Some help for those who can't decide between Orange and Titanium

[Grimace]

I was bored, so I did some comparisons between the 2003 and 2003.5 MSP's. I tried to pick angles that were as similar as possible, but with the front/side pics they aren't ideal. Note that on the side pic, the difference between the finishes of the 2003 and the 2003.5's "Hyper Silver" is more apparant. Also note how tall the 2003.5 wing is! Didn't realize there was that big a difference until I put them side by side.
If anyone has better side/front pics, let me know.
I hope this helps anyone who is still having a tough decision between the two like me.

 

[AutoXer]

Hmm, that IS a really tall spoiler. Or at least, it looks that way.
I prefer the 2003 spoiler and rear bumper. They look more aggressive than the 2003.5, IMO.

Thanks for the effort, Grimace.

 

[Limited Edition]

Grimace....
I like the idea that you put the two side by sie for comparsion. The spoiler on 2003 has always been the way i saw the Limited Production Protege's like. And when i first saw the Mazdaspeed Protege pictures i knew i wanted it. Back before, when i didn't know about the Mp3's releasing until i first saw one on the road, i thought that it look pretty good for a stock car. I actually wanted an Mp3, until i found out they were sold out

Lucky me, i waited and waited not even knowing that the Mazdaspeed Protege was coming...until one day.....

Both Spoilers look good IMO, but it''s really down to your own taste. Like i said, the way i looked at Limited Production Protege's i usually think of it with the 3 leg spoiler. Now, that they changed it with this spoiler it's different. But i think i like it too if i saw it in person. Anyway, as for the rear skirt, i would say that the '03.5 is slightly lower than the current MSPs. Again, it's a matter of taste to determine what style you like. Exhuast tip being more oval on '03.5 fills the rear skirt more. Nice touch. (thumb)

Knowing that i now drive a Limited Production Protege, I personally think that Mazda changing the fron end is a good idea. But without the fog lights, i don't think it will set off the car's look at night. With the fogs, i believe they'll help illuminate the road much better too. Stock headlights are just like any other regular halogen headlight system's out there.

Lastly, The new 'gunmetal' like wheels with however give a more aggressive look to the car. Personally i'm not a big fan of dark rims. So it's a matter of personal perference. Silver looks good to me

 

[Newf]

L.E.

If anything I'd say the rear skirt on the 2003.5 is actually not as low as the 2003. Even side on it looks that way to me.

And I agree, the darker rims was something besides the wing/fogs that made me decide to go for the 2003. I like the bling bling! not the....ummm.....dull...dull?

Hey Grimace! Waiting and trying to decide is driving you nuts isn't it! Eithier that or your bored as hell

Nice comparison though.

 

[Grimace]

...Hey Grimace! Waiting and trying to decide is driving you nuts isn't it! Eithier that or your bored as hell

A little from column A, a little from column B.

I may have been hasty by saying the spoiler on the 2003.5 is a lot taller than on the 2003. I think the rear shots were taken at two different angles; the orange car was photographed from a higher angle than the grey car, which looks like the photograher was on the ground. (This may explain why the rear skirt looks lower on the orange car too.) Notice that on the side-on pic, the spoilers on both car are nearly the same height (the 2003.5 being slightly higher perhaps).

By the way, I've read once or twice that the exhaust note on the 2003.5's is supposed to be lower/deeper and louder than on the 2003's. Is this just a rumour or ?? Where did this info come from? Other than needing a bit more side-bolstering, the only other thing I would improve on the 2003 MSP is making the exhaust a bit more pronounced. I hate "fart can" exhausts, but I like a car that has a great exhaust/intake note. That's probably my favourite thing about my current car. A few simple mods made it sound great under load.

dpmmsp - Can you pm me what hours your car is at work, and which corner it is at? My girlfriend would like to see it briefly in person, probably late afternoon weekdays or on the weekend if you are there.