how do you tell the difference between a 3 and a speed3?

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MazdaSpeed3-------------------------------------------------Mazda3 GT​



They look VERY similar!
 
Just look above the Mazda symbol on the grill. If it's blocked, it's not a turbo. If it's open, and a hatchback, it's a MS3, sedan, MS6, suv....CX-7.

Or just look at the antenna.
 
Just look above the Mazda symbol on the grill. If it's blocked, it's not a turbo. If it's open, and a hatchback, it's a MS3, sedan, MS6, suv....CX-7.

Or just look at the antenna.

But my Mazda symbol is open as well...and i dont have a speed.
 
i was going to go with the smile on the face of the driver, all that torque induced hppieness. i was also going to say the taillights but i think the sport MS3 has regular tailights. and if i recal correctly we have a diffrent side skirt. on top of all the mentioned above.
 
don't forget that the fenders are wider as well, slightly flared more.

The biggest visual is the person behind the wheel with a ridiculous grin on their face.
 
The biggest visual is the person behind the wheel with a ridiculous grin on their face.
That might give at least one false-positive. ;)


I like this one...This is usually me and then my woman tells me "then don't drive so fast...."
Kinda difficult with any 3....they're just too much fun to drive!

might as well get real specific on the '07 US exterior differences while I'm at it:
Front end:
Speed3: gap above/below fog light. 3HB: no accent whatsoever.
Speed3: tall, wide rectangular lower vent. 3HB: shorter/narrower, much more angular/rounded. Both have "mustache"
Speed3: single grille runner through center of grille w/Mazda badge attached. 3HB: 2 grille runners (top/center) w/badge attached to both.
Speed3: taller bulge in hood for TMIC clearance
Rear end:
Speed3: Mazdaspeed badge 3HB: :(
Speed3: reflector/plate mounting area are black plastic. 3HB: all body color.
Speed3: rear skirt/diffuser w/extended lower lip & grille-patterned surface. 3HB: plain, slightly textured black plastic. interchangeable
Speed3: "stand-off" wing. well-defined gap between leading edge and body, extends further back, more surface area, sharper curvature at ends; center post. 3HB: small, no gaps; understated.
body & misc:
Speed3: 18x7 10-spoke "starburst" wheels. 3HB: 17x6.5 5-spoke "snowflake" wheels
Speed3: stubby antenna. 3HB: RC-car whip.
Speed3: no door badging 3HB: 2.3 emblem
Speed3: slightly wider fenders.
Speed3: True Red, Sunlight Silver, Black, Cosmic Blue 3HB: True Red, Black, Sunlight Silver, Galaxy Grey, Aurora Blue, Phantom Blue, Phantom Purple, Crystal White/Pearl

Side skirts are (apparently) identical
 
When I drive I always like to notice other speed3s around the area, but the only differences I can notice are:

1) the name on the back of the car (duh)
2) the wheels

but it's hard to see differences in #2 when the target car is in motion...

do you guys know of any other good way to spot a speed3 from a 3?

hood,spoiler,rims,fogs,driving style of the driver.turbo spool,blow off valve, loud exhaust, ur mom being in the car or not, the amount of sexy ladies checking out the car.
 
I always look for the antenna first. After that spoiler. Depends on which way you are looking at the car but you can usually spot the antenna first.
 
its a hatch with a sedan style front end/intagrated grill, plus like everyone else said, the spoiler is alot taller than a base 5-door, the front/rear bumpers, and hood are very different
 
I've seen one at San Diego with mazdaspeed3 badge, rear spoiler, 3 inch exhaust, and a 2.3 emblem... Didn't have a chance to look inside for more details. Is it just a mazda3?


might as well get real specific on the '07 US exterior differences while I'm at it:
Front end:
Speed3: gap above/below fog light. 3HB: no accent whatsoever.
Speed3: tall, wide rectangular lower vent. 3HB: shorter/narrower, much more angular/rounded. Both have "mustache"
Speed3: single grille runner through center of grille w/Mazda badge attached. 3HB: 2 grille runners (top/center) w/badge attached to both.
Speed3: taller bulge in hood for TMIC clearance
Rear end:
Speed3: Mazdaspeed badge 3HB: :(
Speed3: reflector/plate mounting area are black plastic. 3HB: all body color.
Speed3: rear skirt/diffuser w/extended lower lip & grille-patterned surface. 3HB: plain, slightly textured black plastic. interchangeable
Speed3: "stand-off" wing. well-defined gap between leading edge and body, extends further back, more surface area, sharper curvature at ends; center post. 3HB: small, no gaps; understated.
body & misc:
Speed3: 18x7 10-spoke "starburst" wheels. 3HB: 17x6.5 5-spoke "snowflake" wheels
Speed3: stubby antenna. 3HB: RC-car whip.
Speed3: no door badging 3HB: 2.3 emblem
Speed3: slightly wider fenders.
Speed3: True Red, Sunlight Silver, Black, Cosmic Blue 3HB: True Red, Black, Sunlight Silver, Galaxy Grey, Aurora Blue, Phantom Blue, Phantom Purple, Crystal White/Pearl

Side skirts are (apparently) identical[/QUOTE]
 
I've seen one at San Diego with mazdaspeed3 badge, rear spoiler, 3 inch exhaust, and a 2.3 emblem... Didn't have a chance to look inside for more details. Is it just a mazda3?


might as well get real specific on the '07 US exterior differences while I'm at it:
Front end:
Speed3: gap above/below fog light. 3HB: no accent whatsoever.
Speed3: tall, wide rectangular lower vent. 3HB: shorter/narrower, much more angular/rounded. Both have "mustache"
Speed3: single grille runner through center of grille w/Mazda badge attached. 3HB: 2 grille runners (top/center) w/badge attached to both.
Speed3: taller bulge in hood for TMIC clearance
Rear end:
Speed3: Mazdaspeed badge 3HB: :(
Speed3: reflector/plate mounting area are black plastic. 3HB: all body color.
Speed3: rear skirt/diffuser w/extended lower lip & grille-patterned surface. 3HB: plain, slightly textured black plastic. interchangeable
Speed3: "stand-off" wing. well-defined gap between leading edge and body, extends further back, more surface area, sharper curvature at ends; center post. 3HB: small, no gaps; understated.
body & misc:
Speed3: 18x7 10-spoke "starburst" wheels. 3HB: 17x6.5 5-spoke "snowflake" wheels
Speed3: stubby antenna. 3HB: RC-car whip.
Speed3: no door badging 3HB: 2.3 emblem
Speed3: slightly wider fenders.
Speed3: True Red, Sunlight Silver, Black, Cosmic Blue 3HB: True Red, Black, Sunlight Silver, Galaxy Grey, Aurora Blue, Phantom Blue, Phantom Purple, Crystal White/Pearl

Side skirts are (apparently) identical
[/QUOTE]



Lets get it right people TIP!!! Not exhuast.
 

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