Possible Subaru Convert Here <------

[fostersafb]

Hey guys, new to the forum here. I currently have a 04 Subaru FXT that has treated me well but lately I've been looking at the MS3's. I'm just trying to determine whether I will be happy with a FWD after driving AWD for so long (85 Subaru GL, 90 Legacy Wagon, 02 WRX, 05 WRX, 91 GSX and my current 04 FXT). Any of you here that made a similar switch have any feedback for me? I know the MS3 will be an upgrade for me as far as interior ammenities and overall features so I'm already sold there.

What do you think?

 

[iBoost]

in CA i wouldnt worry about fwd, unless your seeking big hp #, or like to go crazy around the corners.

 

[ChrisK]

I came from AWD, I had 3 Talon TSi AWDs. I also own a RWD (corvette) and another FWD (Boosted Del Sol). None of them bother me.

I enjoy all of them haha.

 

[Kain]

I've owned AWD and RWD vehicles before. Unless you're planning on competitive racing, the MS3 handles and drives fine for wrong wheel drive. I don't mind it at all.

 

[Hank3]

After owning a WRX for six years, I made the change. Never really took advantage of AWD in FL. I only autox'd a few times in those years. So far, I'm glad I made the change

 

[fostersafb]

After owning a WRX for six years, I made the change. Never really took advantage of AWD in FL. I only autox'd a few times in those years. So far, I'm glad I made the change

I think I remeber your screen name. Did you post on NASIOC?

How would you compare the overall driveability of the MS3 compared to your WRX? I got to the point with FXT that the car was just difficult to drive. It was very fast, dont get me wrong, (it made 280whp/320wtq on a mustang dyno and ran 13.1 @ 107 with my sad 2.0 sixty footers). I just got to the point where I only enjoyed driving the car when it was cold outside.

I've also been looking at STI's and EVO's and I think I would eventually run into the same issues.

 

[Hank3]

Yeah, I still post on nasioc under the same name. Sold my car WRX on there, too

Driveability wise it's way different - in a better way for me. I had my WRX modded pretty well. It rode harsh and had rattles. To be expected when you stiffen up everything that you can stiffen. I wanted something less jarring; more comfortable on the road; and quiet. Now the MS3 isn't rattle free and it's still stiff...but a definite night and day differemce with my WRX. The MS3 drives really well and handling is tighter and more responsive than my WRX with tons of suspension mods done to it. I'm still getting use to the clutch engagement. The pedal feel is sooo much better. Tranny is smooth as butter thus far - I'm gonna enjoy the stock rubbery feel for the time being since the Kartboy SS and bushings was precise but notchy.

All that said, I do miss the WRX some days. I just needed change. Both cars are great. Just at this stage in life (me and the wifey are looking to have little Hanks running around in the next year or so) I needed something more civil and practical.

 

[LazerBlueP5]

I have to chime in and be the odd man out. At some times you WILL miss the AWD. Getting this car going off the line without smoking the tires is impossible. Even a relatively normal/brisk start can chirp the tires. It always feels like it's on the verge of breaking traction...which of course is a double-edged sword. It's great because it HAS the power to do it in the first place.

My STi felt more sure footed for obvious reasons, however on the highway my MS3 with just an SRI feels as fast as my Cobb Stage 2 STi felt. Plus you'll never burn your clutch (short of slipping the pedal too long) because all the drivetrain stress gets released when the tires break traction- unlike the STi and other AWD set ups. Anytime I launched the STi it felt like I was breaking something.

Overall it's not as cut and dry as most members here will make you think. This is an enthusiast forum and they are obviously going to be biased towards the MS3. Regardless, judging from your previous rides you'll be quite happy with the power and torque the MS3 offers- notwithstanding tremendous traction problems hampering performance.

If I could 1) Trade my MS3 in and NOT get ***** by neagtive equity and...2) The 08/09 STi wasn't obscenely overpriced I would have traded up already. I miss my STi and Cobb tuning that actually yeilds substancial gains.

 

[ZooZoom]

Trust me......do it!

I got my MS3 after owning a '05 Legacy GT (turbo) AWD 5MT. I spent tons of $$$ on mods for my Subie. Had it well over 400 whp at the end.

Sold it and bought the Speed3 after growing tired of keeping my LGT in top-form.

No regrets...period! I love this car. Technologically, its a decade ahead of any Subaru including all '08 models.

DISI engine
6-spd tranny
front LSD
features on the top-line model not available on Subies


I tracked my LGT well over a dozen times. I've since tracked my Speed3 eight times. I have more fun with the MS3. And I routinely keep up with and often pass STI's and EVO's on the road course tracks.

Best part, the MS3 responds very well with just a few nice mods:

brake pads/braided lines
springs or coilovers
ETS alum. intercooler
Cobb SF intake

the above mods (which I have and then some) turn the "ordinary" MS3 into a track-slicing hatchback that blows the minds of "better" car drivers.

 

[coololddude]

life is great. we have so many choices. either car is sweet. the MS3 is the sweetest cause thats how i roll.

 

[cucamelsmd15]

Yeah, I still post on nasioc under the same name. Sold my car WRX on there, too

Driveability wise it's way different - in a better way for me. I had my WRX modded pretty well. It rode harsh and had rattles. To be expected when you stiffen up everything that you can stiffen. I wanted something less jarring; more comfortable on the road; and quiet. Now the MS3 isn't rattle free and it's still stiff...but a definite night and day differemce with my WRX. The MS3 drives really well and handling is tighter and more responsive than my WRX with tons of suspension mods done to it. I'm still getting use to the clutch engagement. The pedal feel is sooo much better. Tranny is smooth as butter thus far - I'm gonna enjoy the stock rubbery feel for the time being since the Kartboy SS and bushings was precise but notchy.

All that said, I do miss the WRX some days. I just needed change. Both cars are great. Just at this stage in life (me and the wifey are looking to have little Hanks running around in the next year or so) I needed something more civil and practical.

Ill +1 this post since Im soon to be another WRX convert, and Im more or less in the same position as Hank.

<-Also on NASIOC

 

[mr_mazda329]

I miss my STi and Cobb tuning that actually yeilds substancial gains.

Basic bolt-on actually yeild very nice gains on the MS3. I don't wanna hear any whinning about substanial gains. Try modding a Miata and then come back to me. Cat-back 3-4HP, Header 4hp, intake 2-3hp, and youv'e spent about $950 doing so. That is less power than adding a Cobb SRI