MS3 sti killer

[MS3077]

The volvo parts bin already has what they would need to pull it off. Perhaps mazda will step up to the plate with the 3 redesign coming up. I wonder what sort of price point it would take to use the new 3 platform, the disi turbo engine, and the volvo awd system from the s40 series?

Throw some brembo brakes into the mix and we're probably staring @ the 32k mark. Once you cross the 30k line it's difficult to sell a compact.

Mazda probably had the mix right the first time around with the speed 3 to begin with. Maybe an even more limited edition similar to what they did in australia with the mps extreme edition? add AWD option for 2.5k and see how the sales go?

+1

 

[SwampAss]

+1

click this

 

[sperry]

The volvo parts bin already has what they would need to pull it off. Perhaps mazda will step up to the plate with the 3 redesign coming up. I wonder what sort of price point it would take to use the new 3 platform, the disi turbo engine, and the volvo awd system from the s40 series?

Throw some brembo brakes into the mix and we're probably staring @ the 32k mark. Once you cross the 30k line it's difficult to sell a compact.

Mazda probably had the mix right the first time around with the speed 3 to begin with. Maybe an even more limited edition similar to what they did in australia with the mps extreme edition? add AWD option for 2.5k and see how the sales go?

The problem is that in general the Mazda/Volvo AWD setup is crappy for a performance car. It's basically FWD w/ rear wheel help when the front slips.

For an AWD MS3 to really be competitive w/ the STi, it would need to ensure that it doesn't hinder what makes Mazda's so popular: the handling. So it'll need a good rear-biased system to make sure the car can still hand "like a Mazda" even with the additional 200lbs of AWD gear. I'm thinking Mazda would have to stay outta the parts bin and design something new... or just license the EVO gearbox from Mitsubishi.

What I'd really be interested in seeing is an AWD system that uses a hybrid drivetrain... a traditional gearbox and LSD up front, and a power generator turned by the engine sending electricity to a pair of electric motors at the rear wheels. No drive shaft or center-diff needed... plus the ability to turn off the engine while cruising on the freeway to drive with the rear wheels running on stored power.

 

[sperry]

click this

Bastard, now I have to resubscribe!

 

[SwampAss]

+1

 

[Super Unique]

now that was funny as hell

 

[happy and angry]

+1

Click this, jerk!

 

[SwampAss]

+1

 

[controlo]

hahaha. wtf is going on? funny mother fuckers.

 

[happy and angry]

Man, I wonder how many people you just got to ignore me. I'm almost curious enough to find out if I can ignore myself.

 

[DKo5]

I just filled out a survey from Mazda about my MS3 purchase last year. I made it very clear that I would be more than willing to drop an extra $2k or so on an AWD MS3. Lets hope they listen to us!

 

[mo08ms3]

An STi puts about 230-240hp to the wheels. The MS3 should be putting around 240-250 to the wheels. i.e. the MS3 actually has the higher effective horsepower.

The problem is, the STi's *massive* traction advantage... not just the AWD, but larger tires and brakes... makes it the faster car in pretty much any racing scenarios. The quarter mile is likely too short for the MS3 to overcome the STi's launch advantage, and on anything with turns (even though the MS3 probably handles "better") the STi's brute force grip advantage and ease of control, not to mention that AWD exit from all the corners, again makes it the faster car.

Really, the only type of racing that the MS3 has the advantage, is at straight line "freeway racing", which frankly isn't racing... it's just stupidity.

That said, all the stuff that makes the STi the faster car is all stuff that makes virtually no difference unless you're at the race track. You can never really use all that extra grip on the streets unless you drive like you've got a death wish. So realistically, the MS3 and the STi are equivalent, with the MS3 costing a whopping $15k out the door cheaper (not to mention it's better looking, and has a nicer interior).

I'm about as big a Subaru fan-boy as they come... and I'm planning on getting the MS3 instead of an STi for my next car. Subaru really should be a little embarrassed that the STi is so little car for the money when Mazda's raised the bar so high with their Mazdaspeed cars. The STi really needs another 50hp, or about an $8000 lower price. Heaven help them if Mazda ever puts a decent AWD drivetrain in the MS3.

Very well said. I had a WRX for almost 6 years. I test drove an STI last weekend and loved it, but just could not justify the price tag. I test drove an MS3 two days later and put a deposit on it right away. I picked it up a few days ago and am a very happy owner so far. I do mostly freeway driving so the MS3 is a great car for me. I'll never hate on Subaru's, but I am happy with my decision. (Plus, we still have an 07 WRX in the family)