Msp Or Ms3

[Mazdaspeed2oo35]

Well I've been thinking of Making these thread for a long time. but I think it's necesary now the MSP is gone for Production and the Mazdaspeed Paltform came up on the 3.. what do you guys think about mazda discontinuing the MSP and Replace it with the Mazda 3 in these case mazdaspeed3...

lets all share what we all think about what mazda did.....

 

[erick pina]

well I love my msp but I wish I had the speed3 engine on my car.

 

[kickniteasy]

I just wish they made the mazdaspeed3 stand out a little more in styling. To me anyway the difference between a regular protege and a mazdaspeed protege was HUGE.....I always have to look twice to see if it's a mazdaspeed3. All and all though I think mazda did a great thing. They made a great car, backed up the performance aspect that comes along with "mazdaspeed" and ended up with something that's being compared to the WRX for WAY cheaper. I mean, come on, at least the mazda design team didn't pull a subaru and make something almost intolerable.

 

[Mazdaspeed2oo35]

well I love my msp but I wish I had the speed3 engine on my car.

Well I Don't like Nothing at All the new Mazdaspeed 3.. for me they suck . no matter from where you see them.... and the engine aint s***... I don't understand how could mazda Change the RX-7 for an RX-8, the Protege for a Mazda 3. a Millenia for a Mazda 6... Honestly just imagine for a second a Redisign Protege how ******* bad ass would it be. AWD version. Bigger Engine I mean. I'll never Change my MSP for Any Mazdaspeed 3. and we are talking about 5 years of technology difference between them.. and I still keep my MSP... Its better Done than the MS3, Better everything. Suspension, Appareance, handling. braking. Inside. outside.. is not fast as a MS3, that don't matter. Power Without Control is uselss.. the ms3 is ugly i can't imagine how the sedan will look...... Protege is the best Compact Car that has ever exist. and the msp is the best handling production Car ever on Earth...

 

[kickniteasy]

I kind of thought the same thing as far as replacing the protege for a 3......then I sat in a 3 hatch....and saw all the cool new crap.....and basically how much better it was than my car. Further more, isn't handling what the speed 3 is known for? Isn't that pretty much the only reason it's being compared to the wrx?

 

[gone_fishin]

The difference between the MSP and MS3 is night and day with regard to engineering. Though it's debatable, I'd say that our MSP's were probably one of the most poorly engineered turbo-charged vehicles to be marketed. The issues that stand out the most are the piss-poor ECU, glass internals, and the poor excuse for an limited slip differential. It's been said, but with the MSP, Mazda basically slapped a turbo on a naturally aspirated setup not built to handle forced induction or any real kind of power.

In comparison, the MS3 is actually an excellently engineered piece from Mazdaspeed. With the exception of the motormount recalls, it's a solidly built and engineered vehicle. It's got the numbers to establish a reputation, and justify its price tag. Overall, it's an outstanding car. Not too hard on the eyes either, but I feel styling could have been improved a bit.

 

[Donas64]

Honestly, Mazda did it mostly right with the MS3. The motor for the most part is beyond reproach. It needs to hold boost longer but overall it will be put on the same pedestal that the Neon SRT4 motor was. Its that good. The MS3's handling is making a name for itself and the car has an interior quality matched by few in its class. The styling is handsome if understated.

But boy the MSP was a nice looking car. I mean it just looked the part. The MS3 is lacking some of the MSP's personality. But its also lacking its weak, detonation prone motor.

So overall I'l say the MS3 is far better than the car it replaces and has a charm all its own. The only area where the MSP has the edge is looks.

 

[dmention7]

Well I Don't like Nothing at All the new Mazdaspeed 3.. for me they suck . no matter from where you see them.... and the engine aint s***... I don't understand how could mazda Change the RX-7 for an RX-8, the Protege for a Mazda 3. a Millenia for a Mazda 6... Honestly just imagine for a second a Redisign Protege how ******* bad ass would it be. AWD version. Bigger Engine I mean. I'll never Change my MSP for Any Mazdaspeed 3. and we are talking about 5 years of technology difference between them.. and I still keep my MSP... Its better Done than the MS3, Better everything. Suspension, Appareance, handling. braking. Inside. outside.. is not fast as a MS3, that don't matter. Power Without Control is uselss.. the ms3 is ugly i can't imagine how the sedan will look...... Protege is the best Compact Car that has ever exist. and the msp is the best handling production Car ever on Earth...

Almost sounds like you're bordering on sarcasm with some of those remarks, but I can't tell for sure.

However, having owned both a mazda3 and a MSP, and having driven both base and mazdaspeed trims of both platforms, I'm going to have to disagree.

The 3 is a very worthy predecessor to the protege. IMO, the 3 has about everything the protege has/had, but with a stroke of refinement added to it that's only natural to expect, given that it's had a couple years of evolution. The 3 has been praised almost universally for its handling and driving feel, and the MS3 takes that up another notch, performance-wise. Both the MZ3 and MS3 are in a league with significantly more expensive vehicles when it comes to handling, and certainly nothing to scoff at. That's speaking nothing of the monster power that the MS3 lays down...

I have several friends with both MSPs and MS3s. The universal opinion is that, disregarding the obvious mismatch in power, the primary difference between the two vehicles is refinement. The MSP is much more raw in its character and behavior, while the MS3 has more of a polished feel to it. Both cars are an absolute blast to drive (A couple of my MS3 friends actually occasionally ask if we can swap cars for a short drive), but their characters are quite different.

IMO, the styling of the MSP vs MS3 is a continuation of that theme. MSP has a very aggressive appearance package, from the gaping fogs/vents (depending on your model year) to the flashy color coices, to the oversized wing, it's continuing the raw and obvious sports-influence attitude. The MS3 on the other hand is done up in a much more subtle method that does not obviously bely what it's actually packing. With the exception of true red, the available colors are also quite understated (cosmic blue = perfect sleeper color).

So yeah, that's the biggest difference between the two generations of mazda's compacts: refinement. And given the vehicles that the MS3 is being routinely grouped against (Civic SI, GTI, etc), it's only natural that mazda would have stepped up that aspect.

And there's been a lot of arguing over whether the MS3 should've been a sedan.... but, well, the MSP and MS6 were both sedans... time to give the "wagon" a chance to strut its stuff. Besides that, the hatch body was kind of the differentiating body that really made the mazda3 stand out, appearance-wise.

Just my $.02

 

[Mazdaspeed2oo35]

Almost sounds like you're bordering on sarcasm with some of those remarks, but I can't tell for sure.

However, having owned both a mazda3 and a MSP, and having driven both base and mazdaspeed trims of both platforms, I'm going to have to disagree.

The 3 is a very worthy predecessor to the protege. IMO, the 3 has about everything the protege has/had, but with a stroke of refinement added to it that's only natural to expect, given that it's had a couple years of evolution. The 3 has been praised almost universally for its handling and driving feel, and the MS3 takes that up another notch, performance-wise. Both the MZ3 and MS3 are in a league with significantly more expensive vehicles when it comes to handling, and certainly nothing to scoff at. That's speaking nothing of the monster power that the MS3 lays down...

I have several friends with both MSPs and MS3s. The universal opinion is that, disregarding the obvious mismatch in power, the primary difference between the two vehicles is refinement. The MSP is much more raw in its character and behavior, while the MS3 has more of a polished feel to it. Both cars are an absolute blast to drive (A couple of my MS3 friends actually occasionally ask if we can swap cars for a short drive), but their characters are quite different.

IMO, the styling of the MSP vs MS3 is a continuation of that theme. MSP has a very aggressive appearance package, from the gaping fogs/vents (depending on your model year) to the flashy color coices, to the oversized wing, it's continuing the raw and obvious sports-influence attitude. The MS3 on the other hand is done up in a much more subtle method that does not obviously bely what it's actually packing. With the exception of true red, the available colors are also quite understated (cosmic blue = perfect sleeper color).

So yeah, that's the biggest difference between the two generations of mazda's compacts: refinement. And given the vehicles that the MS3 is being routinely grouped against (Civic SI, GTI, etc), it's only natural that mazda would have stepped up that aspect.

And there's been a lot of arguing over whether the MS3 should've been a sedan.... but, well, the MSP and MS6 were both sedans... time to give the "wagon" a chance to strut its stuff. Besides that, the hatch body was kind of the differentiating body that really made the mazda3 stand out, appearance-wise.

Just my $.02

I mean, I can Understand part of what you and some other are saying. there is like i said 5 years of difference in technology in these cars and I still think the MSP with the proper mods, and fixing the weak spots is a better car than any SRT-4 which I think is the ugliest car ive ever seen. Its a Dodge, Rental Car Interior, just Big Engine with no handling, Style, Brakes or interior charm.. STi's are way to expensive for what it offers.. the interior is cheese, yeah 300 HP, AWD cool. but not a car do die for.. EVO very nice car. nice packages, very expensive and lots of them... look at the new models.. They Suck dick.. the newer the uglier they make it. I mean A MSP with the proper mods, and some descent money on it, is a peace of gold that just a few lucky guys can own.. I mean. how many Srt's you see around ? Evo's, STI's ? but how many well done and powerfull MSP's you see around ? how many civic's with big Horsepower numbers, alot... the MSP is a ******* Great car and people doubts the Capacity of the car to be a real bad boy with the proper parts and some descent money.. Why have a car everyones drives ? when you can have a car just a FEW, I said few with MSP's with big numbers, once Again you can say the speed 3 has better everything, newer and what ever else, but even though the MSP is a Weak Stock production Vehicle it will kick any cars out there in appearance and package for the price it costed and the year it was made.... once again.. I will never change my MSP for non of the vehicles mentioned above. that's why most vehicle manufacters are bringing back to life old model vehicles cause the new ones just suck a fat D++k.. for me the MS3 aint' all that s***. srt's, evo's and sti's.... Hondas, Just to freaking many.. my personal opinion.. that's why I created these thread to share ideas and thoughs about these 2 cars.. lets keep these thread rolling...

 

[dmention7]

Can you expand a little on what you don't like about the speed3? I respect your opinion and all, and I'm just trying to get a better idea of what your position is on that platform (besides that you don't care for it... lol). You're completely entitled to not like it, but it's a bit strong to say that they suck all around.

 

[Mazdaspeed2oo35]

Can you expand a little on what you don't like about the speed3? I respect your opinion and all, and I'm just trying to get a better idea of what your position is on that platform (besides that you don't care for it... lol). You're completely entitled to not like it, but it's a bit strong to say that they suck all around.

Well I see that you have a MSP 03.5 aren't you? well you tell me what you dont like about your car and what do you like about the MS3 ? First, the Design of the MS3 I don't like it at all. It looks Heavy, the Dashboard for me it's Ugly, the gages are ugly. It's a Hatch, the outside of the car is not what I spected. I mean. The Engine for me aint all that s*** people thinks.. Obviously there is a technology difference between them. the seats are nicer, it comes with Navy, HID's. 18's etc. but that car don't really mean anything, samething about SRT's people loves to lick ass about those cars, Sti's, Evos' I really don't know what they see on them. it comes with better engine and transmission , I agree but let me tell you something, you know Pirana ? have you seen hes msp ? Just tell me one thing about that MSP that cannot be compared to any of the vehicles above ? I'll take his msp anytime next to any 10000 hp evo, srt, sti's... why. cause is ******* nice, is unique and nobody has one like it.. make your s*** nice, and don't lick balls like other people does with others cars that aint' really a better car than yours. in these case ours.. the MSP

 

[tritonheat1]

I can understand what both of you are saying.........But you really can't compare both car's!!

I mean i know the MSP is part of the protege's platform and the Speed3 is part of the 3's platform and the 3 replaced the Protege.

But the Protege's biggest downfall was the weak ass FS Motor it had

The 3's biggest downfall is the ugly ass-concept look it has.

So one make's up for another.............really couldn't have the whole package but have 2 settle for somethings.

I personally like both car's MSP and MS3. I wouldn't mind having either or, but that's just me..............

 

[Donas64]

2.3 disi in MSP = dream swap!

 

[Mazdaspeed2oo35]

2.3 disi in MSP = dream swap!

lol. Still don't understand what's all about the 2.3 disi engine crush men... with proper parts and some descent money FS-DE is a good platform.. ask EL DENGUE about hes 680whp Shity ass FS-DE Engine and wack ass tranny...

 

[sandspeed]

I personally like the speed3 and the fact that its a hatch is pretty cool. I test drove one and enjoyed driving it very much. It might not feel as sharp but was a lot more comfortable and rigid. For some reason I felt a lot safer in the speed3 than my msp. I would love to have one for a daily driver so I could keep the protege running strong for the weekends. I think if mazda had put more r & d into engineering the msp it would have been a better performer than it was/is but is still a fun car nonetheless. I wouldn't have bought one if I didn't think it was worth it.

 

[1moreMPH]

when the ms3's first came out i kinda thought it was the gayest s*** ever. I couldn't believe they tried to make a sporty performance-led vehicle into a freakin hatchback. I did not think they looked good, though the engine was beefy, and i didn't think handling would be that great.

Since then, i have seen, followed, led, and been inside a few ms3's and have completely changed my opinion. The looks have REALLY grown on me and i actually like them now, especially with a badass feel to it since it's a monster on the inside but tame hatch on the outside; though still tough. The engine is great, especially with a few modifications, and the handling is pretty sick. When me and some buddies were WOT'ing on some mountain roads a week ago, the speed3 in front of me was definitely hugging the road a lot better. I was able to keep up speed-wise, but they are glued to the ground with a lot of power. Also the inside is re-vamped into total hotness. After checking it out, im not gonna lie i was imagining a trade-in. But i don't know if i could ditch the msp... gotta love it.

And Sandspeed -- everytime i look at your sig i fall in love with this thing all over again. The black on gold 3.5 is just a sick look. you have a hot car. props to j00, im jealous -- i wanna black!!

 

[sandspeed]

thanks dude.
I agree with you that the speed3 is indeed a fun car but I wish it came with cooler stock wheels. I noticed alot of speed3 owners change out their stock wheels in favor of an aftermarket rim. That is one thing the msp has over the speed3, the stock racing harts are much cleaner wheels.

 

[dmention7]

Well I see that you have a MSP 03.5 aren't you? well you tell me what you dont like about your car and what do you like about the MS3 ? First, the Design of the MS3 I don't like it at all. It looks Heavy, the Dashboard for me it's Ugly, the gages are ugly. It's a Hatch, the outside of the car is not what I spected. I mean. The Engine for me aint all that s*** people thinks.. Obviously there is a technology difference between them. the seats are nicer, it comes with Navy, HID's. 18's etc. but that car don't really mean anything, samething about SRT's people loves to lick ass about those cars, Sti's, Evos' I really don't know what they see on them. it comes with better engine and transmission , I agree but let me tell you something, you know Pirana ? have you seen hes msp ? Just tell me one thing about that MSP that cannot be compared to any of the vehicles above ? I'll take his msp anytime next to any 10000 hp evo, srt, sti's... why. cause is ******* nice, is unique and nobody has one like it.. make your s*** nice, and don't lick balls like other people does with others cars that aint' really a better car than yours. in these case ours.. the MSP

What I don't like about my car? I wouldn't mind toning down the exterior styling a bit--I love the sharp angular lines, but sometimes I would ditch the wing in a minute, but it's not worth it for the cost of having the holes filled and the trunk repainted. The boyracer-ish look sometimes attracts a lot of unwanted attention. Also, a turbo engine making 170hp is undeniably more fun than a NA engine making the same... but when it comes down to it, 170hp on a 2850lb car is not much to brag about. The interior is probably pretty nice for an 03, but coming from my mazda3, that was the biggest downgrade. And like others have mentioned, the engineering on the MSP's engine could have been taken up a notch. It's closer to an aftermarket turbo kit on a NA motor, whereas the MS3's engine has at least been reworked a fair amount (probably due to the fact that it's being used in the MS6 and, to some degree, the CX-7)

What do I like about the 3/MS3? Contrary to your (and many others') opinion, I love the 3 hatch. When I was shopping in July of '05, it was the only new car on the market in my price range that I could honestly say made me excited to look at--especially the hatch. I loved the clean, smooth, classy lines. The styling, IMO was simply a class above any other car in the price range. The interior was also quite nice--none of the cheap feeling plastic and econobox design that other cars had. What sold me the most was that it was a completely civilized daily driver that was actually a lot of fun to toss through corners. From 04-06, they also had some pretty nice wheels--too bad they killed that in 07 with those gawd-awful snowflakes. They also could've done a better job on the MS3/6 wheels, given that they were able to outfit the MSP (especially 03.5!) with those beautiful Racing Harts. I'm honestly happy they decided to go with a hatch for the MS3. I think they were able to keep the styling a lot more subtle that way, allowing it to compete to some degree with more upscale vehicles.


The bottom line for me is that the MSP is a great little car (otherwise I probably wouldn't own one), but I'm not going to put it on a pedestal. Sure there are some big boost MSPs running around, but once Cobb and other companies get some solid tuning tools out for the MS3, I'm sure 500hp will become relatively common on that car. I'd say, enjoy the MSP for what it is--it has a lot of respect among the mazda crowd for being the first mazdaspeed to hit north america, and a hot little car that's an absolute blast to drive. It's got enough going for it that there's no reason to try and make it out to be more than it is.

 

[xgeoffx801]

they are sick cars. and the car i wanted before the msp. but after getting the msp and driving in a ms3 theres no way id trade in. they arent that quick either ive beet my buddies numerous times. same goes with the 6

 

[ItsSlow]

Mazdaspeed2oo35, you sound biased as hell..