Compare the 2010 and previous gen MS3

[08 Max]

Hi, I have an '08 MS3 that received some terrible hail damage recently.

For those who've owned or drove both...how would you compare the older version with the 2010's?

 

[MS3inDC]

the only difference you will really see is in the styling. Under the sheet metal, Mazda did not make any major changes from the 1st gen. I've heard that they addressed the smoking turbo issue with a second generation's K04, but I can't say how true that is because I haven't seen or heard that from Mazda.

 

[08 Max]

I have heard that about the turbo's. I'd also read an article that said the new car was a little less brash, both in the power delivery and the suspension harshness. Would love to hear if that's true...

 

[BlackCherry06]

08 looks a little angry, 10 has a s***-eating grin on its face.

 

[ajspeed3]

OP I have owned both, I purchased a 07 back in december 06 and had til september 09 I have nothing bad to say but I traded it for an 2010 and dont regret the change. The second gen responds to mods a lot better and feels a bit more roomier and better quality than the first gen.

If you have any specific questions let me know

 

[JTMS3]

I too have owned both gen1 (07 MS3) and traded it in for 10' MS3. Really the ONLY difference I can feel is the torque in 1st and 2nd gears. It seems as though they limited it a little bit more with the gen2, but I am sure I will have someone say I am crazy. Also I would argue that the steering response is better on the gen2 as well but I am sure that can be debated as well. Other than the stylings (which I prefer) it is pretty much the same. Either way though.... MS3s kick ass no matter what gen it is!

 

[mrcardio79]

No major difference really. The 2nd Gen MS3 suspension is a bit smoother over rough surfaces, power delivery a little more linear / less explosive. It would be rather foolish to trade in a 1st GEN for a 2nd GEN in my opinion (same car w/ minor tweaks). Smoking turbo? I'm at 50k and never had a smoking turbo -08' MS3. Steering feels a lot better on the 1st GEN, interior / exterior is nicer.

 

[JTMS3]

No major difference really. The 2nd Gen MS3 suspension is a bit smoother over rough surfaces, power delivery a little more linear / less explosive. It would be rather foolish to trade in a 1st GEN for a 2nd GEN in my opinion (same car w/ minor tweaks). Smoking turbo? I'm at 50k and never had a smoking turbo -08' MS3. Steering feels a lot better on the 1st GEN, interior / exterior is nicer.

Well I guess I am a fool but I wouldn't call the tweaks minor. The interior is totally different and much nicer in the Gen2 than in the previous version. But then again this is my 3rd 3 I have owned so I've gotz to be foolish. Either way as I stated.... all generations of the MS3 kick ass either way.

 

[08 Max]

Interesting to hear that the steering was better on the first gen...that's one things I really like about the car. I presume this means more feel...

Power delivery could be a bit smoother in 1st and second gears...but its perfect in 3 through 6 for my tastes in the first gen.

Styling wise...well...that's what keeps me thinking about staying first gen.

I have seen some comments about better motor or tranny mounts...the first gen is fine to me...a bit sloppy in the the lower gears but not really an issue for me...I'm noticing nobody commented.

When people say the ride is better, thats not really a bad thing...have we given up grip/handling though?

I may not have a choice about trading...bad hail damage...

 

[mrcardio79]

Well I guess I am a fool but I wouldn't call the tweaks minor. The interior is totally different and much nicer in the Gen2 than in the previous version. But then again this is my 3rd 3 I have owned so I've gotz to be foolish. Either way as I stated.... all generations of the MS3 kick ass either way.

No, Mazda most defiantly took a step back in the interior dept, especially the seats which suck (I’m certainly not the only one with this view). Performance is basically a wash with the 1st GEN being perhaps a tick or two quicker due to a better power to weight ratio and boost coming on a little harder / faster in the first 2 gears (ECU related). On road courses such as VIR the 1st GEN MS3 runs 2 tenths quicker than the 2nd GEN (3:16.0 vs. 3:16.2).

On certain road courses outside the U.S. the 2nd GEN runs a bit quicker because the “Euro spec” 10’ MPS is actually lighter (U.S. spec 10’ MS3 is actually heavier and thus a bit slower) and has suspension tuning designed for roads in the U.K. So given that the performance capabilities have hardly changed its pretty safe to assume the “tweaks” were indeed minor ones. Either way you go it wouldn’t take much for one or the other to have the upper hand. It can be amazing what a good driver and set of good tires can do.

 

[mrcardio79]

Interesting to hear that the steering was better on the first gen...that's one things I really like about the car. I presume this means more feel...

Power delivery could be a bit smoother in 1st and second gears...but its perfect in 3 through 6 for my tastes in the first gen.

Styling wise...well...that's what keeps me thinking about staying first gen.

I have seen some comments about better motor or tranny mounts...the first gen is fine to me...a bit sloppy in the the lower gears but not really an issue for me...I'm noticing nobody commented.

When people say the ride is better, thats not really a bad thing...have we given up grip/handling though?

I may not have a choice about trading...bad hail damage...

Seriously, don't trade your 1st GEN for a 2nd GEN! You'll be kicking yourself in the ass for years to come if you do, trust me...

It's really basically the same damn car just with a few minor tweaks. Get yourself something with RWD like maybe a used S2K are even a MX-5 Miata.

 

[RODSCALIP5]

I just went from an 07 to 10 and I am very happy I did. The suspension is much nicer stock and with H&R Springs. The interior is a step up if you get the Tech package. I was with the majority that the seats suck, but after 1500 miles I dont agree with that statement. The 2nd gen IMO is just a better overall package than the 1st gen.......

 

[JTMS3]

^+1

 

[Stavesacre21]

08 looks a lil more brute, IMO. 2010 is a hair slower due to extra weight. Obviously, 2010 has the goofy grin that you do eventually get over. The one thing that the 2010 has that's a huge thumbs up...the hood scoop. Very smooth looking AND functional.

However, neither were/are available with a moonroof, so it's a tie game for me. The 2010 won simply because you can still buy it new...with a 50K powertrain warranty.

 

[Nataphen]

Gen 1 is quicker in stock form and 80ish lbs. lighter. Gen 2 rides a little smoother AND handles a little better. They didn't give up grip for the smoother ride, it's just better all around suspension wise. Looks are subjective, and you can decide that for yourself. The gen 1 seats are better for performance driving, but the gen 2 seats are more comfortable on a long trip. I've driven 10+ hours straight in my 2010, and never gotten sore.

The weight difference is so small, it's not going to make a difference. If you get a tune, like I did, to remove the throttle plate/boost limits on the gen 2 vs. a gen 1 that's also tuned, they will be side by side in a straight line. If you're skinny, and the other guy is fat, there's more than your cars' weight difference right there.

The interior on the 2010 is put together better, but most, including myself, like the look of the gen 1 interior better. Again, looks are subjective, just get what you like as far as that goes. They are both good cars for the money.

 

[Lord_Zath]

Don't forget the sick gen2 wheels.