msp vs mazda 6 takin a poll

[Hypnotized]

Mazda 6s-15.13
MS protege-14.9

Numbers are from Motortrend

 

[monkeymsp]

I tell ya what, when they come out with a MS6 I am freakin buyin' one. IMHO the 6 is a much sexier lookin' car than the MSP. I only hope my MSP will bring good $$$ when I trade for the MS6

 

[vodapas77]

Doesn't it also come down to the hp/weight ratio?

MSP - 2,843 lbs/170hp = 16.72 lbs/hp
6s - 3,241 lbs (auto-3,309 lbs)/220hp = 14.73 (15.04) lbs/hp
(based on mazdusa.com)

So, based on the numbers, shouldn't the 6s be faster?
But it looks like the MSP is geared higher...

Yes and no. Like you mentioned about gearing. When does the HP peak and when does the torque peak? Just because a car has a great peak HP to weight ratio does not mean it will be a particularly quick car if it has no low end torque (S2000 great car but silly high revs required to get it moving down the track).

Also you must consider those numbers are measured at the flywheel. Which one puts the power to the ground more efficently?

In regards to the actual topic at hand. Good question. I really wouldn't want to say cause I've just played with 6s. Not sure if they were auto or manual.

I'm thinking it would boil down to a drivers race. Just like the Speed vs. the RX-8. They are all good cars that are meant to attract different parts of the market.