Comparrison MSProtege vs. RSX type-S

[MMMatHeart]

Emotion Vs. Logic??
I have tested a lot of cars (Spec-Vs, SiR, 1.8T, RSX, etc.) over the last year, and learned that YOU have to test drive the cars yourself to see what makes you smile the most. (V did, Honda family didn't).

That said, unfortunately I haven't driven either of these models (the Type S only because I don't want to blow my budget any more than it is).

Based on the articles, the MSP has the type of performance I like(except straight line). However, the S has far better resale (Protege's is around 15%+ vs. 10% Acura). So, I would say that it's a better investment over the long haul (i.e., recoup the price difference in 2 yrs.). I know that the MSP/MP3 model resales could be different, but there is no history that I've found.

Personally, my emotion has won-MSP!

 

[TedManEight]

Well thanks for the input guys! It's nice to see the different views of the two cars. I know the views of all my close family and frineds go with the Type-S, but they dont know much about cars! So, it is good to recieve more informed input here. Personally I think I will have to see what the MS Protege has to offer in the test drive seeing how ive test drove the RSX Type-S like 3 times in the last year!!! It was the first car I fell in love with. However, I might just have an afair with the Protege!
Btw, if any one else that hasent posted yet wants to show there opinion I would like to read it. Since the MSP hasent been realeased around here yet I still have some times to be influenced!
Thanks again guys!

 

[GSh]

i like driving on curves, so....i would say MSP

 

[MP3 Paul]

MSP is far better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am a MP3 owner and my friend has a RSX-typeS. I have driven both cars and so as my friend. We both agree that even the MP3 is much more fun to drive than an RSX Type-S. (except the power). The Super car kind of handling which is something I would never forget in my life. When you make a high speed turn or in a very sharp corner. The car won't lean on either side, and this is the only car in its class that can complet with Porso or Ferrari. But now the Mazda add turbo to the MP3 to fixed the MP3 only problem. Here you go the MSP, and only 2000 of them produce Worldwide. Only people who are lucky enough in order to get this car! I will go for the MSP for sure!

 

[mikkol]

As a reference

While waiting for my reserved MP-S to come, I did go to check out the RSX and the price, prob. coz it's almost the end of the year, was much lower than I thought. Here in Canada let's say the MP-S will be $27500, the Acura salesman told me that the "real" price for RSX-S would be < $30000, which I would say $29500. So that's only $2K difference here, you got quite a lot of extra stuff as the prev. post said.. leather, cruise control, heated seats, sunroof, warranty etc.. (and better fuel economy too) But well.. after you got the car your friends would say gee that's just another car I saw all the time on the street. If I were 5 years older I would go for RSX Type-S given all the resale value, fuel consumption stuff, but now... man I am still young.. who cares about all those things? So I still put MP-S as my top 1 on the list

 

[TedManEight]

Hey so I went to the Anaheim Car Show today and got a 1st rate view of the MSP!!! YAH IT'S TIGHT!!! I acted so interested even though the car was roped off the man working there let me sit in the driver seat!!! SWEET!!! Well I have to admit that stereo is killer and im starting to lean towards MSP. Only problem being how I can come up with the money in the next month or two... Oh well I could always get daddy to co-sign! Anyway judgeing by the exhaust tip, which looked FAT(3") I was wondering if you just installed a downpipe would it boost the majority of the 15+ HP??? Any thoughts? Thanks again guys! Once again if anyone else wants to post some comparison views they are always fun to read to see other peoples opinions! Thanks! TedManEight

 

[Pro5OnSpeed]

down pipe eh?

the Racing Beat exhaust is just fine for the exhaust. one of the reasons is because your exhaust will be restricted anyway because of the turbo, and alot of turbo people that i have talked to said you dont really need such an uber large exhuast may disagree with me but oh well. a larger diameter downpipe may get your turbo to spool faster, but no matter what you'll still have the same amount of boost.

 

[MPChi]

Comparison Fun vs. Longetivity

IMHO, the bottom line here is really your preference on more fun or longetivity. Since the RSX is a Honda, and especially a NA. its more likely to out last the turbocharged MSP. Mazdas are reliable, but probably slightly less than Hondas, as I can still see a lot of Hondas from the mid '80s surviving (I own a '88 CRX), but not so much of the old mazda 323s, and the turbo in the MSP doesn't help in this department either. But with all the performance goodies in MSP, it'll definitely be more fun to drive. And if looks/uniqueness is your thing, MSP definitely has the edge on that.

I was going for a MSP for a while, until I decided to get a used yellow MP3 instead, which saved me a few grand. Became a very proud owner since. One thing to look for though before you buy either one is to look up different problem issues the car may have in forums like this. For the MP3, there are stuff like weak tranny, squeaks from sway bar bushings...etc. And I am sure RSX has its own problems as well. So its always a good idea to look those up. From my experience, my MP3 doesn't have any tranny break down, but has the infamous notchy 1st - 2nd gear shift. It does hinder your performance somewhat as the gear takes like a split second slower and harder for the gears to lock-in in that 1st - 2nd shift, while the rest of the gears shift just fine. As I have heard that MSP inherit the same tranny from the MP3, you may want to keep an eye on that when you do get a chance to test drive one.

Good luck on your sweet new ride.

 

[Esteban Toledo]

If your concerned about resale value, I'd go w/ the RSX. I imagine acuras hold their value better than mazdas. Regarding reliability, both integra and protege get high marks from many reputable publications, i.e "consumer reports". Just do your homework. I think either way you win.

 

[dmitrik4]

you'll love either one. i would definitely look for a used RSX-S over a new one if you want to keep the price down.

if you don't mind losing a little in a straight line (a good trade, IMO), you might have more fun in an MS-P. IMO, the S is put together a lot better (interior materials and fit/finish, road/wind noise)...and the RSX-S shifter/transmission is the best one i have ever used.

also -- the new K20 engine in the RSX cannot be put into an Integra or Civic (besides the 02 Si) b/c it spins the other way. so no worries about theft there. my ins on the S was lower than a WRX or a GTi 1.8T.

you'll be happy with either...just get whichever one pops up first. plan on buying new tires for the S, tho. shame on Honda!

 

[MMMatHeart]

I've resurrected this old thread, because now I'm thinking of cheating. :'(

It's been a month since I chose emotion (MSP) over logic (Type S). I've been allowed through my 5 month of waiting to think too much. About the SRT-4's performance; the resale value; the "street" prices; and reliability.

Going to see what the street price is for the Type S. Argggh!(chair) (chair)

 

[Daemos]

hmm...okay lets keep it simple.

MSP = econobox turbo

RSX-Type S = Luxury sports coupe

Pros of MSP.
4 door
lower insurance
lower price
better handling (due to better suspensions, and SUPER sticky tires)
LSD
Better Bang for the Buck
Better Stereo

Cons:
-As of now, I am not convinced that the stock tranny or the stock engine of the MSP can take much more boost (if all at any) without being replaced, so modding potential isn't quite there.

-No Sunroof

-only two choices in colour orange and black

Rsx TS Pros:
Honda reliability
Honda aftermarket parts (which is ALOT)
AWSOME shift knob
pretty good looking
Leather
Auto Climate Control
Warrenty
Sunroof
As of now...faster 1/4 speed 15.0 vs 15.5 (as recorded by SCC)
dash is made of some anti-glare material (I don't know how to describe it)

Cons:
Price
alot of people own em
crappy stock tires
not alot of room for anymore than 2 people

 

[Newf]

The acura is without a doubt a very sweet car. And while no torque isn't good, that v-tec, when it kicks in....FUN.

They way I look at it, if the RSX was 5 grand less.....I'd buy that. But it's not, and its in my opinion WAY overpriced. So, MSP is my vote. Honda needs to get it's head out of it's ass and realize it's over pricing their vehicles. Their ego is getting too big

Don't forget, I owned 8 Honda's before this mp3

 

[SpecialK]

I just got back from test driving one, it was a white pearl type -s with titanium leather(beautiful). It is a sweet car, but I also think it is overpriced. I won't be buying one. I also called my dealer and let them know I am on the brink of pulling my deposit and buying something else. the problem is, what car?

 

[TedManEight]

Just a question. Do you guys realize that if you get the MSP obviously you will not be recieving any discount. Where as the RSX is a full on production car, being out for over a year. This provides the buyer with the opportunity to talk the dealer down to a lower price. If I am not mistaken the MSP will be about 22k after tax and license where as the RSX you might be able to talk them down to 21-22 +tax and licese makeing the cars total only about 1 or 2 grand more. Considering this now:

MSP for $22,000
and
RSX type-S For $23,500 (average)

Now what car is on top??? (food for thought...)

 

[MMMatHeart]

Just a question. Do you guys realize that if you get the MSP obviously you will not be recieving any discount. MSP for $22,000
and
RSX type-S For $23,500 (average)

Now what car is on top??? (food for thought...)

Agreed, and when you figure that the depreciation is less on the Acura, your actual cost is less after a year or two. After that, the Type S costs keep decreasing (e.g. say that it's 15% of $20K USD vs. 10% - that's $3K per year for the MSP vs. $2k per year for the Type S).

Consider too that you're getting some expensive features (leather and better seats, and sunroof) to offset some tires/wheels and some suspension tuning.

Finally, for 2001, they were projecting 9000 Type S for the year. The MSP is now up to 5000 for 2003 (and maybe growing). For Canada that may work out to 1000 each (Mazda Canada's claim, and 10% factor of the US portfolio for the Type S). So the exclusivity of the model is going away. Yeah, I know that that there are a lot of Integras, but now the Protege is the 3rd best selling car in Canada!

Still, after all the logic, THE test drive has got to leave me with a silly ass grin before I will buy it!! I know that the MSP would.

By the way, I'm not trying to convince anyone. It's just therapy to help me justify my actions.

 

[Newf]

all good points guys


But, does the RSX have that Turbo sound?..... NOPE! That's priceless

 

[Limited Edition]

That's it!
forget it Type-S and MSP..
Let's all go for the rocket ship Dodge Neon SRT-4!
I was just reading about it..and Car and Driver did 0 - 60mph in 5.6 secs!
That's insanely Fast! For a car that is stock..
My gosh, i'm not a big fan of dodge, but this Srt-4 is probably fun is as hell!! 245lb-tq! Holy s***!

Does This Neon handle well? i know it can't be better than a MSP, but at least hold up with a RSX-S? or WRX?

Anyone have more info or URLs to this car?..i'd like to read more about it...

Don't worry guys, you won't see my next thread being, 'I Gave up too!'

 

[colin949]

. The larger pedals allow for easier heel and toeing as well as left foot braking in comparison to the stock pedals and the MP3's pedals. I'm still trying to find out what they did to the shifter assembly, but the notchy feeling (that you get from the MP3) is gone. Going into gear is a nice and easy flick of the wrist) THis was taken off the protegetech.com. THE notchy shifting is gonee.

how About a pro for the mazdaspeed- turbochargered
pro 2 stage 2, stage 3 turbo upgrade
pro 3 sparco interiors
pro 4 limited editon,
pro 5 wayy better looking than an rsx
pro 6 you can upgrading the mazdaspeed from its turbo will make it a good modding car

 

[colin949]

what the heck do you need a sunroof anyway for a tan while your driving, i think not. pro 7 doesnt have a sunroof