New to MS3

[VdUb2.sLoW]

Hey I am new to the whole Mazda group and I must say its good to see such a big community. I am coming from VW, I own a MkIII Jetta 2.0 and recently decided to look into a new car. I was going to get a MKIV or MKV Gti but looking into them they don't seem to be as amazing as some of the competition. The Gti has roughly 200hp from a 1.8t engine and the MS3 has 266 from its 2.3t engine and they MSRP at around the same price? I've been to a dealer and talked with a assumably knowledgeable young salesman who said the MS3 compares more to the STI and Evo and would basically blow the gti away. Now along with these ive been looking at RX8's but I am a little turned off about them because of the pain of dealing with the rotary engine (which can be good and bad?) and also the fact that its RWD which isnt the greatest in upstate NY where it snows in may. Give me some thoughts on what I've said. Thanks

 

[micronesia]

It sounds like you should do a fair bit of research before you make any decisions, but we can probably help you with that a bit. I was sort of in your shoes a year ago although I'm further South on Long Island.

Many people recommended the GTI to me and some claimed it was better than the other cars I was looking into (such as the MS3). I don't care for luxury at all so I really don't understand the fuss. In my opinion the MS3 blows the GTI out of the water (you are right about the 200hp but the MS3 is still 263 hp rather than 266 afaik).

If you are comparing the MS3 to the STI or Evo, then basically the MS3 is more comfortable, versatile, and low profile. The STI and the Evo both beat the MS3 in raw performance, but the MS3 is still a beast, and extremely competitive as a front wheel drive performance vehicle (if you don't want to put up with the problems with a performance-superior cobalt ss; btw that FF is probably very useful for you upstate in case you were considering FR at all).

RX8 gives bad gas mileage so I didn't really look into it although I recall hearing that the silly suicide doors in the back actually allow it to count as a four door and bring insurance down slightly (this is not a problem for the 5 door MS3 obviously).

One suggestion for dealing with snow is to change the wheels and/or tires for the colder weather. My solution was a complete new set of wheels with weather-appropriate tires for the winter, and to swap the wheels to the stockers for the summer. I didn't like the idea of screwing around with swapping tires on/off of the stock wheels. This is an expensive solution obviously, but I've heard many times that driving on the stock tires in the snow sucks horribly. I went with all-season tires since I didn't need snow tires, but where you live might justify them?

 

[SHaW]

Basically as the above post described. The MS3 is worth the money for what you receive. Just test drive and you be the judge. Its up to you.

 

[karl hungus]

good write up, micronesia. no offense, but the gti and rx-8 are chick cars.

 

[Circle9]

Micro said it all.

 

[Shiroi_ms3]

Yeah I live in Wisconsin we get a lot of snow out here too, I just had to buy a set of steelies with winter tires because on the stocks I couldn't go anywhere it was that bad.

But aside from that I was also looking around when I was shopping for a car, I also looked at the VW and the regular WRX's and at the end the Mazda was just an over all an amazing deal.

 

[BillTheCat]

But aside from that I was also looking around when I was shopping for a car, I also looked at the VW and the regular WRX's and at the end the Mazda was just an over all an amazing deal.

No snow here in FL, but I also looked at the GTI and briefly considered the WRX and Evo. WRX and Evo were just too expensive. Good performance, but I couldn't see spending over $30k, personally. GTI is a decent little car, but it just didn't suit me. I don't know if there's another car out there under $25k that offers the MS3's combination of comfort, performance, and versatility. And that's what it came down to for me.

 

[micronesia]

How is the new WRX doing (not sti)? Last I checked they beefed it up but I haven't heard if it's comparable to the MS3.

 

[619MS3]

How is the new WRX doing (not sti)? Last I checked they beefed it up but I haven't heard if it's comparable to the MS3.

The new wrx have 265 hp 244 ft/lbs torque. It can actually get to 60 as fast or faster than a sti because its a 5 speed so no need to shift to 3rd. From a roll against a ms3, i dunno but my money would be on a ms3 because less drivetrain loss.

 

[micronesia]

The new wrx have 265 hp 244 ft/lbs torque. It can actually get to 60 as fast or faster than a sti because its a 5 speed so no need to shift to 3rd. From a roll against a ms3, i dunno but my money would be on a ms3 because less drivetrain loss.

Ah. Is it a nice car?

 

[Kama'aina]

The '09's are noticeably better than the '08 WRX's which sucks for those who purchased '08's. I believe '09's have similar 1/4 times compared to the MS3. But it's due to the AWD jump off the line. After 2rd gear, the MS3 pulls on it. From a roll the Mazda wins due to not having to lug around AWD. Also, I believe the MS3's power is very spiky, which feels faster than the WRX's more gradual power curve.

 

[Kama'aina]

I also agree that the MKV GTI is not worth the $$$. My vote - since you lve where it snows - would be WRX. And I own a MS3. I just think it would be safer.

 

[VdUb2.sLoW]

well thanks for all the responses overnight, wouldnt get that on vwvortex. So I've come to some more debates since writing this initially. The salesman was saying that there should be a new MS3 coming out within the next 6 or so months that could possibly be AWD or have 300+ hp theyre not sure yet what to do? But if I was for this to happen there could be some big increases in pricing or the loss of some of the depression deals. Also, I am not so interested in the evo or sti as I am with the Gti and MS3 mainly because of pricing. Another thought that was recently brought to my mind was the Volvo C30. I would have never really considered a volvo before because they seem more middle age not so popular cars but the C30 can look pretty good and has decent power. Any thoughts on this?

 

[SHaW]

Lol, the salesman told you it might have AWD or 300+ HP....I don't think so..the 2010 MS3 is the same engine with an upgraded suspension to reduce torque steer (supposedly) and has the same engine with 2.3L engine +turbo.

 

[micronesia]

...and a hood scoop. And round fog lights. Not much of a difference. And Eww Volvo...

 

[Circle9]

I've heard that the new 'Rexes are having problems with knocking and blown motors motors. Think NASIOC has a thread on people who have the problem, but I'm too lazy to find it.

I think the MS3 could take a WRX from a roll no problem, has about the same horsepower, but quite a bit more torque, loses less power to the drivetrain, and weighs a couple hundred pounds less. Don't forget our 6spd either! Super Street only got 245 whp / 262 lb-ft out of a new STI, I've seen MS3's put down those numbers stock before.