13 seccond SpecV and FIRST MSP track times

[Lawerence]

So last friday night my friends and I went to the track!
There were three of us 00' civic Si with I/H/E and some fuel stuff; My old 02' SpecV with nitrous, injen CAI, Custom 2.5' exhaust, new nitto 555's (UR pulley not yet installed); and me...all stock Our friend with the WRX was going to come...but then he remembered he is a pussy and is afraid of the track....anyhow....
We were only there for an hour, and we all got two runs..
First my friend with the civic rav against an auto V6 camaro.
The Si hit a 15.1 @ 92, beatin gthe camaro..only because the other guys reaction times sucked...
His seccond run was against an older lightning needles to say he got whooped, he ran an even slower 15.7@ 90 but he missed 3rd on that run.
My first run was pretty bad
60' 2.416
1/8 9.871
1/4 15.207 @ 91.61

My seccond run was alot better:
60' 2.241
1/8 9.599
1/4 14.907 @ 92.85

My friend in the spec went against an 00' Mustang GT (5spd), and a riced out cavilier.

He ran a 14.117@99.13 against teh cavvy.

and I think (not shure) he is the fastest recorded specV (with a qr25), running a 13.846@99.87, against the mustangs 14.3@9x(dont remember).

So my friend amazed me with his specV times almost made me wish I didnt sell the car. And even though my friend in the civic cant drive, he did better than his first time out (when he was running high 15s). I was very happy, everoyone was telling me that I coulsnt hit 14s stock...well HAHAHA!!!
anyhow it was pretty cool. There was a brand new Vette there than was running mid 13s (hahahaha). And there was a crazy all motor neon that was running 12s on slicks.
Good times

 

[AltimaSE]

One more factor...

Man those are some great times! (Both for the Spec-V and the MSP)

Are you running your MSP stock? I think that you're gonna become my new best friend on this board as I continue to debate which car to buy (MSP or Spec-V) because you've actually owned them both.

Some days I read all of the problem threads on b15sentra and lean over towards the MSP then other days I read threads like this and think, "Well maybe the Spec is the way to go". My wife always reminds me, "Whichever car you pick you're gonna have til it's paid off".

Continue to post any more insights you have as to the pros and cons of each car and I'll continue to pull my hair out as I try and decide before this spring which one to get.

 

[LinuxRacr]

If you hit 14's, I know I can now.....Provided I learn how to launch! Have you posted over on the RSX boards yet about your times?

OH s***!! Post # 3000!

 

[Grimace]

I frequent both boards too. Even most of the Sentra guys agree that the MSP will outhandle their Spec V's. They are both about the same in a straight line; it pretty much comes down to which driver is better.
You can't go wrong with either, really, as long as you stick to the '03 Spec V's. The '02's had waaaaay to many problems. The '03's still have minor issues (paint quality, minor rattles, etc.) but its nowhere near as bad as the 02's.
Then again, there are some largely trouble-free '02's too. But I know if it were me I'd stick with an '03; then you don't have to worry about 1st year quality-issues biting you in the a$$ and about the previous owner abusing the car.
I'm 99% sold on the MSP, but there are some days when I'm feeling poor that I wonder if I shouldn't go with a Spec V with no options and save ~$70 Canadian a month on the lease.
One thing is for sure - the seats in the Specs are much more supportive than the MSP. And you can get them in many more colours. But other than that, I don't see any advantages over the MSP (except price).

 

[AltimaSE]

Thanks Grimace

Thanks for the post Grimace.

Price is always a sticking point in my head too. According to the build/price thingy on both Mazda's and Nissan's website configured the way I want it there would be ~$18/mo difference in price between the two. Of course that's MSRP on the Spec and I know I could get it for less than that. Where as the MSP would be right at MSRP. I haven't called my agent yet, but I think the MSP might be a little more to insure though as well.

If I choose the Spec-V I would definately go with the 03 Spec, although my Nissan dealer does still have a loaded, red 02 Spec sitting on the lot that I'm sure he's trying to get rid of. Another factor might be that I think if I got the Spec I would order the car and not play around with that dealer trade crap. That way I can be sure when it comes off the truck no one has abused it before hand.

But despite the price difference the MSP still pulls me in with its handling, stereo, and turbo coolness. I just wish they would offer a sunroof!

Ah well, I don't think I'm 99% like you Grimace, but I'm more like 60% MSP/40% Spec-V. I've gotta decide before spring time.

 

[Kooldino]

Nah, even 15.2 is a good time for the MSP...magazines got it in 15.1 or 15.2.

but 14.9...nice! That's as fast as the LIGHTER RSX Type S that has an extra 30hp! way to go!

 

[AGR]

Re: Thanks Grimace

Thanks for the post Grimace.

Price is always a sticking point in my head too. According to the build/price thingy on both Mazda's and Nissan's website configured the way I want it there would be ~$18/mo difference in price between the two. Of course that's MSRP on the Spec and I know I could get it for less than that. Where as the MSP would be right at MSRP. I haven't called my agent yet, but I think the MSP might be a little more to insure though as well.

If I choose the Spec-V I would definately go with the 03 Spec, although my Nissan dealer does still have a loaded, red 02 Spec sitting on the lot that I'm sure he's trying to get rid of. Another factor might be that I think if I got the Spec I would order the car and not play around with that dealer trade crap. That way I can be sure when it comes off the truck no one has abused it before hand.

But despite the price difference the MSP still pulls me in with its handling, stereo, and turbo coolness. I just wish they would offer a sunroof!

Ah well, I don't think I'm 99% like you Grimace, but I'm more like 60% MSP/40% Spec-V. I've gotta decide before spring time.

I'm with Grimace. I was looking at both originally. A year ago; it would have been the SE-R Spec V. I waited; and I am glad I did. I think they are both great cars. I traded my Nissan SE Limited; so I have owned (3) Nissans in the past. Having now owned my MAZDASPEED for almost a month. I know I made the right decision - at least for me. You really have to drive the MAZDASPEED to fully appreciate it. No way to really explain it.

I test drove two SE-R Spec Vs in the past year; and yes I am giving up cruise control, and a moonroof (not to mention - 6 forward gears). But; after I drove the MAZDASPEED, I was hooked! I could have purchased the SE-R Spec V for about $17,000, so you can tell, I must really love the MAZDASPEED!!

I do!!!!!!!

,,,Either way you go, I really think you will be happy!

 

[AltimaSE]

Ooops

I better shut up before Lawerence thinks that I'm trying to hi-jack his thread. Just seeing that a Spec with those mods can get into the 14s made me start to think again. Thanks again guys!

 

[AGR]

Re: Ooops

I better shut up before Lawerence thinks that I'm trying to hi-jack his thread. Just seeing that a Spec with those mods can get into the 14s made me start to think again. Thanks again guys!

Oh,,,by the way; the 1/4 mile #s are fine, but the MAZDASPEED is much more than 1,320 feet.

There's always the Neon SRT-4 for that! Ha!!!

 

[Newf]

Having no sunroof is nothing to be concerned about. this is my only car witout one in probably 10-15 years counting my fathers cars as well. I never miss it. No rattles, no squeaks, no coldness from the glass, nothing. i could care less about sunroofs anymore. Just a luxury item really.

Besides, I've heard that in TO, sunroofs are a BAD idea. With the changes in temp all the time, the seals break over time? Don't know if it's BS or not though.

Get the Speed Man!

 

[AGR]

Having no sunroof is nothing to be concerned about. this is my only car witout one in probably 10-15 years counting my fathers cars as well. I never miss it. No rattles, no squeaks, no coldness from the glass, nothing. i could care less about sunroofs anymore. Just a luxury item really.

Besides, I've heard that in TO, sunroofs are a BAD idea. With the changes in temp all the time, the seals break over time? Don't know if it's BS or not though.

Get the Speed Man!

You said it! Buy the MAZDASPEED - nothing like that Turbo spoolin'!!!

 

[tritonheat1]

So last friday night my friends and I went to the track!
There were three of us 00' civic Si with I/H/E and some fuel stuff; My old 02' SpecV with nitrous, injen CAI, Custom 2.5' exhaust, new nitto 555's (UR pulley not yet installed); and me...all stock Our friend with the WRX was going to come...but then he remembered he is a pussy and is afraid of the track....anyhow....
We were only there for an hour, and we all got two runs..
First my friend with the civic rav against an auto V6 camaro.
The Si hit a 15.1 @ 92, beatin gthe camaro..only because the other guys reaction times sucked...
His seccond run was against an older lightning needles to say he got whooped, he ran an even slower 15.7@ 90 but he missed 3rd on that run.
My first run was pretty bad
60' 2.416
1/8 9.871
1/4 15.207 @ 91.61

My seccond run was alot better:
60' 2.241
1/8 9.599
1/4 14.907 @ 92.85

My friend in the spec went against an 00' Mustang GT (5spd), and a riced out cavilier.

He ran a 14.117@99.13 against teh cavvy.

and I think (not shure) he is the fastest recorded specV (with a qr25), running a 13.846@99.87, against the mustangs 14.3@9x(dont remember).

So my friend amazed me with his specV times almost made me wish I didnt sell the car. And even though my friend in the civic cant drive, he did better than his first time out (when he was running high 15s). I was very happy, everoyone was telling me that I coulsnt hit 14s stock...well HAHAHA!!!
anyhow it was pretty cool. There was a brand new Vette there than was running mid 13s (hahahaha). And there was a crazy all motor neon that was running 12s on slicks.
Good times

SWEET DUDE/ Lol BTW good job nice run (thumb)

 

[Grimace]

Consider this thread hijacked.

AltimaSE - if you like to mod your vehicles, the Spec V is a better vehicle to start with, especially if you think you might like to add a turbo. And I think (but I don't know for sure) that you could get more horsepower out of Nissan's 2.5L than Mazda's 2.0L if you build them up. Even a simple debadging does wonders for the exterior appearance, too. Basically, you could think of it as a clean slate, and personalize it any way you want, especially with the money you save. Just don't go too overboard like some of the cars in "Member's Rides". The biggest detriment is the rear suspension. No amount of money can change it to a proper set-up. But it may not be that bad of a detriment depending on your driving style. Read the R&T comparison in the Sept. 2002 issue (I think). The fastest way to get it around a track is to really fling it around, kind of a "bullish" driving style. Truth be told, that is kind of my driving style now, but with the MSP I want to learn how to drive fast AND smoothly. The MSP with its better rear suspension and willingness to have its tail help out in cornering without resorting to large see-saw steering inputs will encourage me to finesse the car more.
Personally, although I have enjoyed customizing cars in the past, you usually end up terribly in the hole when it comes time to sell. And I just don't have the time anymore with my job. If I were to customize a car, it would come out almost exactly like the MSP, and I could never do it for as cheap as Mazda does it, so I consider this a bonus.
Newf has a point with the sunroof. My car's sunroof leaks in the rain, sometimes quite badly. I'm not sure if it has been the harsh winters and wild temperature variations its gone through, but it is a pain in the a$$. It also rattles, and when its open, it provides more wind noise than ventilation. I know it wasn't the best design in the beginning, but I won't go out of my way to purchase a car with a sunroof (and I won't pay extra for one either). There aren't many instances where I will miss it. I'm sure you've read how Nissan cheaped out after the early-2002's and stopped installing a small wind deflector on the leading edge of the sunroof opening, right? You can't open the sunroof more than 80% without severe in-cabin wind buffering due to their cost-savings brilliance. And I don't know about the U.S., but if you want ABS and a folding seat (both important to me), you can only get it as part of a $2900 package that also includes an alarm, the sunroof, and the 300W stereo system. The alarm and the stereo are both nice bonuses, but I'd rather add my own stereo equipment and alarm, and pay $800 for ABS as a stand-alone option.
On the insurance, for me, the Spec V was more than the MSP with my provider, about $150/year more. Go figure. I got a few other quotes, and most other companies the MSP was higher, but not by much, never more than $100-200 annually. Not enough to make-or-break a decision.
Finally, in all seriousness, don't you find the maturity level of this board higher than b15sentra.net? You wouldn't think there would be such a disparity, but there is. Even the guys over there complain that some the posts are seriously immature. And if you try to post a problem to get some solutions, everyone denies any problems exist with the car, and argue down the original poster! Its bizarre. I'm not trying to bash the other board, because there are a lot of guys there that know their stuff, but there are a few that can ruin everything. I guess the low price for performance ratio of the car attracts the kiddies out there who have enough coin to drop on a new car.
Test drive both, preferably in the same day. That is the only way you'll be able to decide. Both are great cars.

 

[Lawerence]

Thanks guys!
yea i've been to the RSX board, to let em' know that the MSP is every bit as fast as thier type-S

But yea, my MSP is stock. The specV that ran the 13, has a 50shot, intake and exhaust...its my old car (I didnt have the intake or exhuast though).
When I ran the specV the best I could muster was a 15.2 without the nitrous, and as I suspected the MSP is faster (not by much), and the topend is better too ( i trapped almost 3mph faster than in the spec).

They are both really great cars each have thier own qualities. What I really miss from the specV are the seats (awosome support), and the sixth gear. But all in all it was worth the trade

 

[MSpeed]

well i dunno about the price differences in the states but here in canada theyre big. i can get a 03 spec v for $21,000 while the msp costs $27,000. now thats $6 grand before taxes... after it comes out to about $7.5 so a big difference

 

[tritonheat1]

Thanks guys!
yea i've been to the RSX board, to let em' know that the MSP is every bit as fast as thier type-S

But yea, my MSP is stock. The specV that ran the 13, has a 50shot, intake and exhaust...its my old car (I didnt have the intake or exhuast though).
When I ran the specV the best I could muster was a 15.2 without the nitrous, and as I suspected the MSP is faster (not by much), and the topend is better too ( i trapped almost 3mph faster than in the spec).

They are both really great cars each have thier own qualities. What I really miss from the specV are the seats (awosome support), and the sixth gear. But all in all it was worth the trade

Sweet and glad to hear that you are enjoying the MSP.

 

[Lawerence]

Consider this thread hijacked.

AltimaSE - if you like to mod your vehicles, the Spec V is a better vehicle to start with, especially if you think you might like to add a turbo. And I think (but I don't know for sure) that you could get more horsepower out of Nissan's 2.5L than Mazda's 2.0L if you build them up.

I wouldnt go so far as to say that.
In fact the specV is a pretty hard car to mod. You have the overly sensitive KS, the power draining BS's, and the ever so mysterious oil consumption.

to top it off no one has turbod a specV yet (there is one in the works), but it will only be pushing 220-240whp.

The FS engine lie the QR25 (specV engine) both puke and die around 250whp. Where both engines will need new internals (pistons, rods). Actually I think The MSP will be easier to get to its whp threshhold because it comes with a turbo stock. Right now the aerage modded specV (with i/h/e) only puts down 160-165whp. Which in the MSP should be easily achieved with a turboback exhaust and a downpipe.

Basically both engines are similar in that they cant take more than 250whp reliably without changing the internals.

 

[Dave_13_2002]

They are not that different price wise....
My '03 Black Mica= $20,995 inc. Tax, tag, and title.( I only had a 1500.00 mark up)
'03 SpecV SER= $20,864.00 inc. Tax tags and title.(fully loaded)
--------------------difference of only....$131.00

Specs wise Also almost Identical

MSP---

2.0L DOHC 16-Valve I4 with Turbocharger and Intercooler
170 hp@ 6000 rpm
160 ft lbs. @ 3500 rpm

SpecV---
2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine
175 hp @ 6,000 rpm
180 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm

 

[Lawerence]

They are not that different price wise....
My '03 Black Mica= $20,995 inc. Tax, tag, and title.( I only had a 1500.00 mark up)
'03 SpecV SER= $20,864.00 inc. Tax tags and title.(fully loaded)
--------------------difference of only....$131.00

Well I got my specV (fully loaded except ABS & side impact airbags) for 17,200 +TTL. With the ABS and side airbags it would've been 17,900+ TTL.
Not I got the msp for 20,000 +ttl and they WOULD NOT got any lower. I cant even believe i got it for 500 under MSRP (thanks to dads bargining skills).

With a specV the dealers will go down to invoice (16,800) practially the MSP you will NEVER find for under 20K.

The prices on the net are just guidelines...you have to go to the dealer and DEAL to get the price lowered (which you really cant do on an msp).

 

[MSpeed]

i dont know why your US prices are so close together... like i said here in canada the difference in price is $6K before taxes