MSP vs M3

[Mr_Right]

Hello all,

I'm shopping for a new car and I've narrowed down to 2 cars:

1) 2003.5 Mazdaspeed protege
2) 2004 Mazda 3 Sport GT.

For the speed, i could get it for about 3k Cdn off the MSRP price,
and also with 0% financing. For the M3, 5.9% financing. After tax
and everything, I need to pay about $490Cdn/month for 5 year for the
Speed. and $520-$530Cdn/month for 5 years. But then insurance for
the Speed is $80Cdn/month more than the M3.. So I think my monthly
payment overall will not be too much difference.

So, money is not as much concern as which car is really better? I
know some aspects of them will be a subjective issue (such as the
looks, the uniqueness). Can someone provide some objective analysis
of which one is better and why. Thanks!! I'm struggling...

Kelvin

 

[Kansei]

I'd go for the mazdaspeed.. but just be warned, ur probably gonna get flamed for calling the mazda 3 an "M3".. I thought this thread was gonna be about a race between an M3 and a MSP... just call it a "3" if u don't wanna confuse ppl.

 

[MetalSpeed]

MSP I love the crap out of mine I hump the gas tank every night(hump)

 

[SpicyMchaggis]

dear lord..

 

[MackDadam]

Why dont you just test drive both and go with your instincts

 

[CatD399]

If you can get your hands on an msp, do it.
Plain and simple

 

[Swerny]

I don't think the insurance would be that much of a difference. There wasn't a big difference for the P5 and the MSP for me.
I would go for the MSP, purely biased opinion.
Where are you located? I know some Toronto dealers had them reduced to $22K from $27 K.

 

[ARunto]

Msp

 

[Rod_Maz]

I was in the same dilemna a month ago, ive try both and both are really nice car ... But i went for the exclusivity of the msp and i dont regret it a bit ...

And now spring as come ... they sell more car and im beginning to see a lot of mazda 3... So for me i made the good choice... But thats just me

 

[Notorious]

depends on whether you wont performance or comfort. Performance i think the choice is clear.

 

[jesse]

I looked at both too, but liked the performance (10 more hp, much better everything else), interior (the 3 has a lot of black plastic), audio (450w), looks (personal preference), price (about $3k US cheaper, plus tax difference), exclusivity all better on the msp. No regrets, great car.

 

[MarkSpark]

They're both Mazdas. So you'll be happy either way.

 

[3.5titanuimSD]

Msp

 

[BlkZoomZoom]

MSP's have pretty much the same problem everytime. I have yet to have a MSP baffle me.
Mazda 3's have there own problems as with any new car (mostly electrical gremlins with aibags, radio, nav. systems) some mechanical problems (vvt problems, axle snappings).
-But ALL new model cars have problems.

Driving impressions I love my Speed. However I also like all the details they did with the 3 escpecially the dash lights .

If I was buying a new car again I would still buy the Speed.

 

[WillisW555]

I'd go for the mazdaspeed.. but just be warned, ur probably gonna get flamed for calling the mazda 3 an "M3".. I thought this thread was gonna be about a race between an M3 and a MSP... just call it a "3" if u don't wanna confuse ppl.

(mswerd) I thought he was either raced and M3 or was deciding which one to buy. It's a Mazda3 (chair)

 

[PhreakV]

MSP, if you don't like it you can get a Mazda 3 in two years. The Mazda 3 is going to be a horse that Mazda will ride to sell base line cars for a few years, whereas with the 'Speed you get a ton of aftermarket stuff and its truly limited edition.

In defense of the 3, the aftermarket for the 3 is growing and is bound to swell in the coming years. That still wouldn't be enough to sway me though. (rofl2)

 

[Hypnotized]

Get the MSP. You will ber very happy!!

 

[hello2000]

I'd go with the MSP. I traded my 2002 P5 for the MSP, because I didn't want a car that was "common" (i.e. honda civic, mitsubishi eclipse, etc..). I was upside down about $3,000 on the trade, but I don't regret it a bit. The MSP will not lose its value later on, because it's a limited edition.

(piss)

 

[surfingbuddhist]

M3? Oh, that must be the Mazda version M3 that came out in europe. I have a picture of it.....(hand)

 

[DiscreetSpeed]

msp...
but it really depends on what you want...just like the other member posted a little earlier.