The MSP is a lot less changed from the Protege than the SRT4 is from the neon, that's quite clear. They took a Protege MP3 and turboed it, or if you want to make the stretch they took a Protege ES, gave it new struts, springs, swaybars, a turbo kit, an axleback muffler, a plastic engine cover, different leather on the wheel, a kenwood sound system, new front bumper, new sideskirts, new rear skirt, bigger wheels, new spoiler, upgraded brakes (sourced from euro mazdas) sparco pedals/shifter and reskinned the seats. Oh and painted them in fun colors.
The SRT4 changed the bumper, hood, spoiler, rear bumper, sideskirts, some little interior tweaks, but not only did it get a turbo kit, it got a ridiculously strengthened engine to make it the modern interpretation of American Musclecar.
If mazda had dumped the money they spent on souping up the interior, in car entertainment, and suspension, they could have made a drag racing beast too, but I'm glad they didn't.
Totally different cars targeting different markets. I hate that car mags insist on comparing them and labeling one the winner. It isn't anything like the Evo/STi comparisons, those have very similar focuses.
I have respect for the SRT4 for what it is capable of. It was definitely a better choice for you than the MSP.
"handling of the gods"
