better handling ms3 or msp

[Nliiitend1]

im not too sure about oem part numbers but rockauto has the same part number listing for the mp3 and msp from A1CARDONE and ACDELCO

i know its not a mazda part but you would think the aftermarket replacement would be different if they were different parts from the factory

This further cements my belief that the MSP and MP3 both use the same steering rack...

...and REGARDLESS, they're both "slower" than the rack in the MS3...

 

[MS3_KIDD]

how can the steering ratio gauge the handling on a car?



highspeed straights the speed 3 dominates over the msp all day
but in the corners the msp is champ

 

[wassup61]

Thats not at all true. Say hello to my friend passive rear steer.

 

[MS3_KIDD]

maybe mazda should have made it active rear steer because a majority if not most or all of thoes who have driven both still say that the 3 isnt as nimble in the twisties as the msp
(lol2)

 

[Knox Joe]

and the stock ms3 is .88G as well... so your saying that the MS3 and msp handle the same based on skid pad.. awesome we have our answer

ms3 and msp handle the same everyone..

Skid pad results don't dictate how a car handles...

Have you driven both cars? I have.

 

[rustychops41]

Rusty's 2 cents: I owned a PR5 with the complete MSP suspension, and now drive a NON speed MZ3 HB. All the car magazines got better "numbers" from the MS3 than from the MSP, but numbers aren't everything. I autocrossed both a 2002 DX and 2002 PR5, and I can't imagine autocrossing my MZ3. The MZ3 feels heavier for sure, and is certainly less light on it's feet. Don't get me wrong, I love how it drives, and it does have that typical Mazda "crisp edge" on it's handling, and a high fun-to-drive factor. Also the BJ's 2.0L was weak enough to let you just "mash down and steer" exiting most corners, something I can't even think of doing on the street in my N/A 2.3L, as it instantly pushes like a dog under anything less than careful power input. I can see myself being very frustrated on an auto-x course, or at least needing to get a much more disciplined right foot. The Focus (Ford C-1?) platform is undoubtedly more refined with newer/better technology, but in terms of pure "throw it into the corner" fun factor, I vote for the old BJ Mazda platform.

 

[Captain KRM P5]

im not too sure about oem part numbers but rockauto has the same part number listing for the mp3 and msp from A1CARDONE and ACDELCO

i know its not a mazda part but you would think the aftermarket replacement would be different if they were different parts from the factory

mazda shows different part numbers. the mp3 part number is european spec. it is different, have ordered one of each.

 

[MS3_KIDD]

mazda shows different part numbers. the mp3 part number is european spec. it is different, have ordered one of each.

well aint that some s***. Would "upgrading" from a msp rack to mp3 rack be a noticable investment?

 

[Nliiitend1]

Captain, can you post the part numbers?

I must say though, that even if they are different parts with different numbers, they could still have the same ratio...

 

[mazda_dan]

i would say my ms3 has a little more body roll and more oversteer than my msp. the msp has better handling but no way can the msp beat an ms3 in a race on an average track.

 

[blkspdfreak]

the numbers dont lie.........

 

[Mazdaspeed2oo35]

i would say my ms3 has a little more body roll and more oversteer than my msp. the msp has better handling but no way can the msp beat an ms3 in a race on an average track.

Put the same HP to the MSP than the MS3 comes with and then Tell me the MSP will not **** the MS3 on a track, on the street, on AutoX etc... Cmon this already being said all around, The MSP is the best Handling production sport compact car ever made.. i still remember reading an article that said the MSP handles better than an NSX.. You cant compare 2 cars on a race with one of them with 90 HP less difference, even tho i still think by experience the MSP will take the MS3 on a track race.. This is just my Personal Opinion..

 

[07redspeed]

This thread reminds me of the time I used to belong to a Acura RSX forum. I.E. If my rsx had the same amount of hp/tq, I'd **** you in any race. Also, I'm better than you because my interior is the awesome!

 

[daonly1around]

Skid pad results don't dictate how a car handles...

Have you driven both cars? I have.

soooo... why did you use that to say that the msp handles better than the mp3... thats the only point i was making... i know the msp handles better than the ms3... and yes i have driven both..

 

[MS3_KIDD]

im sure is the msp was running as much boost from the factory as the speed 3 it would be just as fast

theres your hp/tq difference

 

[Knox Joe]

soooo... why did you use that to say that the msp handles better than the mp3... thats the only point i was making...

(encourage Because the MSP and MP3 are basically the same car. Do you really need that explained? (hand)

 

[Nliiitend1]

Put the same HP to the MSP than the MS3 comes with and then Tell me the MSP will not **** the MS3 on a track, on the street, on AutoX etc... Cmon this already being said all around, The MSP is the best Handling production sport compact car ever made.. i still remember reading an article that said the MSP handles better than an NSX.. You cant compare 2 cars on a race with one of them with 90 HP less difference, even tho i still think by experience the MSP will take the MS3 on a track race.. This is just my Personal Opinion..

I think Ford Europe might challenge that statement nowadays:

 

[Kain]

This is neither here nor there, but I believe the ITR is still the best handling FWD car. I've driven my fair share of different sport compacts.

I don't believe the MP3 came with a LSD while the MSP does. What type of LSD is in the MSP? I want to say helical.

 

[DaleNixon]

If it's anything like my old Protege5, the MSP wins hands down. I'm talking stock-for-stock here though. When I get my coilovers I might have a new opinion.

 

[Mazdaspeed2oo35]

This is neither here nor there, but I believe the ITR is still the best handling FWD car. I've driven my fair share of different sport compacts.

I don't believe the MP3 came with a LSD while the MSP does. What type of LSD is in the MSP? I want to say helical.

sorry for my ignorance but what car is the ITR ?