MSP vs. gti 1.8t
- Thread starter Toasty
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rocketspeed
Member
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- 03.5 Mazdaspeed Protege, Titanium Gray
I'm not so sure a GTI handles better than an SRT-4, even with the 17 inch wheel option. It still is heavier, runs softer springs and Michelin all-season tires that don't really have the guts for hard driving.
The SRT may be a Neon, but the stiffer suspension, lower weight and much better tires probably give it an edge.
The interior of the GTI is really nice and clean looking.
I'm not sure how my MSP is listed for insurance, but it costs me the same as my Focus SVT 2 door. Now the Focus may also be listed as "just" a focus as well.
The SRT may be a Neon, but the stiffer suspension, lower weight and much better tires probably give it an edge.
The interior of the GTI is really nice and clean looking.
I'm not sure how my MSP is listed for insurance, but it costs me the same as my Focus SVT 2 door. Now the Focus may also be listed as "just" a focus as well.
rocketspeed
Member
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- 03.5 Mazdaspeed Protege, Titanium Gray
Another car to definately consider is the SE-R Spec V. Its as quick as either the MSP or 1.8t in stock form (yes, its harder to make more power without FI) and handles better than the GTI and almost as well as the MSP. Its not quite as forgiving in the handling department as the MSP, but it can be had for just north of $14k for a new base '04 after rebate and dealer discounts. Its a little faster around town than the MSP due to a wider torque band and no waiting for boost. Also comes with the LSD and you get the 6 speed, although the shifter isn't great but short shifters seem to help.
Im in the same boat as you and let me tell you the insurance on the VWs is much less than the Protege. Got a qoute on a 2003 Protege 5 with USAA for a 17yr old, and it was 3600 a year. Wtf is up with that? After that I didnt even bother checking on the MSP. A 2004.5 Jetta GLi (1.8t, new suspension, 6speed, recaro seats, 18bbs rims, lip kit...sex) and it was 1600 a year. I love Mazdas but I can take that extra 2000 dollars saved from insurance and throw it on the VW. If I were you I would go on autotrader and look for a 2002 337 GTi or a 2003 20th Anniversary GTI, both cars are pretty much a Jetta GLi in GTi form. Very sick cars. The 337 weighs in at 2800lbs. Thats by no means light but its a lot lighter than a stock GTi. Either way you cant really go wrong between the MSP and the 20th/337 GTi. Both are limited production cars, they go, turn and stop very well. The MSP would eat the GTi alive in the twisties but then again the MSP will eat damn near anything short of a Ferrari. I would call your insurance co first and find out what it would cost you to insure the msp, but I bet you the GTi will be cheaper to insure.
(lightly moded, but hey...)(hitit2)
(lightly moded, but hey...)(hitit2)
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I was in the exact same spot. I was either gonna go 337 GTI or 20th An, or get an MSP. But after getting on some V-Dub forums and reading up on all the quirky mechanical problems, bad elctronic grmlins, etc, it really scared me. I will have you know that my MSP hasnt exactly been ummm, how should we say *cough cough* "reliable". But i do belive that my case was an isolated incodent, and was the cause of the previous owner, rather than the car.
I would also check on that insurance quote... My MSP is insured as a regular protege and the insurance is lower than it would be on the GTI...
Heres what it came down to... I took a ride in a modded GTi, and it pulled like a mother you-know-what... But rounding a turn we allmost died because the driver wanted to show me how "good" handling of a car it was... yea, not so much.
I then took a ride in another friend 03.5 Blue MSP... It wasnt the fastest car, (he had an injen CAI at the time and was running 9psi on a mbc) and the car still pulled impressivly enough, plus the sound was great. I loved the interior, the wheels, and the shape of the car. The biggest thing that sold me on the car... We came up to the same corner the GTi had allmost spun out at and took it going 20+mph faster without the tires squeeling. I was shaking... but blown away.
Yea, the GTi will walk a stock msp in a straight line... but he will die when he tries to make the corner faster than you!
I got the msp, and even due to my unfortuante luck, have not regretted the decision. We know what a MSP's engines limits are, and you can make sure you dont harm yours while still making it pretty friggin quick... I think you will find it is much easier to build a fast engine, than it is to make a perfectly balanced chassis.
GET THE MSP. PERIOD.
I would also check on that insurance quote... My MSP is insured as a regular protege and the insurance is lower than it would be on the GTI...
Heres what it came down to... I took a ride in a modded GTi, and it pulled like a mother you-know-what... But rounding a turn we allmost died because the driver wanted to show me how "good" handling of a car it was... yea, not so much.
I then took a ride in another friend 03.5 Blue MSP... It wasnt the fastest car, (he had an injen CAI at the time and was running 9psi on a mbc) and the car still pulled impressivly enough, plus the sound was great. I loved the interior, the wheels, and the shape of the car. The biggest thing that sold me on the car... We came up to the same corner the GTi had allmost spun out at and took it going 20+mph faster without the tires squeeling. I was shaking... but blown away.
Yea, the GTi will walk a stock msp in a straight line... but he will die when he tries to make the corner faster than you!
I got the msp, and even due to my unfortuante luck, have not regretted the decision. We know what a MSP's engines limits are, and you can make sure you dont harm yours while still making it pretty friggin quick... I think you will find it is much easier to build a fast engine, than it is to make a perfectly balanced chassis.
GET THE MSP. PERIOD.
GrapeofWrath
Member
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- 03 MSP Black Mica
Had an 03 GTI 1.8T for a little over a year and traded it for my 03 MSP Feb 04 (it was new).
I miss the GTI's motor and seats. It's well engineered and a very refined car in it's category (nice fit and finish, solid feel, quality interior materials). I've never driven a four cylinder that I liked better (talkin about the motor here) -- butter smooth and good torque. The GTI is a great open road cruiser (highway), but like the guys here have mentioned it doesn't handle like a MSP. It's competent for most purposes but will introduce you to the concept of understeer in dramatic fashion the first time you're too fast into your favorite turn. Overall I really like the car and had I not had so many problems (transmission and electrical) with it I'd likely still have it. If you do go this route and are serious about performace handling, look up Shine Racing and consider a quaife differential. Power is easy with these cars and there are probably better options than neuspeed (do a search on VWVortex for different flash options).
From my experience, I'd say you'll be happy either way. Both good cars. If you want a well sorted handler, though, (for the money) the MSP is your car.
Good luck to you.
I miss the GTI's motor and seats. It's well engineered and a very refined car in it's category (nice fit and finish, solid feel, quality interior materials). I've never driven a four cylinder that I liked better (talkin about the motor here) -- butter smooth and good torque. The GTI is a great open road cruiser (highway), but like the guys here have mentioned it doesn't handle like a MSP. It's competent for most purposes but will introduce you to the concept of understeer in dramatic fashion the first time you're too fast into your favorite turn. Overall I really like the car and had I not had so many problems (transmission and electrical) with it I'd likely still have it. If you do go this route and are serious about performace handling, look up Shine Racing and consider a quaife differential. Power is easy with these cars and there are probably better options than neuspeed (do a search on VWVortex for different flash options).
From my experience, I'd say you'll be happy either way. Both good cars. If you want a well sorted handler, though, (for the money) the MSP is your car.
Good luck to you.
rocketspeed
Member
- :
- 03.5 Mazdaspeed Protege, Titanium Gray
I also traded a GTI for my MSP, an '03 VR6. I also miss the interior and the engine. I don't miss the handling at all. It could get scary in high speed sweepers with all that understeer.
Hmmm well anyway... I called my insurance company and got a quote on the msp for kicks and giggles.... And.... its ... lower than the GTi and almost as low as the GLi. But I still for the life of me cannot figure out why the insurance on the p5 was so damn high? Turbo limited ed. cars are cheaper to insure than a 4 door hatch? Oh well... Im not complaining. But my life just got that much harder... Black 20th AE GTi or Silver MSP.... Speed and refinement or near perfect balance... recaro interior with 6speed... best fwd evAr....
(chair) Why is this so hard.
(chair) Why is this so hard.
