http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=121942/pageId=127472
Speed3 is still a better car
Speed3 is still a better car
2008 Subaru WRX vs Speed3
- Thread starter egypsy
- Start date
this was posted earlier. http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123679191
MS3 hands down. it has everything but the AWD.
MS3 hands down. it has everything but the AWD.
Rotary_Powered
Member
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- Mazda RX7 '87' & Hyundai Tiburon GT '05'
Yeah but even the WRX should be quicker than that.
TheDutchGun
Member
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- 2006 Ford Mustang GT
When they do those 0-60 tests are they supposed to drag launch? Or is it just real world driving?
I'd guess "drag launch." Otherwise they should state "rolling start" or "5-60mph" like C&D does.
Its spot on the throne is safe FOREVER! lol
Well, I guess I'll blow the first post here....
Specifically joined this forum as I'm torn between the MS3, WRX, and GTI. I have a 1st gen Miata now, love the drive, but recently moved to Chicago from CA, drive a heck of a lot further now, and though I grew up driving FWD in the snow, a Miata on the Dan Ryan 60 miles a day in foul weather just kinda weirds me out, to be honest.
Driven all 3. Like all three for totally different reasons. GTI is nice and compact, easy to park in the city. Best fuel economy. Lots of features. Got that strange button-downed feeling on the freeway that German cars seem to have. Interior is very nicely done. Main downsides are that I'd have to get the DSG (a GREAT transmission BTW), but I'm a manual guy. I just absolutely detest VW clutches. The travel is incredibly long, making you sit too close to gas and brake. No matter what I can't get used to it (ex GF had a new beetle, hated it, drove a Passat diesel in Germany, hated it). That and the whole VW horror-story thing. It is still on my list, but I think close to falling off. I'd have to drive it again.
So I'm left between the MS3 and WRX. To be honest, this is an even harder choice than getting rid of the GTI. First is that the speed is definitely a superb driver. It is a real hoot the way my Miata makes me feel, yet a lot more practical. Local dealer will allow S-Plan (though i will need to investigate whether or not this is a good deal or I should bargain), making the MS3 pretty much the same price, or cheaper than the GTI. Really the biggest downs are that it feels cheaper (in the controls, quality, etc), and the torque steer. Man O Man, coming from RWD to a monster FWD is a bit of a let down. 3rd gear is a total hoot, but gettin on the accelerator in 1st or 2nd can be the opposite of fun/finesse. You're just tryin to keep the wheel straight and the tires gripping the pavement. Bottom line this is a hell of a car for a hell of a price. Oh, the MS3 comes with summer rubber, yeah? That is another thing. Not gonna work for snow. I know I can get some steelies or something, but seems kinda ridiculous to do it with a new car. Are they indeed summer?
And lastly is the new WRX 5-door (jeez the sedan is awful looking). I NEVER liked the old WRX. Drove one in 2002 (bug eyed one), with the 2.0L turbo. TERRIBLE car. The engine was horribly peaky, no low end torque, and the interior was awful. Hated it. However, I find myself really, really liking this new one. I actually really like this new body style. Front is a little odd, but I like the lines on the rest of it. Clean, smooth, and I do like the taillamps actually. The ride is very very well done, the handling is solid, and the engine is my fav of the 3. And it is wonderful with the AWD to floor the gas and the thing just goes. No drama, no fighting, just goes. Add to it that it would be wonderful in the more foul weather and it gives me the most comfort, safety wise. However, this sucker gets expensive. And at that, it doesn't have Xenons available (I'll not worry about sunroof since MS3 doesn't have it either), the MPG is the worst, and the interior is just so-so.
Funny thing is that the MS3 is definitely the most fun, but I sit here and wonder if the WRX is "fun enough" while being a lot more civilized for most of the driving I do, which is on the highway, in the city, in rain-and-snow. Sure sport is fun when you want it, but you gotta have comfort too (as my Miata has taught me). AWD is a great safety feature. The ride over potholes and broken pavement (a lot of it in Chicago) is buttery. Feels a little more "grown up" to me than the MS3 does. On the other hand, maybe I just need a wee bit more comfort than a Miata and MS3 is perfect. I'd hate to get a WRX and think I should have gotten something sportier.
So I'm torn. Obviously I am the one who makes the final say. Just concerned that the torque steer and all-weather capability in the MS3 will get to/bother me. Will it be too much? Is the WRX a better compromise? Is a WRX $2000 better than the MS3? Will I really need the AWD more than 1-2 times per year? etc. Insurance is another consideration. Been looking and seems MS3 is definitely less than a WRX, which I find odd being the MS3 is cheaper (potentially opening the door to younger, more inexperienced drivers) and arguably less-safe crash-test wise and AWD-wise.
Anyway, glad to be here. Maybe you'll see me around more in the future.
Specifically joined this forum as I'm torn between the MS3, WRX, and GTI. I have a 1st gen Miata now, love the drive, but recently moved to Chicago from CA, drive a heck of a lot further now, and though I grew up driving FWD in the snow, a Miata on the Dan Ryan 60 miles a day in foul weather just kinda weirds me out, to be honest.
Driven all 3. Like all three for totally different reasons. GTI is nice and compact, easy to park in the city. Best fuel economy. Lots of features. Got that strange button-downed feeling on the freeway that German cars seem to have. Interior is very nicely done. Main downsides are that I'd have to get the DSG (a GREAT transmission BTW), but I'm a manual guy. I just absolutely detest VW clutches. The travel is incredibly long, making you sit too close to gas and brake. No matter what I can't get used to it (ex GF had a new beetle, hated it, drove a Passat diesel in Germany, hated it). That and the whole VW horror-story thing. It is still on my list, but I think close to falling off. I'd have to drive it again.
So I'm left between the MS3 and WRX. To be honest, this is an even harder choice than getting rid of the GTI. First is that the speed is definitely a superb driver. It is a real hoot the way my Miata makes me feel, yet a lot more practical. Local dealer will allow S-Plan (though i will need to investigate whether or not this is a good deal or I should bargain), making the MS3 pretty much the same price, or cheaper than the GTI. Really the biggest downs are that it feels cheaper (in the controls, quality, etc), and the torque steer. Man O Man, coming from RWD to a monster FWD is a bit of a let down. 3rd gear is a total hoot, but gettin on the accelerator in 1st or 2nd can be the opposite of fun/finesse. You're just tryin to keep the wheel straight and the tires gripping the pavement. Bottom line this is a hell of a car for a hell of a price. Oh, the MS3 comes with summer rubber, yeah? That is another thing. Not gonna work for snow. I know I can get some steelies or something, but seems kinda ridiculous to do it with a new car. Are they indeed summer?
And lastly is the new WRX 5-door (jeez the sedan is awful looking). I NEVER liked the old WRX. Drove one in 2002 (bug eyed one), with the 2.0L turbo. TERRIBLE car. The engine was horribly peaky, no low end torque, and the interior was awful. Hated it. However, I find myself really, really liking this new one. I actually really like this new body style. Front is a little odd, but I like the lines on the rest of it. Clean, smooth, and I do like the taillamps actually. The ride is very very well done, the handling is solid, and the engine is my fav of the 3. And it is wonderful with the AWD to floor the gas and the thing just goes. No drama, no fighting, just goes. Add to it that it would be wonderful in the more foul weather and it gives me the most comfort, safety wise. However, this sucker gets expensive. And at that, it doesn't have Xenons available (I'll not worry about sunroof since MS3 doesn't have it either), the MPG is the worst, and the interior is just so-so.
Funny thing is that the MS3 is definitely the most fun, but I sit here and wonder if the WRX is "fun enough" while being a lot more civilized for most of the driving I do, which is on the highway, in the city, in rain-and-snow. Sure sport is fun when you want it, but you gotta have comfort too (as my Miata has taught me). AWD is a great safety feature. The ride over potholes and broken pavement (a lot of it in Chicago) is buttery. Feels a little more "grown up" to me than the MS3 does. On the other hand, maybe I just need a wee bit more comfort than a Miata and MS3 is perfect. I'd hate to get a WRX and think I should have gotten something sportier.
So I'm torn. Obviously I am the one who makes the final say. Just concerned that the torque steer and all-weather capability in the MS3 will get to/bother me. Will it be too much? Is the WRX a better compromise? Is a WRX $2000 better than the MS3? Will I really need the AWD more than 1-2 times per year? etc. Insurance is another consideration. Been looking and seems MS3 is definitely less than a WRX, which I find odd being the MS3 is cheaper (potentially opening the door to younger, more inexperienced drivers) and arguably less-safe crash-test wise and AWD-wise.
Anyway, glad to be here. Maybe you'll see me around more in the future.
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The MS3 comes with All Season Potenza tires, but correct me if I'm wrong. I drove my MS3 last late winter and had no problems whatsoever. You will find that the stock tires are more sticky than you think.
It's highly up to you, but I would get the MS3 for its power, torque, and handling. One time, i was on a road trip back to college (300 miles apart from my home) and one section of the highway had humongous snow piled everywhere! I was surprised by how my car just seemed to weave around everybody else and head on. Therefore, out of the three choices you posted, the MS3 is your best chance.
What I would do is use the extra $2000 you would use for the WRX and put that towards permanent snow tires to be safe. Otherwise, you will be surprised how the FWD really handles in most situations.
Good luck with your choice and have fun! Also, welcome to the forums!
It's highly up to you, but I would get the MS3 for its power, torque, and handling. One time, i was on a road trip back to college (300 miles apart from my home) and one section of the highway had humongous snow piled everywhere! I was surprised by how my car just seemed to weave around everybody else and head on. Therefore, out of the three choices you posted, the MS3 is your best chance.
What I would do is use the extra $2000 you would use for the WRX and put that towards permanent snow tires to be safe. Otherwise, you will be surprised how the FWD really handles in most situations.
Good luck with your choice and have fun! Also, welcome to the forums!
Sacrilicious
boom boom!
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- Cosmic Blue MS3 of hawtness!
the summer tires isn't that big of a deal. you can get steelies + snow tires for a smooth 600-700. not so bad compared to the 2000 savings! oO the other option you have is to simply switch your car to all season tires and be done with it. in chicago, snow tires are most likely not a do or die thing. even though it snows a decent amount out there, chicago takes care of its roads (as far as salting and plowing), so you should be ok. as long as you're not caught in summer tires, you're good to go...
Jerome i had the same feelings you did..the reason i decieded to go with the wrx is that it is nice to have awd in bad weather. Where i live we don't just get snow/rain..we get ice and lots of it. last year i hit a curb going 7mph and bent the crap out of my aftm. rims. we had just traded off my wife's awd jeep too for the caliber. I hated the idea of not being able to get around if needed. it is a tough desicion but either cars are alot of fun. I have driven the new wrx 5 door and it is a very nice car...it is toned down from the boy racer look that it once had and it supposedly has the legacy gt gears in it which are alot stronger than the 02-07 gears.
Actually... they're max performance Summer tires.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...ed_rating=Y&speed_rating=(Y)&minSpeedRating=Z
I changed my tires within a few hours of picking up my car as it was in the middle of Winter. I'd never roll around in Summer rubber during Winter time, but I'm relieved that you did not encounter any problems. ^_^
Ah yes, my bad. They seemed to stay grippy when I was driving through the snow section of the highway.
Pure luck I guess. I'll have to beg my parents for new, better all-seasoners soon though
Or you could get a job and buy them yourself.
