smaller, there is no moonroof option and it looks like a boy racer. I am past that and wanted to lay low for a bit. Not to mention that the ride is rougher. I have had a lowered 90 Civic Si with a B18c1 in it so I have no need to own another low, rough riding but fast hatchback.....

Thats how I see it. I am getting a TMIC for my car at the first of the year and then just leaving it alone. I have never had this fast stock before in my life!! But you could say the same thing about the speed3. It is all a matter of opinion.


Hopefully that helped some....


Oh and don't forget the price difference......
 
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