New looking for a lil advice

[TSi90]

Hey all, Im new here.. Im in the market for a new car.. I currently own a DSM, 1990 TSi Talon.

I've narrowed myself down to about 5 cars;

1. Dodge SRT-4
2. Mazdaspeed Protege
3. Jetta 1.8L T
4. SVT Focus
5. SE-R Spec-V

I've just got a couple questions... overall durability of the Protege.. how its holding up... the aftermarket following. Im kinda a big guy, Im wondering what kind of room the car has. (which is important to me... I like daily drivers, but in the off time I like to mod cars and I have alot of fun doing it, which was the main reason I got my DSM ).

I was just wondering what opinions you guys/gals might have on these other 4 cars... good or bad.. doesnt matter, Id like to hear it all.

I would also like some honest, down-to-earth opinions on the Mazda Protege...

Thanks in advance!
-Jon

 

[Eric-BlackMSP]

Get the SRT 4 for speed, MSP for handling, the rest are all the same imo.

The srt 4 seats are not comfortable for big guys, I'm 225lb and I found bareable, it was very snug lumbar supports. Over all leg room and stuff is ok, but I am short (5'8).

The best modded is the SRT 4 with the Mopar stage kits, that is unbeatable.

Best looking is the MSP imo.

Good luck,

Eric

 

[TSi90]

Thanks, Yeah Im about 220, but Im 6'2"... much legroom in there at all? (1g DSM's have tons of room, although they dont look it)

 

[Flat Black]

Yeah, the only 2 you should be looking at is the SRT4 or the Mazdaspeed. If you don't mind rental car looks with a fast ass motor go for the SRT4. If you want the balanced, complete package get the Speed. The only problem I have with the SRT4 is the Cavalier/Sunfire/Saturn guys who have started driving most of them. But then again, we get all the ricers on the MSP side.

 

[jaymode]

the msp can also be had for a lot cheaper now too, some are going for 16k. The srt4 is fast in a straight line but is pretty good at cornering but definitely not as good as the msp. The srt also has some vagueness in the shifter and steering.

 

[BlkZoomZoom]

The big debate......it's sad to saay but if they started selling srt-4's sooner in NY I would be owning one right now........actually Im test driving one tommorow......I now its sad to say but the stage2 kit from mopar is sssooo tempting, easy 13's all day still under warrenty....the only thing that'd suck would be I wouldnt get paid to fix my own car if it broke

 

[joka1]

se-r.. nice and pretty fast, focus......... hate it.......... , srt-4.. easily upgradeable to 400+ wheel horsepower......... just go drive them all....... i drive the se-r once a week and i like it.. drove the focus once and never will again(hated it) i have never driven the mazdaspeed but i love my protege and soon it will be faster than the mazdaspeed!! enjoy

 

[Spooled]

I have driven my friend's Spec V a bunch and it's pretty torquey, but has a really notchy shifter. I will have to agree about the MazdaSpeed and the SRT-4 being the only two to look at. The SRT-4 is a pretty mean little machine, but lacks the handling and mafia-like good looks of a black Speed. Also, if you really like modding in your spare time, the Speed might be a better long-term project car since it will need more work to keep up with an SRT-4. But if you want something that will spank WRX's with a little tuning, the SRT is what you want.

Just a side note: I was in the same position when I was looking at cars. You will be happy either way, so don't stress too much.

 

[jaymode]

The big debate......it's sad to saay but if they started selling srt-4's sooner in NY I would be owning one right now........actually Im test driving one tommorow......I now its sad to say but the stage2 kit from mopar is sssooo tempting, easy 13's all day still under warrenty....the only thing that'd suck would be I wouldnt get paid to fix my own car if it broke

powertrain warranty will be voided with the stage upgrades rest of warranty should be kept intact.

 

[joka1]

srt-4 can run 13's stock with a boost controller and slicks....... saw it at the track last month

 

[mazdaowner123]

I've never driven anything except the MSP, so I'll tell you what I've experienced with that, and what I think about the SRT-4.

First, I'll start with the SRT-4:
1/4 mile monster. If you wanna drag/street race, I'd go with this. Good aftermarket support from Mopar with their stage kits, however I do not think they are warrantied. I'm pretty sure it will void the warranty, even though it's from the factory. The SRT-4 seems like a pretty good car for dragging, and an average FWD handler. If all I wanted was a 1320 car, I would have gotten it. As for problems, I've heard people on here claiming it has a ton, but I don't have any credible sources for this. I'd check the srt-4 forums and post this same post and see what they say.

MSP:
Autocross assassin. My car can handle so well. I feel totally confident through the turns, and everytime I get out of the car I smile. It's not too slow for 1/4 mile, but it won't touch an srt-4. Handling is way more important to me, though. It's so much more rewarding to blast through a turn than to floor the accellerator, not too say the latter isn't fun . I've just hit the 1000 mile mark, and today especially I was just thinking about how I really feel connected with my car. It's like we're 1 unit. I didn't feel this in my old car (1st gen rx-7.) On the bad side, there are things you'll have to put up with with the MSP. There is a clunk from the rear suspension that pretty much everyone gets after a little, and mazda hasn't fixed it, although people are saying a fix will be out soon. There was hesitation, but there is an ECU flash to fix that. The only problem is it isn't the best way to fix it, so if you wanna mod, fuel management would be a good choice. That's all I can think about to write at this time. I would go MSP, but I'm obviously biased. I like having a unique car, with a unique driving experience. Good luck on your choice. Drive everything you can multiple times to make sure you get what you want. Good luck!


~brian

 

[orangezoom]

I've never driven anything except the MSP, so I'll tell you what I've experienced with that, and what I think about the SRT-4.

First, I'll start with the SRT-4:
1/4 mile monster. If you wanna drag/street race, I'd go with this. Good aftermarket support from Mopar with their stage kits, however I do not think they are warrantied. I'm pretty sure it will void the warranty, even though it's from the factory. The SRT-4 seems like a pretty good car for dragging, and an average FWD handler. If all I wanted was a 1320 car, I would have gotten it. As for problems, I've heard people on here claiming it has a ton, but I don't have any credible sources for this. I'd check the srt-4 forums and post this same post and see what they say.

MSP:
Autocross assassin. My car can handle so well. I feel totally confident through the turns, and everytime I get out of the car I smile. It's not too slow for 1/4 mile, but it won't touch an srt-4. Handling is way more important to me, though. It's so much more rewarding to blast through a turn than to floor the accellerator, not too say the latter isn't fun . I've just hit the 1000 mile mark, and today especially I was just thinking about how I really feel connected with my car. It's like we're 1 unit. I didn't feel this in my old car (1st gen rx-7.) On the bad side, there are things you'll have to put up with with the MSP. There is a clunk from the rear suspension that pretty much everyone gets after a little, and mazda hasn't fixed it, although people are saying a fix will be out soon. There was hesitation, but there is an ECU flash to fix that. The only problem is it isn't the best way to fix it, so if you wanna mod, fuel management would be a good choice. That's all I can think about to write at this time. I would go MSP, but I'm obviously biased. I like having a unique car, with a unique driving experience. Good luck on your choice. Drive everything you can multiple times to make sure you get what you want. Good luck!


~brian

Very nice response I commend you

 

[Geo212]

The others are not worth looking at as mentioned earlier. The SRT-4 is for the 1/4mile fanatic while the MSP is for the person looking at more balnce in there vehicle. The SRT-4 does not have power rear windows and something else I cannot remember that is missing. The MSP does not have cruise control so remember that. The MSP is alot cheaper and feels alot more expensive, take a peek at the interior and the way the car drives and feels and you just have to be impressed especially since you can get one off the lot for about $16-17,000. The SRT-4 has been said to have major problems but that should all be fixed by now. Also, the legroom and height in the Protege surprised me so much ( I am 6'4) since it looks so small on the outside. Also, you do get a cool stereo that sounds better than any other stereo stock except maybe a Lexus with the MarkLevinson. Oh yeah, you are right, I had a '99 GS-T Eclipse Conv. and the legroom up front is so astounding ( and the 210hp).

 

[jred321]

if you're used to the power of your dsm, go with the srt. i know i miss power. my dsm threw me into my seat when the turbo spooled, the msp stock won't. if you want a great overall car though, msp is the way to go

 

[AZDriftR]

i'd say sell your family to the circus and buy one of the new Lotus Elise's that have just been shipped over (40K), or u could just get MSP they're cool too!....lol

 

[CarlM2]

I test drove the Golf GTI anniversary edition, normal GTI, and have driven the Jetta 1.8T, 2.0L and others extensively. They did nothing for me from a driving experience but, you might like them.

Judging from the type of car you want, the MSP offers some fun tweaking opportunities but, nothing compared to a DSM. You can't tune it with an AFC.

I disagree that the SRT-4 is the next best thing. It just depends on what you like. Personally, that car was a non-option for me because of looks. As was the Subaru's... just too ugly for me.

Also, I would consider the SVT Focus. It's a nice car and has won praise in many auto mags. Road and Track rated it #1 in one of its sport compact comparison tests when they tested it at Laguna Seca last year. Plus, there's a lot of mods available for that car.

If you're familiar with Mitsu's and want to stay in that loop, the Evo is an easy choice.... but, a bit pricey.

I don't know if price is an issue or some other factors but, based on what I've read and if I were you, my list would read like this based on your criteria:

1. Mazdaspeed Protege
2. SVT Focus
3. Jetta 1.8L T
4. Dodge SRT-4
5. SE-R Spec-V

These all have their problems and limitations. If you can get an MSP under 18,k, I think you'd find it tough to beat it for the price.

 

[II-Savy]

This a simple question.

The SRT is VERY fast, crappy inside. Not a complete car.

The MSP has a NICE motor, sweet inside, closer to a complete car.

Spec is nice only ok inside, small back seat. No personality.

SVT - No too much cool at all.

 

[Ehawley]

MSP vs. Spec V

I owned an 2003 SE-R Spec V before a tree fell on it and totalled it, then I bought my MSP. Here is what I have to say about the comparison...

Spec V felt like you were going faster 0-60 (even though you weren't). No turbo lag meant I could bounce me friends heads off the seats in the first three gears.

Spec V had cruise control, I drive a lot and sometimes it's nice to have the option.

Spec V had way better seats, they hugged you. MSP corners like a fiend, but first 2 weeks I had it I spent most of my time pressed up against the driver's side window (Keep in mind I was still having a blast)

Spec V hadfewer problems. MSP had reflash and cracked windshield (both fixable) and the mysterious 'knock' (still no fix).

MSP is much more fun to drive. As stated above, it corners like a fiend and I am to the point where I can feel the car enough that I end up sliding around most corners just because I can.

MSP is better looking and has better standard features. Nicer rims, racing pedals, racing shifter, and a sweeter profile. The front end on the Spec V looked way to much like a sedan, big and square (the 04 Spec V has some texture to the hood though).

MSP is more modable due to Turbo.

MSP is more rare, even though there were 2 2000 car runs (I think) it still draws more looks than my Spec V ever did.

I drove both cars for 12,000 miles and I don't regret choosing the MSP over another Spec V. I think the MSP is the superior car, especially considering the price breaks they are giving now.

 

[Black Majik MSP]

Like some people have said, you should only be considering the MSP & the SRT-4. If you want to go fast in a straight line, get the SRT-4. A lot of the people on here don't know much about the 04s & therefore still think they suck ass. If it wasn't for the fact that they cost more & don't look as good (in my opinion), I would get an 04 SRT-4. They now have power rear windows, sunroof, LSD, new colors, better tires, & Mopar Stage I (factory). It's an awesome car & some people are running high 13s stock. If that doesn't interest you, then do what I did & get an MSP (best looking car of the bunch).

 

[joka1]

just drive them all...... beat the s*** out of them on the test drive to see what they got and then choose!!!!! thats what i did!!! but the mazdaspeed wasn't out yet so i just have an es