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

[gosvatos]

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?

 

[GoFast]

the wheels, the hood is raised a bit to make room for the TMIC, and the rear bumber is different as well. Also a litte but more subtle is the fog lights. For the most part the regular 3 has round fog lights as compared to our rectangular.

 

[2003protege]

I always notice wheels 1st, Fogs 2nd... and then I notice I need to buy one for myself...

 

[daonly1around]

front grille/ hood is a dead give away

 

[Antonio DiMarco]

I find it extremely easy.

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?

Grille
Bulging hood
Lower stance
Rear Spoiler

Together all of these details give the car a distinct look from up to a 100ft away.

 

[BSTD3]

Difference of about 75HP or so Sorry I had to be a dink. You can tell the difference from the fogs and rear bumper fascia. Also look for the "mazdaspeed" writing on the seats.

 

[lukey]

aero wing mirrors
4" stock exhaust

 

[Protege52003]

lower stance, the rims, and the sound! they really sound sweet with the factory exhaust!

-R

 

[SPEEDYONE]

 

[MM3Canuck]

the wheels, the hood is raised a bit to make room for the TMIC, and the rear bumber is different as well. Also a litte but more subtle is the fog lights. For the most part the regular 3 has round fog lights as compared to our rectangular.

Correction, the regular Mazda3 GT's have rectangular lights, and there are quite a few out there!!!!

 

[gosvatos]

the round lights were from the previous models of 3s. it's hard to notice the subtle differences but to me the front grilles of the speed3 and the 3 still look similar... maybe i need to look at cars more

 

[Antonio DiMarco]

Grille

the round lights were from the previous models of 3s. it's hard to notice the subtle differences but to me the front grilles of the speed3 and the 3 still look similar... maybe i need to look at cars more

Personally I think there is a HUGE difference between the MS3 and Mz3 HB grille. The MS3's is much more attractive- more like the 4dr grille. The Mz3HB grille is but ugly in my opinion .

I wouldn't be buying an MS3 if it had the same grille as the Mz3HB

 

[Talbot]

It's hard for me sometimes. But I know for sure when I see a 3 sedan!

 

[GoFast]

Correction, the regular Mazda3 GT's have rectangular lights, and there are quite a few out there!!!!

hence the term For the most part the regular 3 has round fog lights as compared to our rectangular.(thumb)

 

[MS3ICA]

the wholes in the grill for the intercooler, on the regualr 3 theres plastice there

 

[pmeilakjr]

Another way

Look at the front doors - the regular mazda 3 "hatch" all have 2.3 emblems, unless the owner has removed them.

Others are as posted = 4" exhaust, color, rims, rear spoiler, front hood and grill. Other than that - you will have to race it.

Cheers.

Peter

 

[knowledge007]

aero wing mirrors
4" stock exhaust

Thats funny... 4" tip people...

 

[2URBO6]

I can just sense the presence of a MS3.... No visuals needed.

I can also tell by the headlights which way it is going.

 

[SwampAss]

Thats funny... 4" tip people...

3 inch tip!

The mazdaspeed CBE has a 4 inch tip.

 

[knowledge007]

Key word "tip"