ms3 vs turbo regular 3

[Rennoc]

This seems to be a question that got pushed to the back because the ms3's came out and they are bad ass. but im curious... is it more practical to buy the ms3 and have an awesome car right off the bat, or turbo a sedan? i know that there are a lot of considerations, warranty, just how fast you actually want to go but i really feel like going ahead and getting the ms3 and modding that would actually save money in the end because it puts us considerably closer to the goal of speed and handling while not adding as much as would be added by just getting the regular 3 up to it. the was i see it is i payed 18k for my 3, so add 4k for a turbo, 1k for a six speed, 1.5k for a lsd, and 1.5k for suspension/rims/tires and you are at the ms3 if not over it in most cases and you still fall short of some of the add ons. money isnt a problem for me i just feel like getting the ms3 and modding that is the smartest possible way to go out about getting my own little monster(round 2, ive already got an m3 so that was round 1)
i would appreciate any feedback on what you guys think... it just seems to me like the ms3 is the best way to go

 

[KzA]

I dont know...I look at it in my case, having an MP3 over a MSP...

Look at all of the msp guys, and probably the Ms3 guys. The first thing people with stock turbo systems do is start ripping the thing out. Putting in hardpipes, replacing bad stock intercoolers, upgrading to larger more efficient turbos, getting engine management to deal with rich and nonaggressive stock tunes, etc. IMO, which is one that doesnt give a s*** about warranties, it is much easier to take the mazda 3 and throw a turbo kit on it that already has all the pieces you want along with engine management.

 

[Rennoc]

I know, but I want a six speed real bad just because I love six speeds. I also would like to have a lsd that was made for the car, both of those options are pricy and would almost seem to make more sense just getting them from the factory. I have never enjoyed factory turbos, my son has an srt-4 and first thing he did was change hardware with that turbo. I see where you are coming from. This is actually gonna be a hard decision....

 

[Antonio DiMarco]

The real question is whether...

I know, but I want a six speed real bad just because I love six speeds. I also would like to have a lsd that was made for the car, both of those options are pricy and would almost seem to make more sense just getting them from the factory. I have never enjoyed factory turbos, my son has an srt-4 and first thing he did was change hardware with that turbo. I see where you are coming from. This is actually gonna be a hard decision....

...the stock 3 can handle the added torque/vehicle dynamics of a turbo. I see all these guys adding turbos to their 3 but what type of beating does it give the standard tranny, halfshafts, suspension etc. Mazda beefed up the MS3's chassis to deal with the added power and also includes traction control and software to handle torque steer and wheelspin. Somehow adding a turbo to a stock 3 sounds like it would kill the dynamics of a well balanced car, eat up tires and compromise what I've found to be a very reliable car.

Not sure if this has been covered elsewhere. But I'm also weighing the possibility of buying the MS3. Only I don't love the HB and want a moonroof.

 

[CTGrey02]

Bear with me here... it's related due to personal experience:

Had I known they were coming out with the 03 Cobra back in 2002 I would have waited 6 months and just gotten that instead of my GT. I've modded the hell out of that car as you can see from my website (click on sig pic) and built a solid car, but the driveline is nearing it's limit where as a 03 Cobra can see 800 RWHP on stock equipement with out much complaining if driven properly. Thats vs 400 HP with my current driveline.

The time, effort, money and down time were not worth the money potentially saved by buying the lower end car and modding it to similiar if not better specs than the factory upgraded model. You get better brakes, suspension, stiffer chassis, nicer interrior not to mention reliability and a stronger driveline, not just more powerful. In all.. a more solid platform to build upon.. that was DESIGNED for boost and added power, with no down time to get it there.

Lastly, A car (you're going to use) is one of the worst investments you can make, might as well just get it the way you want it to start than investing a ton of cash you'll never see again, not to mention potential breakage (I know repair work is not outside the scope of most enthusiasts) and related costs.

Ok.. I rambled enough.. built a solid 12 second car.. but I seriously dont want to bother with another one. Mines gonna stay stock.