Is the new clutch really worth it for $500?

[R6Rocket]

So I tried looking up the difference between an 03 and an 03.5 MSP. All I could find was an upgraded clutch from the 03.

The dealer I'll go to has a $500 difference in price from the 03 to the 03.5. Should I pay for the upgraded clutch?

I'm not going to mod the car and I don't usually drive too crazy. Probably 95 percent of the time, I'll shift about 1K RPM before redline...

If that is really the only difference then I'll stick with the 03 (of course, if I see the 03.5 in person and the blue calls to me, I'll get get 03.5)...

 

[PaulMP3]

95% you shift 1k rpms b4 redline

 

[TiGrayMsp716]

There are a few differences. The front bumper is different so is the spoiler. The new clutch should last as long or longer than stock.(or previous model). And they also have a different finish on the wheels.

 

[R6Rocket]

PAULMP3-

Opps....When I decide to get up on it, I'll shift before redline. I'd say at most I'll "get up on it" about 50-60 % of the time I drive, if that.

I was just looking more for the internals of the car which could possibly make the 03.5 a better, stronger, more reliable car. I probably don't drive that hard to need a beefier clutch....

Is the 03 clutch the same as they had in the 02 Protege ES? That was my last car and other than it being bad on warm up (which I read is prevalent with these things) I didn't mind it at all (of course I didn't have the turbo or anything, though....).

It just makes me curious as to why they decided to switch it for the heavier 03.5...Is there some problems people were having with them and the MSP set up???