MS3 Specs and Prices

[ClunBB9]

Well here it is folks, here are some specs and prices for you on the Mazdaspeed3. The actual power has not been released on the USDM version even to the employees of Mazda, its only listed as 250+

 

[Bigg Tim]

Can't read the last pages, can you blow them up so they can be read? I tried to save them and blow it up, but I still can't read it. Thanks!

 

[seanw]

Can't read the last pages, can you blow them up so they can be read? I tried to save them and blow it up, but I still can't read it. Thanks!

Yeah, they're almost harder to read blown up. I tried 130%, 140%, 150%, etc., but no go in my MS Digital Image anyway. Most importantly, what's the curb weight?

 

[javanc]

Yeah, they're almost harder to read blown up. I tried 130%, 140%, 150%, etc., but no go in my MS Digital Image anyway. Most importantly, what's the curb weight?

3115 lbs- PZEV-3121.

 

[javanc]

Fuel economy 20/28- not bad i guess. Maybe ittle make me drive little slower. LOL

 

[Puckpimp71]

Can't wait to see how e-plan works out on it...

 

[seanw]

3115 lbs- PZEV-3121.

Thanks, this is up a few lbs (51) from the Japanese Axela, but not too bad. I wonder if this the average of the Sport/GT or something. Out of curiosity, anyone know what PZEV is?

 

[BKK Jack]

Thanks, this is up a few lbs (51) from the Japanese Axela, but not too bad. I wonder if this the average of the Sport/GT or something. Out of curiosity, anyone know what PZEV is?

Partial Zero Emission Vehicle. I think it means there is even more anti-pollution crap on it for certain states.

 

[vindication]

So with all the options it'll cost $26625(suggested prices done here) for the GT

 

[p5sundevil]

So with all the options it'll cost $26625(suggested prices done here) for the GT

official msrp's are on mazdas website now....

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=upcomingMS3

 

[ClunBB9]

Well, the official numbers on the Mazdausa.com is not actually completely correct. Since I am currently working at a dealership, the numbers I have posted are the ones that all mazdaspeed dealers will see. I am actually moving up the corporate ladder and I am soon to be an intern at MNAO Design in San Diego.

I'll keep you guys updated on other info.

 

[DE31]

i know Pzev is here in california, lowers our subaru outbacks 4 cylinder to 160 instead of the rated 165 (from what the brochures fine print said)

 

[CHICO2003]

I'm not sure how I feel about the pricing yet.... part of me thinks it's fair and the other part feels it's a bit inflated. I mean, for basically the same price as a fully loaded MS3, you can get a fully loaded WRX. Granted, the sticker price will be about 2k higher but, for various reasons, you can get the pricing down quite a bit on those.... I'm guessing mazda dealers won't be budgin from the sticker.

while having navagation is cool and all... so is awd. while it's true the MS3 is more powerful, I'm willing to bet the WRX will still outperform it in most key tests.

That being said.... since you can get a TR WRX for about $22k, Mazda has clearly priced their cars along side the WRX. Remind me once again why this is considered a good deal?

When the MSP came out, the key selling point was that it offered superior handling and, though it wasn't as fast as the class leader (WRX), most felt it actually 'felt' faster. combine all that with the originality, other intangibles and, oh yeah, a pricetag about 3-5k less than a WRX and you had yourself a pretty sweet car for about as good a price as you could ask for. while this car is obviously superior in mostly every dept (as it should be), should it also cost $3-7k more than its predessor?

I really want this car... and I'm probably going to buy one. but not after doing as thorough of an analysis between this and the WRX. If they turn out to be a wash in the price and performance dept, as much as I dig mazdas, passing up awd will be tough. I thought they left that out to LOWER costs. hmm.... clearly the lines have been blurred.

 

[VermZ06]

I'm not sure how I feel about the pricing yet.... part of me thinks it's fair and the other part feels it's a bit inflated. I mean, for basically the same price as a fully loaded MS3, you can get a fully loaded WRX. Granted, the sticker price will be about 2k higher but, for various reasons, you can get the pricing down quite a bit on those.... I'm guessing mazda dealers won't be budgin from the sticker.

while having navagation is cool and all... so is awd. while it's true the MS3 is more powerful, I'm willing to bet the WRX will still outperform it in most key tests.

That being said.... since you can get a TR WRX for about $22k, Mazda has clearly priced their cars along side the WRX. Remind me once again why this is considered a good deal?

When the MSP came out, the key selling point was that it offered superior handling and, though it wasn't as fast as the class leader (WRX), most felt it actually 'felt' faster. combine all that with the originality, other intangibles and, oh yeah, a pricetag about 3-5k less than a WRX and you had yourself a pretty sweet car for about as good a price as you could ask for. while this car is obviously superior in mostly every dept (as it should be), should it also cost $3-7k more than its predessor?

I really want this car... and I'm probably going to buy one. but not after doing as thorough of an analysis between this and the WRX. If they turn out to be a wash in the price and performance dept, as much as I dig mazdas, passing up awd will be tough. I thought they left that out to LOWER costs. hmm.... clearly the lines have been blurred.

The AWD thing is overrated iMo. Let's remember how the msp actually laps the track faster stock for stock than the wRX. As far as acceleration, the wrx bests the msp.

I think the MS3 price can be justified. The lowest priced WRX TR is $23,995. This thing is awd, but has close to no options at all. The MS3 starts at $22,800 with no awd, but with stability control, traction control, ABS, nicer interior, a hell of a lot more interior room, 6 speed, 18 inch rims, HID's (i think) plus 250 plus horse...probablly closer to 270, bose sound system, the list goes on and that's only for the sport. The MS3 will take out the WRX without much of a problem even though it's only (crappy fwd). Handling, acceleration, fit and finish, everything will be better than the outdated WRX. Mazda knows how to build great cars, and they did a great job with this azzzkicker. I was in a WRX the other day and there's no way I'd be able to drive the thing on long trips, no interior room at all. My leg kept hitting the console where the shifter is and the door. WRX=overrated!!

 

[VermZ06]

oh yes let's also not for get about the torque limiter, lsd, and lower weight you get with the ms3. Light and lots of power, that's what i'm liking about the ms3.

 

[Rotary_Powered]

haha, with so much hype on the MS3 I forgot that you can get a WRX for about the same price. But I agree back in the day when the MSP came out many reviewers said it rivaled the WRX in grip and handling. I think the MP3 could out handle the same vintage 2.5rs easily. The space thing is invalid remember the WRX comes in wagon form. Both are great cars but any MazdaSpeed Car FTW.

 

[VermZ06]

haha, with so much hype on the MS3 I forgot that you can get a WRX for about the same price. But I agree back in the day when the MSP came out many reviewers said it rivaled the WRX in grip and handling. I think the MP3 could out handle the same vintage 2.5rs easily. The space thing is invalid remember the WRX comes in wagon form. Both are great cars but any MazdaSpeed Car FTW.

The wagon will give you some more room out back, but i highly doubt the front room for the driver and passenger is any different from the sedan. These things are cramped, at least for me and I'm six foot...try comparing the back seat of an impreza to the msp and you'll notice that the msp has much more leg room. I also like the fact that when mazda comes out with a speed version of a car they make it a great all round automobile...not only do they up power but they include things like strut tower braces, x braces, upgraded suspension, the list goes on and on...

 

[CHICO2003]

The AWD thing is overrated iMo. Let's remember how the msp actually laps the track faster stock for stock than the wRX. As far as acceleration, the wrx bests the msp.

I think the MS3 price can be justified. The lowest priced WRX TR is $23,995. This thing is awd, but has close to no options at all. The MS3 starts at $22,800 with no awd, but with stability control, traction control, ABS, nicer interior, a hell of a lot more interior room, 6 speed, 18 inch rims, HID's (i think) plus 250 plus horse...probablly closer to 270, bose sound system, the list goes on and that's only for the sport. The MS3 will take out the WRX without much of a problem even though it's only (crappy fwd). Handling, acceleration, fit and finish, everything will be better than the outdated WRX. Mazda knows how to build great cars, and they did a great job with this azzzkicker. I was in a WRX the other day and there's no way I'd be able to drive the thing on long trips, no interior room at all. My leg kept hitting the console where the shifter is and the door. WRX=overrated!!

You make a decent case...

With regard to the MSP having a faster lap-time than the WRX, I think that the 0-60, 1/4 mile and skidpad are more practical and reflective barometers. Afterall, how many laps are we really going to be doing anyway? I for one like the thrill of speed (even if I'm not technically speeding) as well as the ability to toss my car in and out of turns. This is something both the WRX and MSP can do.... but I think, overall, the WRX does it a bit better. I mean, 0-60 in 5.4 seconds is pretty damn quick!

As far as your comparrisons go.... I can do without traction and stability control, thank you. I realize Mazda's intent but... I've never had any of that and I've done just fine. If those things mean added cost combined with a somewhat less enjoyable driving experience (due to less connection with the road) it's definitely not the positive you make it out to be. For the record, ABS is standard on a WRX TR and HID are not (on a MS3). Really, since only the GT gets the bose, your only true arguement is the 18 inch wheels, 6 speed, nicer interior (which can be debateable... but I'd agree) and more space (which is also debateable... let's not forget about the WRX wagon that, due to its unpopularity, can be had at a ridiculous pricepoint these days. even less than the MS3 for what it's worth.

As far as the WRX you were in the other day... I'm wondering what year it was. For me, the versions prior to 05 weren't nearly as good. In 05 the interior got a major overhaul and it's now on a level with any low-level luxury car. (mainly because saab helped design it) the differnce between an 05-06 wrx and my msp (as far as the interior quality is concerned) is astounding. not sure how it will compare to the ms3 but if the 3 is any indication, while the 3 will have more style/flare... quality wise (fit/finish) should be about the same. As far as you being cramped... I think you need to adjust the seat better. While I'm only 5'9", I've got a couple friends over 6ft with these cars and they're fine... I've never heard too many complains in this area myself.

Bottom line: the WRX, while approaching the end of its model run, is far from over-rated. How can it be? Do i really need to list the specs? If you truly think AWD is over-rated well... I guess you live in a nicer climate than me. for those of us who have to deal with bad winters, awd is a nice benefit to have and is in no ways over-rated. On top of that, there are clearly some benefits to it on the track as well.

either way... both cars are great. while mazda has, for the most part, priced theirs a bit under the WRX... because that's merely sticker to sticker, it's not truly going to be. Once again, since you can easily negotiate 2k+ off the sticker of any WRX, that price differential isn't really there. In short, for those who don't have to deal with winter, everything is relatively even... and the MS3 very well may be the better choice. for the rest of the country.... it's not so clear cut.

 

[CHICO2003]

The wagon will give you some more room out back, but i highly doubt the front room for the driver and passenger is any different from the sedan. These things are cramped, at least for me and I'm six foot...try comparing the back seat of an impreza to the msp and you'll notice that the msp has much more leg room. I also like the fact that when mazda comes out with a speed version of a car they make it a great all round automobile...not only do they up power but they include things like strut tower braces, x braces, upgraded suspension, the list goes on and on...

I could care less about the back seat... to me, it's just a glorified bench for my golf clubs. I can count on 1 hand how many times anyone has actually sat back there. If I needed a car to haul people around in, I'd buy a freakin family sedan. so the leg-room is irrelevant to me and presumably many others.

as far as your perceived upgrades... of course the mazdaspeed version is going to have all of that (compared to it's lesser versions) just like the WRX is going to have all of that stuff (compared to it's lesser versions) lol Mada hasn't invented anything new here.

 

[seanw]

I'm not sure how I feel about the pricing yet.... part of me thinks it's fair and the other part feels it's a bit inflated. I mean, for basically the same price as a fully loaded MS3, you can get a fully loaded WRX.
.....

I really want this car... and I'm probably going to buy one. but not after doing as thorough of an analysis between this and the WRX. If they turn out to be a wash in the price and performance dept, as much as I dig mazdas, passing up awd will be tough. I thought they left that out to LOWER costs. hmm.... clearly the lines have been blurred.

FWIW, there are some stats from an Oz article posted at http://forum.mazda6club.com/index.php?showtopic=57578 that includes both cars. The MS3 was slower in every category . . . except lap times . . . but still tied the WRX overall for 4th place up against the big boys.

Also, before everybody jumps on the times, these are Oz spec cars so don't go apeshite 'cause they are slower than expected. I think their octane ratings are lower, insurance rates are higher, it's only one review, etc., etc. Also note that the Oz MPS6/3 have the same hp rating of 254hp.