Hmmm, is VW rippin Mazda off?

BlueWolfCry · May 16, 2007

looks good but still slower than MS3

Jasonstiller · May 16, 2007

Yea, i was just refering to the wheels. But you got to admit, its probably trying to beat out the MS3 performance wise. less Hp but lighter = vW trying to give the current hot hatch a run for its money iMO

nate0123 · May 16, 2007

Jasonstiller said:
Yea, i was just refering to the wheels. But you got to admit, its probably trying to beat out the MS3 performance wise. less Hp but lighter = vW trying to give the current hot hatch a run for its money iMO

When the last R32 came out (2004?), it had AWD, 240 hp/236 tq, and was >3400 lbs. It didn't really have any direct competition, though. It was priced around $30k, but it was slow compared to the STI and EVO. At the time, there weren't really any quick hatches, especially in that price range. The new R32 may look like competition for the MS3, but I have a feeling the price will push it to a different class.

altspace · May 16, 2007

Wheels....yup. That's all I see.

speed3shon · May 16, 2007

i dont see hardly any similarities except the wheels and the rear of the sideskirts...

CTGrey02 · May 16, 2007

Looks like any other golf/gti/rabbit to me. Same clean VW style.

M3_Zoom · May 16, 2007

TheDutchGun said:
Yeah but its probably lighter, has all wheel drive, and more torque down low with the N/A V6 as opposed to the Turbo 4. One of these R32s will have no trouble with an MS3 I'm afraid.

The current FWD 2 door Gti is only ~60lbs lighter than the MS3 if I recall. The AWD R32 will be heavier i'm sure.

Now, I really like the R32 allot! I'm not a fan of the FWD GTI for my own personal reasons however, considering the large amount of engineering that goes into the R32, I'm just not understanding why they dont throw in say 300hp or even change the gearing to produce better 0-60 speeds etc. My neighbor has a beautiful blue R32 (last model) and he complains of the same thing. I don't think he'll ever get rid of it, but man it sure would be nice to go as fast as they sound. Everyone has to admit, the exhaust note that comes from an R32 is nothing but AWESOME! Sure I know there's always the aftermarket world but lets be realistic, if your paying that much money for a well engineered R32 AWD, it should be able to compete with the STI or EVO's right off the showroom floor. That's dollar for dollar bone stock of course. This is all just my opinion and the wheels are certainly interesting. They look familiar and of course are a big improvement over those 1960's silk shirt button looking one's they currently offer on the regular GTI. The prior R32 came with decent wheels as well.

meha11 · May 16, 2007

golf with ms3 wheels but still a golf and quite nice too.

AeroSquid · May 16, 2007

i wonder how fast the head/tail lights will burn out

Skywlkr · May 16, 2007

nate0123 said:
When the last R32 came out (2004?), it had AWD, 240 hp/236 tq, and was >3400 lbs. It didn't really have any direct competition, though. It was priced around $30k, but it was slow compared to the STI and EVO. At the time, there weren't really any quick hatches, especially in that price range. The new R32 may look like competition for the MS3, but I have a feeling the price will push it to a different class.

+1 What it lacked it made up in interior quality over the sti and evo. It was also very much a limited production car compared to the other two. Too bad its still a VW.
The price will push it to be with the sti, evo, MS6, base 3-series and A4, but a much smaller car.

Mr. 4500 RPM · May 16, 2007

imjustagirl said:
mmmm... R32... *shiver*

I agree with this statement.

I do not know how you think that VW is copying mazda because the GTI and the golf have been around long before the mazda 3 or the mazdaspeed 3 overall. the R32 has been around longer as well. I can see where you might make the connection because the "hot hatch" segment is really starting to hit the US hard and big but I think your wrong overall thinking that VW is copying mazda since this is the 2nd time the US will get the R32 in our shores. Essentially its a Audi A3 with a VW body and badge. And the A3 has been around for a long ass time. I dont mean to flame but I just feel the argument has no umph behind it.

Mr. 4500 RPM · May 16, 2007

nate0123 said:
When the last R32 came out (2004?), it had AWD, 240 hp/236 tq, and was >3400 lbs. It didn't really have any direct competition, though. It was priced around $30k, but it was slow compared to the STI and EVO. At the time, there weren't really any quick hatches, especially in that price range. The new R32 may look like competition for the MS3, but I have a feeling the price will push it to a different class.

Yes i agree the price will be aroun 38k starting I beleive, well according to the auto show.

Olestra · May 16, 2007

Betelgeuse said:
They can keep it, I'll stick with my MS3. Not a big VW fan. And yes those rims are very similar, too similar to just be ignored.

Yawn!! Just another boring Golf.

Hardcore VW fans can just as easily yawn at the speed 3 being a boring turbo-ed regular 3 with turbo lag and engine drag.
Don't be so quick to dismiss a 250hp hatch.

I agree that VW's are all overpriced though. If they had a reputation for reliability, then their price tags could be justified.

Scott · May 16, 2007

Not to be mean, but all these talks of VW's reliability...are we typing with blinders on? Mazda's turbo car reliability has never been all that stellar.

Betelgeuse · May 16, 2007

Olestra said:
Hardcore VW fans can just as easily yawn at the speed 3 being a boring turbo-ed regular 3 with turbo lag and engine drag.
Don't be so quick to dismiss a 250hp hatch.

I agree that VW's are all overpriced though. If they had a reputation for reliability, then their price tags could be justified.

Umm, hardly any turbo lag or drag and far from boring. Only noobs who can't drive would complain about turbo lag in this car. Nice try though.

The speed3 has more utility, better looks (IMO) and is faster. I could care less if the VW has a nicer interior. For that price, I'd rather have a g35 or 350z.

Jasonstiller · May 17, 2007

Mr. 4500 RPM said:
I agree with this statement.

I do not know how you think that VW is copying mazda because the GTI and the golf have been around long before the mazda 3 or the mazdaspeed 3 overall. the R32 has been around longer as well. I can see where you might make the connection because the "hot hatch" segment is really starting to hit the US hard and big but I think your wrong overall thinking that VW is copying mazda since this is the 2nd time the US will get the R32 in our shores. Essentially its a Audi A3 with a VW body and badge. And the A3 has been around for a long ass time. I dont mean to flame but I just feel the argument has no umph behind it.

you must have missed my 2nd comment. I was just refering to the wheels. I have nothing against VW so relax.

Karma_hunden · May 17, 2007

the wheels are identical to the MS3's!!

rable!! rable!! rable!!

Euphorism · May 17, 2007

dont forget they have a w12 version of the gti coming out. 0-62 in 3.7 sec, RWD mid engine beast. looks wicked too.

http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publish/vortex_news/article_2007.shtml

bushrat · May 17, 2007

Just a pure show car. Probably won't be made. Still, wow.

BHOUST528 · May 17, 2007

yea that does look sweet! its also more powerful than the n/a mz3...but it does look like a mz3....

Hmmm, is VW rippin Mazda off?

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