Comparing Vehicles

[MikeK]

I am very close to buying an MS3, but I can't quite pull the trigger. The vehicle that I'm waffling over is the Civic Si sedan. I know that the MS3 is way more powerful, but the Civic Si seems more refined to me. It also actually feels like it's a bit more fun to drive (I know how crazy that probably sounds to everyone here).

What I was wondering is whether anyone else compared the two cars prior to settling on an MS3, and what made the difference.

I've owned 7 Hondas in my day including two of the spiritual predecessors to the current Civic Si, the CRX Si and the del Sol Si, so I already lean in the direction of Honda.

Right now I'm probably 90% for the MS3, and I've got a dealer that's ready to deal. I just seem to have in the back of my mind that I should be considering the Civic Si more closely. It is, after all, about $2,000 cheaper than the MS3 GT I'm looking at. I've driven both twice, and I still can't make up my mind.

Any thoughts (of the non-flame variety) would be appreciate as I try and make my decision. I know everyone here will say "buy the MS3", but I'd appreciate some actual comments relative to the Civic Si, please.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[DrooandhisES]

something to think about, the MS3 has a stronger drivetrain. so measure that 2 grand against clutch, trans, flywheel, oh and 65 more horses. those things cost much more than 2 grand to add.

 

[dread]

I never drove the si, because I don't like coupes, I really wanted the hatch and 4 doors that I got with my ms3 and it has been worth it. Its like having a small suv (not sure if that matters to you). If you like driving the Si more and don't need the extra power and cargo space, I would go with the Si. Besides the ugly dash its a great looking car, although I think my ms3 is way sexier. You seem to be a honda guy, so you need to make the decision do you want to stick with what you like or take a risk and possibly find something you like even more.

 

[Garcia y Vega]

I just traded in my 2005 Civic Si hatchback for the 2007 ms3. I know that Honda increased Hp after 2005, and I haven't actually driven a 2007, only my buddys 2006 that is auto, but for me it is a clear choice. MS3 much more powerful and fun to drive, only thing I miss about the Civic is the feel of the shifter (seemed more accurate, just my perception).

 

[Hikaru9]

I think...

I drove the Si coupe at the Civic event (similar to Zoom-Zoom live). Honestly if Honda brought the Civic Type-R hatch to the U.S. soils, I would have paid close attention to it. I love hatchbacks, so choosing the MS3 was a no-brainer for me since Honda doesn't seem to care for the hatch fans here in the U.S. (I know hot-hatches don't sell well here in the SUV land, but I still want to complain! =P)

Now... the Si drove quite well around the track, and I was quite impressed with the well-executed interior which is typical for Honda. The two-tier instrument panel is a love it or hate it thing, depending on the driver, and personally I liked having the tachometer right in front of me. Long story short, I purchased my MS3 without seeing/ test driving one because it impressed me that much. I took a leap of faith (sort of) with this purchase, and I'm very glad I did. BTW, this is my first ever Mazda (played with Acura, Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Chevy before).

Si highs:
civilized and fun to drive at the same time
even more practical with the 4 door setup
good powertrain and slick shifter
inexpensive
comfy/ well-executed interior

lows: questionable styling (to some)
so-so performance compared to the competition
not a hatch
instrument panel might not appeal to some

MS3
highs: awesome performance
hatch practicality
stealthy -> not too many know that it's no ordinary 3 hatch
Excellent seats

lows: stiff ride compared to other cars
much noisier than the competition, save the Neon SRT-4
gas happy(?)
cheap leather (looks really cheap compared to my Acura)
no heated seats, no mp3 CDs >_<

*I've always adored the high-revving VTECs; therefore, having so much torque in the low rpm range was a whole new experience for me. I'm loving it so far. *^_^*

 

[Mocoso]

I dont care for the plain and clean look on the Honda... I always thought its an empty canvas that is missing the last touches but that is a very personal observation... that and bang for the buck Ive always felt Honda's are overpriced....

 

[slammie]

I'm in the same boat as you so to speak...I've had money down on a silver MS3 GT for some months, but I"ve driven other cars recently that have made me think twice..the GTI and a 2006 Legacy Spec. B. Oh, and an Altima 3.5 SE with 6spd (yuck, what an entirely unenterntaining, uncomfortable, boring car, except for the sound of the engine). But the GTI and Spec. B were very nice machines, albiet more expensive in comparison to the MS3. In each instance, I appreciated the civility of the car in comparison to the MS3. The GTi was especially quiet, almost vault like and tight, which bodes well for daily driving and long trips. The GTI was certainly less powerful, but being practical, it was powerful enough....I was doing 80-90-100 on the test drive in no time at all with little effort. And, around town, the power seemed sufficient as did handling. Also, it's a better looking car and has a much better interior than the Mazda. After I drove the GTI I went to drive the Mazda again (my 3rd t/d). The dealer had just put Blizzacks on their GT tester so that provided an excuse to try it out. Just starting the car up, I could sense how raw it is. There is this ominous rumble that permeates the cabin. Once on the back roads, the fun really begins. The car is insanely fast and so easy to toss around. It kept begging me to take the next corner faster, although +90 in 30mph zone was fast enough. The sound of the car and comunication with the road is just perfect. The thrill and enterntainment factor with the MS3 is just amazing! With the Blizzacks, the ride is a little rougher, but handling did not feel diminished in comparison to my previous t/d with stock tires.

A few issues ago, Men's Journal featured the MS3. They compared it to a 1989 model year Ferrari (I can't remember the name). Anyway, this V-8 powered Ferrari did 0 to 60 in 5.8 seconds and topped out @ 163. Their point...today you can spend $22k instead of $150k and get the same numbers. My point, the Mazda is first and foremost a performance oriented sports car. Look at the Speedo....30 mph barely registers at 8 o'clock.

On to the Spec. B....this car seemd to be the best of both worlds with the added bonus of AWD. Although the Subie isn't as gadget rich as the other two, it's comfortable, reasonably quiet, safer, and very fast with above average handling. The gearing is perfect and the shifter was more precise than the Mazda. It is of course bigger than the Mazda with a large trunk. What I didn't like is that HID's are not even an option. And. it's over 30k (wtf?).

OK, here's what I've decided...regretfully, I'll be asking for my deposit back. I need a daily driver. Hopefully, a car that is fun to drive, fast, but not too fast, and comfortable enough to load the wife and kid for a long, safe and comfortable trip.

If I had 23k lying around to buy my own toy, something that I could drive when I wanted, instead of when I needed, and for occasional family outings, I would get the Mazda, no question. A daily driver it is not. It is too much car and the speeding tickets would add up. I've never driven the Honda, but I suspect it's a more practical and livable car.

 

[MikeK]

These are all great comments guys. I really appreciate it.

Slammie, I did a very similar thing to what you've done when I bought my last car. I had special ordered a Scion Tc and drove a Hyundai Tiburon while I was waiting for it. That put enough doubt in my mind that I canceled the order a couple agonizing weeks later and bought the Tiburon.

Hikaru9, I especially appreciate your insight on the matter. It's good to hear I'm not totally crazy for considering the two.

This morning I've essentially decided on the MS3. There's just too much bang for the buck. Now, let's see if that decision lasts through the morning.

Mike

 

[TheDutchGun]

I am very close to buying an MS3, but I can't quite pull the trigger. The vehicle that I'm waffling over is the Civic Si sedan. I know that the MS3 is way more powerful, but the Civic Si seems more refined to me. It also actually feels like it's a bit more fun to drive (I know how crazy that probably sounds to everyone here).

What I was wondering is whether anyone else compared the two cars prior to settling on an MS3, and what made the difference.

I've owned 7 Hondas in my day including two of the spiritual predecessors to the current Civic Si, the CRX Si and the del Sol Si, so I already lean in the direction of Honda.

Right now I'm probably 90% for the MS3, and I've got a dealer that's ready to deal. I just seem to have in the back of my mind that I should be considering the Civic Si more closely. It is, after all, about $2,000 cheaper than the MS3 GT I'm looking at. I've driven both twice, and I still can't make up my mind.

Any thoughts (of the non-flame variety) would be appreciate as I try and make my decision. I know everyone here will say "buy the MS3", but I'd appreciate some actual comments relative to the Civic Si, please.

Thanks,

Mike

My opinion - You're crazy if you buy the civic over the MS3. But I loves me some power so I'm biased.

 

[MikeK]

Thanks guys. I've decided on the MS3. I should be picking it up on Saturday!!!

 

[htwo0rider]

You won't regret it

Thanks guys. I've decided on the MS3. I should be picking it up on Saturday!!!

Glad to hear you've come to your senses. I was in a similar situation when shopping for another vehicle. You've already owned a couple of Hondas, and they are fine cars, but almost everybody has one. The 3 is unique, along with being a hell'uva car.

Welcome to the club.

htwo0rider

 

[wishingfora ms3]

I just traded in my 2005 Civic Si hatchback for the 2007 ms3. I know that Honda increased Hp after 2005, and I haven't actually driven a 2007, only my buddys 2006 that is auto, but for me it is a clear choice. MS3 much more powerful and fun to drive, only thing I miss about the Civic is the feel of the shifter (seemed more accurate, just my perception).

they make an automatic si. i dont think so. maybe it was just a normal civic?

 

[Hikaru9]

they make an automatic si. i dont think so. maybe it was just a normal civic?

Good point. I think the '05 Civic Si had like 160bhp and 132ft-lbs, and the '06 Civic (base since Si doesn't come with auto) had 140bhp/ 128ft-lbs. I'm sure his buddy's Civic felt slower for him because it is. *^_^*