Mazdaspeed vs Lexus IS 300

[AGR]

A couple of comments. The IS300 is not available with the Mark Levinson sound system

Okay, I wasn't sure if the Mark Levinson sound system was available on anything but the SC430. Doesn't matter; Mazda has done quite well, in my opinion, using the Kenwood.

I wonder how many of the forum members actually know how much Mark Levinson Sound costs??!! It is, without question, some of the most esoteric high end stereo equipment for the home, anywhere in the world! and; I do mean HIGH DOLLAR!
.....their car audio, I can only imagine, is also quite fabulous (but this is a newer area to them).

 

[Grimace]

The guys from Wheels.ca took the Mazdaspeed Protege and the L-Tune IS300 to Shannonville track for a day, and they liked the Protege more .. for what that's worth...

It also "kicked the crap" (to borrow Daemos' words) out of the L-Tuned IS300 on the track, and even being FWD, was more willing to have its tail help out in cornering.
The only cars that would get me out of an MSP (within a reasonable price jump) would be a BMW 325/330i with the sport package, and RX-8, or a WRX. Everything else is out there is too soft and comes with too many superflous luxury items (and the BMW 3-series is boderline on this).

 

[AGR]

It also "kicked the crap" (to borrow Daemos' words) out of the L-Tuned IS300 on the track, and even being FWD, was more willing to have its tail help out in cornering.
The only cars that would get me out of an MSP (within a reasonable price jump) would be a BMW 325/330i with the sport package, and RX-8, or a WRX. Everything else is out there is too soft and comes with too many superflous luxury items (and the BMW 3-series is boderline on this).

Well said Grim!! I agree with you. I really like the Audis (personally) - but they are just too expensive; and as far as BMW; sure their nice - but the damned upkeep. I guess; I will always be driving a Japanese car, and my next one might be the RX-8, although a few years off.

Oh,,,I installed my K&N yesterday. Really nice! I didn't know if you saw that post or not.

 

[Daemos]

It also "kicked the crap" (to borrow Daemos' words) out of the L-Tuned IS300 on the track, and even being FWD, was more willing to have its tail help out in cornering.
The only cars that would get me out of an MSP (within a reasonable price jump) would be a BMW 325/330i with the sport package, and RX-8, or a WRX. Everything else is out there is too soft and comes with too many superflous luxury items (and the BMW 3-series is boderline on this).

the potential tuning capabilities of the IS300 is greater than the MSP.

oh yea...the stock WRX...don't make me laugh, the handling of that car isn't even as good as my Spec V.

The MSP is currently the best handling FWD car in the market, with either the Celica GTS or the Spec V being 2nd.

the handling capabilities are diffrent on a RWD car, and they are still better suited for handling than an FWD car, just because the way they function.

Also...drifting is fun You could never do that on a FWD car, unless if it was the middle of winter...and you had summer performance tires on

 

[Dave_13_2002]

Actually I would say that the Integra Type R is second. As every magazine I have read always says something on the lines of "....The MSP beat the ITR in our road test." or ".... Our current champ the ITR was out handled by the MSP." Take what you may but I feel as if the ITR is better then the SpecV or celica GTS. Grant you I have drove the SpecV and it was real nice and all but it does not stand in the same area as the ITR i have drove. To me the SpecV and Celica Gts are tied for 3rd.

My rating would be MSP, ITR, SpecV/Celica Gts(never drove one but i will take your word for it)

 

[Grimace]

I know all about the handling attributes of RWD; I'm a dyed in the wool RWD fan (you can read my posts on www.rx8forum.com or www.miataforum.com on the subject if you are really bored. )
But no matter what you do to a IS300, it will never be as nimble or tossable as the MSP, simply because of the 500-600 lb. weight difference.
I love the IS300, I just don't think it would make the best track warrior (if thats what you're looking for), RWD of not.
The MSP (and the ITR) will hang their tails out around corners, but no, you'll never have power-on oversteer.
Solution: buy the MSP and get a used Corolla GTS, 240SX, or other such RWD drift champ from the 80's/90's.

 

[oliver2000]

Thanks again everyone...am looking for this as my daily driver to work....about 60 Km's each way...

 

[Daemos]

Actually I would say that the Integra Type R is second. As every magazine I have read always says something on the lines of "....The MSP beat the ITR in our road test." or ".... Our current champ the ITR was out handled by the MSP." Take what you may but I feel as if the ITR is better then the SpecV or celica GTS. Grant you I have drove the SpecV and it was real nice and all but it does not stand in the same area as the ITR i have drove. To me the SpecV and Celica Gts are tied for 3rd.

My rating would be MSP, ITR, SpecV/Celica Gts(never drove one but i will take your word for it)

I was talking about cars being sold right now I'd could of gotten an ITR...but no airconditioning...that's rough...

 

[Daemos]

Thanks again everyone...am looking for this as my daily driver to work....about 60 Km's each way...

test drive both cars, it's up to you in the end.

I probally am one of the few who don't have a biased towards mazda/lexus on this board, since I don't own either, so I won't defend for either.

I just feel, that the IS300 is a better car, and it's in a class above the MSP.

the IS300 is a luxerious 4 door sports car, with RWD.

the MSP is a ecnobox turned sport compact FWD car.

if it was for work, and you don't plan to mod it, I'd go with the IS300, because you'll have better reliability, better confort, and luxuery.

 

[I-Am-Chris]

They are all crazy
Get the IS. BADASS!!!!!!

 

[tritonheat1]

I'd go for the IS300.

Why? It's a whole diffrent class, a much higher class than the MSP.

Yes, it costs more, performance wise, yes it'll kick the crap outta the MSP.

If you're planning to mod, I'd rather mod a RWD car than a FWD, it also already has quite an aftermarket.

Is the price diffrence worth it? That's debatable.

The MSP you get alot for what you pay for.

But all cars are the same. With the IS300, you get RWD, Lexus quality (mazda quality can't touch lexus quality sorry), a more luxerious ride, better seats, defentaly, I've heard too many complaints, and I've seen picture of the MSP's seats being flat...and they are...I thought my seats were bad...heh

You also get more safety features.

Obviously the IS300 is the MUCH better buy. I'd go for that, if you don't mind spending the extra cash.

In the long run, it'll probally last longer, keep a better resale value, and be better to mod.

Also, with FWD cars, if you get too much power, you gotta deal with torque steer. Also I don't know what you want to do...but maybe this won't help, but I'd much rather have a G35 Coupe than an IS300 But then again, the G35 is more expensive than the IS300...

but all and all I'd still go for the IS300...

because...let me ask you this...could you ever possibly drift in an MSP? When you're with a girl, could you whip open the sunroof on a beautiful day?

whoo, the MSP may got a nice sound system...but over the IS300..that's all it could offer, for the price the MSP is good...but the IS300 is just a totally different league.

let's really talk about economy, ride, comfort, performance, reliabilty. "Gas wise between the IS300 and MS-P, I'm pretty sure the MS-P would end up better overall on gas being driven properly. As i last looked up, the IS300 only averages 18city/25highway, which the MS-P is 24city/30highway also isn't bad for being turboed. The MS-P wins on Gas wise, being that gas is outrageous:'( $2.13 per gallon premium). In that case i would definately choose the MS-P. Now on the (RIDE&COMFORT) of the car, i have no clue what a IS300 feels like "but i know my MP3 feels more comfortable to drive rather than the Mazda 6 S. I think since due to the suspension and swaybars-strutbraces the MP3 would feel more comfortable to ride on long road trips. Even though i'm comparing my MP3, the MS-P should feel the same as the MP3"so in that case i still choose the MSP over the IS300. Also i drove from hanford, C.A. to spokane-Washington 21hours straight and just kept going, didn't even stop except to get gas and that was averaging 30-36mpg on the highway 478miles on full tank at 70-80mph. (PERFORMANCE) I know that the MS-P and IS300 are around the same in 0-60-1/4mile times.


IS300 5-speed:

01 R&T 0-60...7.1sec
1/4mile..15.3sec

02 R&T 0-60...7.0sec
1/4mile...15.4sec

02 C&D 0-60..7.2sec
1/4mile..15.4sec



for the MS-P i know C&D got a quicker time over the IS300 #'s. 0-60 6.9sec 1/4mile 15.3sec. also Motortrend got a 0-60..6.5sec 1/4mile..14.9sec which i hear people whinning about these #'s cause it's supposed to been the Prototype MS-P. But unfortunately (LAWERENCE) pulled a 14.9@92.85mph stock on his MS-P. So overall i would rather choose to pick the MS-P over the IS300 anyday of the 365days of the year. I understand the IS300 might hold it's retail value more than the MS-P would but if your into cars, which you like to keep for a long ass time the MS-P is the way. But if your into all kinds of type of cars and can only hold a car for like 2-3 years, then the IS300 is the way to go. If you think about it in 2-3years the IS300 will hold it's value more than the MS-P would if you trade, lease,or sell your car, it will still be the car to choose if interested for not so long.

 

[slug420]

for me, the MSP makes my commute enjoyable. If i am dying of boredom i can drop down a gear and race the engine a little and hang back and then speed up or whatever to kinds break up the monotony(sp) of the long haul. The is300 I could tell from driving it back the hour and a half from the dealership when I picked it up for my friend, would have bored me.....too smooth.

when i picked up my MSP and drove it back an hour and a half I was trying to think of places to go with it that night after i got back so i could drive it some more. This could be due to my having spent all my money on the MSP and the is300 not being mine so iw asnt excited abuot it but either way.....you get the idea

 

[Daemos]

such pety concerns, gas prices...whatever...they're not bad, I pay like 82-86 cents (canadian) per L.

It's not bad, so it's like more expensive, if you can't afford the gas, how the hell can you afford the car?

obviously if he can afford a IS300, gas isn't too much of a concern for him.

I don't know...I'd go with a RWD car over a FWD car any day

Everyone else here is pretty much biased, because they already want or have bought an MSP.

So from their stand point, the MSP is like king of everything.

the IS300 is in a diffrent class, it's hard to compare the two cars.

But I'd still rather have a Lexus than a Mazda.

Just like I'd rather have a BMW than an Acura.

Performance they should be similar, confort the IS should win hands down. If you're into modding, the IS would be better, since it's RWD.

 

[colin949]

well one thing is for certain the msp is better than the spec v by far

 

[tritonheat1]

well one thing is for certain the msp is better than the spec v by far

I'M with you there BROTHER. Hehe...... hell yahh the MS-P is better than the SpecV, No offence or anything but it is better by far of everything that's why sportcompactcar rated the MS-P 2nd and the specV 5th.

 

[AGR]

HEY!!!!!!!!!!!

I Love My MAZDASPEED!!!!!!!!!

.......mmmmmmm; so slippery when wet! (k) (k) (k)

 

[krillin]

well, my friend/co-worker owns an IS300 and it's a really nice car. nice interior and very smooth ride. i'd honestly have to say that i find the ride almost the same. although he is now running his car with 19's. i just love the fact that it's a really great car overall that isn't incredibly expensive. sure it doesn't have the leather or sunroof but i've lived without those things before. not like i ever really used the sunroof in the past anyway.

they're both really great cars. you're gonna get a nice car no matter which one you choose. you want the luxury and don't mind paying more than get the IS. if you want to save money but still want a full packaged car then get the MSP. another thing is that here in CA almost everyone drives an IS300. you want your car to stick out among all these commonly seen cars, then get the MSP.

oh yes, and GAS mileage!

 

[oliver2000]

Iteresting.....gas is a concern since I am spending 300 a month on gas now in my jeep, I would like to lower that somewhat ( buy my wife some flowers once in a while )

The IS is very tempting and the MSP is tempting as well for the fun part of it.

We own a MP3 now so I know the feeling excluding the turbo of course...one could turbo the mp3 but I like the warranty on the engine.

I am going to take the IS for a road trip on the weekend...the stealership said I could have it for a hour or so...( hint they really want to sell it ), since I am a cash buyer they are all over me like glue.

Insurance wise the IS is more money 1200/yr vs $ 1800 /YR, so considering the extra gas and insurance on the IS...the IS is looking like a lot more in terms of total cost of ownership except the lexus should have a better resale number....our MP3 is maybe worth 18 K now since it is MINT and has 8000 KM's on it.

hmmm

 

[Daemos]

I'M with you there BROTHER. Hehe...... hell yahh the MS-P is better than the SpecV, No offence or anything but it is better by far of everything that's why sportcompactcar rated the MS-P 2nd and the specV 5th.

5th because of a broken spec.

if you look at the best numbers that SCC have ever printed about the cars.

the MSP is just slightly better in some areas.

pulling off .01 more gs in the skidpad, and 0.1 mph in the slalom.

equal in 1/4 mile, and just slighly faster for acceleration.

The Fact that it doesn't have good seats, nor side impact airbags, and below par safty ratings, no sunroof, and no cruse control, for a more expensive car, is such a waste. Performance isn't everything.

but..the potential for the Spec is still greater than the MSP. you could never turn an MSP to a AWD machine now could you?

There is already talk about someone taking their Spec V, and changing it to AWD, because cars built on the same platform use AWD (that will be a crazy car...)

But both the MSP and the Spec are a waste of time to even mod. They're both pathetic cars. No offence to anyone, but if you think a MSP is a good car performance wise, I feel sorry for you. I was thrilled with my spec, but I've learned, I've already found my self a project car, which I hope (if I Get enough money going) to start work on it this summer

The MSP, Spec, SRT-4 are nothing but econoboxes trying to be performace-edged. The fact is they arn't. The SRT-4 Probally would be the best to mod, then the Spec, then the MSP would be behind in modding capabilities, if you were just to leave the internals stock.

But can anyone say SR20DET and RWD baby! I just pray I got enough money this summer to start it. I got enough to get the car...but the car is useless unless if I get everything else

IF not...I guess I'm gonna throw all that money into the spec, to do that crazy AWD conversion...heh...then I maybe able to consider it a sports car.

Sorry guys, but after driving my Friends RX7, a 350Z, and a crazy modded 240sx, I just can't compare. No offence to anyone, but I'm like on an RWD Power addiction craze right now...hehe...

But colin since you're so immature, go suck a cock, it wasn't a debate about about the MSP vs Spec, it's a MSP vs IS300, if you're not helping, it's a waste of space. People like you are the trash of the universe. Can't say anything good about anything but your own. Which is why your mommy works for Mazdaspeed supposedly, and can get all your parts, you mommas boy, show some proof, oh wait...you can't. It's people llike you that will make this board look bad.

If gas is a concern, which I don't think they're off by that much, I'd still go with the IS300...I'll do some research into this.

In the end...findout your self what you want, it's up to you.

 

[chwood]

Sorry guys, but after driving my Friends RX7, a 350Z, and a crazy modded 240sx, I just can't compare. No offence to anyone, but I'm like on an RWD Power addiction craze right now...hehe...

But colin since you're so immature, go suck a cock, it wasn't a debate about about the MSP vs Spec, it's a MSP vs IS300, if you're not helping, it's a waste of space. People like you are the trash of the universe. Can't say anything good about anything but your own. Which is why your mommy works for Mazdaspeed supposedly, and can get all your parts, you mommas boy, show some proof, oh wait...you can't. It's people llike you that will make this board look bad.

(yippy)

hurray for irony