Should I? S2000 to MS3...
- Thread starter psychophd
- Start date
???
No HP jump for 2010. But based on comparisons between the '09 and '10 regular Mazda 3's the weight will be up on the '10. Extra weight means decreased performance.
On the '10 they are changing the ratios in the tranny. I think it is probably more for marketing, but we'll see. I think they want to be able to keep the car in second gear at WOT until you hit 60, so they can have lower 0-60 times, by avoiding having to shift twice and run through part of third gear to get to 60. Until we get our hands on a '10 MS3 or a reputable test report, I'm gonna say that it will not be faster or quicker and will probably be a bit lower in performance.
If you can get a new '09 for a fire sale price (dealers are hungry, regardless of factory incentives), and if you like the car after driving it, gobble it up.
BTW: On that test drive, be sure to push the button on the left side of the dash labled "DCS" to disable the traction control. Maybe the salesman will not see you, or will not care if he's along for the ride. That will let you really see what the car can do without the power nanny trying to spoil your fun in the lower two gears.
FYI: If not familiar with high torque turbos, make sure you have that mother pointed where you want it to go when you floor the go pedal in first or second. lol.
BTW: If you can find a new 0 mileage '08 there is a $2500 rebate above and beyond whatever deal you can cut with the dealer.
On the '10 they are changing the ratios in the tranny. I think it is probably more for marketing, but we'll see. I think they want to be able to keep the car in second gear at WOT until you hit 60, so they can have lower 0-60 times, by avoiding having to shift twice and run through part of third gear to get to 60. Until we get our hands on a '10 MS3 or a reputable test report, I'm gonna say that it will not be faster or quicker and will probably be a bit lower in performance.
If you can get a new '09 for a fire sale price (dealers are hungry, regardless of factory incentives), and if you like the car after driving it, gobble it up.
BTW: On that test drive, be sure to push the button on the left side of the dash labled "DCS" to disable the traction control. Maybe the salesman will not see you, or will not care if he's along for the ride. That will let you really see what the car can do without the power nanny trying to spoil your fun in the lower two gears.
FYI: If not familiar with high torque turbos, make sure you have that mother pointed where you want it to go when you floor the go pedal in first or second. lol.
BTW: If you can find a new 0 mileage '08 there is a $2500 rebate above and beyond whatever deal you can cut with the dealer.
Didn't get to go today to the dealership. 
I've seen some used ones on sale for around 17-19k online; there's a coupla '08s in colors I would prefer not to have (but for an additional $2500 off....) listed at dealerships too.
MSMS3, thanks for the info; I'll be sure to make sure I'm not headed for a tree when I stomp the go pedal.
I'm hoping to try one out tomorrow.
I've seen some used ones on sale for around 17-19k online; there's a coupla '08s in colors I would prefer not to have (but for an additional $2500 off....) listed at dealerships too.MSMS3, thanks for the info; I'll be sure to make sure I'm not headed for a tree when I stomp the go pedal.
I'm hoping to try one out tomorrow. i own both an s2k and an ms3; there's no denying the speed's power, versatility, and value. however, imo, it's just not as fun to drive as the s. the gearbox, the handling, the "top down" factor. it makes driving the speed feel like driving a grand marquis (and i think the speed handles pretty well).
that being said, if i had to choose between the two, and it's my daily driver, i'd choose the speed...
good luck!
-c
that being said, if i had to choose between the two, and it's my daily driver, i'd choose the speed...
good luck!
-c
So this evening I finally took one for a spin; the wife and I went to the dealership (she wasn't exactly thrilled to spend friday night at a car dealership, but hey, she went). It's a joint Mazda/Ford lot, and as soon as I pulled up, three guys came out to say hello; we were the only customers.
They only had two MS3s on the lot, both GTs, one with nav. As I poked around one and asked some questions the guy couldn't answer, he got another guy, who knew slightly more. Best part was, he let me take it for a drive, about 2 miles.
The exhaust was louder than I expected, but wasn't unpleasant sound (not sure if I would feel the same 2 hrs into a drive). The gearbox wasn't as bad as most reviews would lead me to believe, but I would want to shorten the throw, and yeah, compared to my S, it's not the same - but it's not horrible by far. The first time I did a hard acceleration, I wasn't all that impressed. yes, it's fast, and has more torque than my S (but what doesn't), but it didn't seem to be frenetic. Then I realized I hadn't put my foot to the floor, and tried again. Whoa, much faster, much more torque. I ended up doing that a few times.
The handling was...ok. There was some body roll, which I assume could be addressed with swaybars, but it really wasn't that bad. I mean, I am comparing it to my S, which isn't exactly the same. What I was kind of surprised with was when we drove over some railroad tracks at about 40mph, the amount of float seemed significant to me. I'm assuming coilovers might solve that.
I totally forgot to try out the radio, but all the buttons/knobs on the dash seemed well laid out, and the seats were reasonably comfortable, and the rear seats seemed to have ample space too.
Overall, it seems like a solid car (no creaks or rattles, but it only had 22 miles on it), and could fit my bill, assuming I can find a good deal. Found out there's four at local dealership, and two farther away; unfortunately they're all red or black, and I was hoping for blue, white and silver, but might settle for red if the price is right.
I'll sleep on it, and go from there (probably another test drive), and I'll be sure to keep you all updated. Thanks again for all the input. Looks like there's a number of people who have also owned an S, which helps me understand the switch better.
They only had two MS3s on the lot, both GTs, one with nav. As I poked around one and asked some questions the guy couldn't answer, he got another guy, who knew slightly more. Best part was, he let me take it for a drive, about 2 miles.
The exhaust was louder than I expected, but wasn't unpleasant sound (not sure if I would feel the same 2 hrs into a drive). The gearbox wasn't as bad as most reviews would lead me to believe, but I would want to shorten the throw, and yeah, compared to my S, it's not the same - but it's not horrible by far. The first time I did a hard acceleration, I wasn't all that impressed. yes, it's fast, and has more torque than my S (but what doesn't), but it didn't seem to be frenetic. Then I realized I hadn't put my foot to the floor, and tried again. Whoa, much faster, much more torque. I ended up doing that a few times.
The handling was...ok. There was some body roll, which I assume could be addressed with swaybars, but it really wasn't that bad. I mean, I am comparing it to my S, which isn't exactly the same. What I was kind of surprised with was when we drove over some railroad tracks at about 40mph, the amount of float seemed significant to me. I'm assuming coilovers might solve that.
I totally forgot to try out the radio, but all the buttons/knobs on the dash seemed well laid out, and the seats were reasonably comfortable, and the rear seats seemed to have ample space too.
Overall, it seems like a solid car (no creaks or rattles, but it only had 22 miles on it), and could fit my bill, assuming I can find a good deal.
Found out there's four at local dealership, and two farther away; unfortunately they're all red or black, and I was hoping for blue, white and silver, but might settle for red if the price is right.I'll sleep on it, and go from there (probably another test drive), and I'll be sure to keep you all updated. Thanks again for all the input. Looks like there's a number of people who have also owned an S, which helps me understand the switch better.
- :
- 2010 Mazda5 GT
Glad you got to test drive one. The exhaust does drone more than the usual sporty car. Surprisingly, it doesn't annoy me on long trips, but for some it does. Also, another small quirk (don't know how anal you are), but this car runs pig rich and the tailpipe is subject to lots of soot. So basically, if you wash your car and go for a spin around the block, you'll see the soot immediately. I clean mine every day or every couple days. Some people let it ride and let it act as if it's meant to look dirty and mean
So this evening I finally took one for a spin; the wife and I went to the dealership (she wasn't exactly thrilled to spend friday night at a car dealership, but hey, she went). It's a joint Mazda/Ford lot, and as soon as I pulled up, three guys came out to say hello; we were the only customers.
They only had two MS3s on the lot, both GTs, one with nav. As I poked around one and asked some questions the guy couldn't answer, he got another guy, who knew slightly more. Best part was, he let me take it for a drive, about 2 miles.
The exhaust was louder than I expected, but wasn't unpleasant sound (not sure if I would feel the same 2 hrs into a drive). The gearbox wasn't as bad as most reviews would lead me to believe, but I would want to shorten the throw, and yeah, compared to my S, it's not the same - but it's not horrible by far. The first time I did a hard acceleration, I wasn't all that impressed. yes, it's fast, and has more torque than my S (but what doesn't), but it didn't seem to be frenetic. Then I realized I hadn't put my foot to the floor, and tried again. Whoa, much faster, much more torque. I ended up doing that a few times.
The handling was...ok. There was some body roll, which I assume could be addressed with swaybars, but it really wasn't that bad. I mean, I am comparing it to my S, which isn't exactly the same. What I was kind of surprised with was when we drove over some railroad tracks at about 40mph, the amount of float seemed significant to me. I'm assuming coilovers might solve that.
I totally forgot to try out the radio, but all the buttons/knobs on the dash seemed well laid out, and the seats were reasonably comfortable, and the rear seats seemed to have ample space too.
Overall, it seems like a solid car (no creaks or rattles, but it only had 22 miles on it), and could fit my bill, assuming I can find a good deal.
I'll sleep on it, and go from there (probably another test drive), and I'll be sure to keep you all updated. Thanks again for all the input. Looks like there's a number of people who have also owned an S, which helps me understand the switch better.
Great writeup. IMO the ARBs are pretty agressive for stock. The body roll can be addressed with some mildly aggressive dampening and slightly stiffer shocks (first on my short list of upgrades). In fact, just upgrading your shocks with Koni FSDs ($600) will make your car comparible to the S in road manners. The 6 Disc Bose is adequate for most, but nothing revolutionary.
I think you're aware that Blue and Silver were only available on 07-08 models. IMO, the 08.5 refresh is worth the little upgrades with the Piano Black interior, Alecantra trim, and MP3 CD capability. If you need help sourcing a white GT, I would suggest either HB Mazda (talk to Joe B or Joe R) or Tuttle Click Mazda.
Oh, and it's definitely worth the wait to get the color you want. Good luck in your decision.
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I'm at 31,000 miles with no rattles at all, can't say the same about my Hondas I've had
really? must be the cold weather driving up here, cause from day one, my speed has more rattles than my '94 Z32. the sounds from the intake and bpv make up for it though
blacksheepms3
Member
- :
- Mazdaspeed 3
retain ur s2k....you e paid it or almost done with it anyway, right? i have an ms3 and wants a stook.
thought about it - my wife is open to it, but I think having the extra $ will be worthwhile as we're looking to purchase a new home. $20k isn't a huge amount, but it's not chump change either. Sometime down the road I'll be sure to get something fun - Exige, something like that.
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- 2002 BJFW, 2007 BK3P, 1979 SA22C, 2005 BK3P
bingo. i love mazda, but i have to say this sounds the best. pick up a reliable used family sedan and keep the s2000 for fun. the rarity and value should jump now that they are being discontiued.
The s2000 is an awesome car. You will be disappointed in the handing of the speed3 coming from the s. I would keep the s if I were you. they run similar times and the s handles way better. not to mention the aesthetic appeal of the 2 seater sports car over a station wagon
or a hatchback even
righto! I like the speed3 alot but the s2k is pretty sweet
I've thought about keeping S2k and picking up a hatch in addition, but:
1. I'd 'spend' about ~$4k if I sold my S and bought an MS3; I've thought instead about keeping the S and buying a '05-06 CRV, for around 18k. So cost differential is 14kish. Again, might now seem like much when looking at housing (esp in SoCal, unfortunately), but the more I save...
2. If I have both the S and the CRV, I won't be able to take the S out as much as I'd like - mostly in the CRV with the kid and wife. Before I sold my daily driver (civic hatch), we would take it on trips, and I'd often think "I wish I could be driving my S". Same would apply now; we're thinking about heading out to Yosemite, but it wouldn't be in the S (no space for camping gear, let alone my climbing gear. Oh, and room for food would be nice to have too). So.... maybe the MS3 is just more (shudder) practical and (shudder) good enough - no offence meant. I could easily fit all our stuff in there, and I'd be fun to drive in the twisties.
btw, anyone out babyseats/carseats in here, and how well does that work? I haven't searched the forums yet, but thought I'd ask.
As you all can see, right now the practicality of the MS3 most likely will win out over the pure rawness of the S - for now. Ask me in a few years....
1. I'd 'spend' about ~$4k if I sold my S and bought an MS3; I've thought instead about keeping the S and buying a '05-06 CRV, for around 18k. So cost differential is 14kish. Again, might now seem like much when looking at housing (esp in SoCal, unfortunately), but the more I save...
2. If I have both the S and the CRV, I won't be able to take the S out as much as I'd like - mostly in the CRV with the kid and wife. Before I sold my daily driver (civic hatch), we would take it on trips, and I'd often think "I wish I could be driving my S". Same would apply now; we're thinking about heading out to Yosemite, but it wouldn't be in the S (no space for camping gear, let alone my climbing gear. Oh, and room for food would be nice to have too). So.... maybe the MS3 is just more (shudder) practical and (shudder) good enough - no offence meant. I could easily fit all our stuff in there, and I'd be fun to drive in the twisties.
btw, anyone out babyseats/carseats in here, and how well does that work? I haven't searched the forums yet, but thought I'd ask.
As you all can see, right now the practicality of the MS3 most likely will win out over the pure rawness of the S - for now. Ask me in a few years....
