Test Drove a MS3

[ugadogs_11]

Last night me and my brother test drove the MS3 and MS6. I really enjoyed the car, but I was so focused on not stalling the car that I really didn't get to look and the interior and all the little gadgets. Overall, I rally like the car. I test drove a RX-8 last week, the MS3 has so much more power, but I did get to look at the RX-8 interior and I liked it. Right now I am trying to deside which one I want to pursue, what would you guys recommed?

 

[knowledge007]

MS3, for many reasons but I will only give you one. Car is MADE in JAPAN!!!

 

[Sierra117]

Its really what you are looking for. Two different cars really. I test drove both, picked the Speed3. The RX8 was nice, but really, I don't track or plan to track enough to really get the most out of the car, and I like torque. That, and I just can't get over the feeling that most people who drive RX8s are just to afraid to take the time to pick up an FD. I'm most likely wrong, but still.

 

[clos561]

Last night me and my brother test drove the MS3 and MS6. I really enjoyed the car, but I was so focused on not stalling the car that I really didn't get to look and the interior and all the little gadgets. Overall, I rally like the car. I test drove a RX-8 last week, the MS3 has so much more power, but I did get to look at the RX-8 interior and I liked it. Right now I am trying to deside which one I want to pursue, what would you guys recommed?

go back when u get a chance and just sit in the car and play with things...youll like it im sure, take ur favorite cd or something too

 

[Bravnik]

I own both. I have a 2007 RX8 and a 2007 MS3.

I traded in my S2000 for the RX8 as I was just honestly sick and tired of the vert. I drive almost 100miles a day and the wind noise was just driving me nuts after 5 years of owning the car. However, I LOVED the way the S2000 handled so I wanted something very simular with a hard top....thus the RX8 was purchased.

I drove the RX8 to work for a week and then started researching another car. The RX8 was adveraging 13-17mpg. This is NORMAL for the RX8 and not just mine. There was no way I was going to drive a car to work that I had to fill-up every other day. At $40 bucks a pop that adds up very very fast.

So I begun my research in another car. While I was looking at the RX8 I noticed the MS3 but really gave it no thought. After the RX8 purchase I started doing research on the MS3. I was amazed at the mag reviews and most of all I had a very hard time finding anything anywhere negative about the car. C&D had it top rated, Consumer reports the same and nowhere could I find any neg reviews from owners. So I went and test drove it......

.....I use to own a Ford Escourt GT many many years ago and to be honest it was one of my favorite cars. The MS3 is a car that will win your heart with the power and performance, but the looks will also grow on you in a very short amount of time. Today I can say without any second thoughts that my MS3 is my favorite. The S2000 was very nice, but the MS3 is just WAY more practical. Besides, there is NOTHING wrong with having a 12s car that can tote home the kids, dogs and groceries

 

[SwampAss]

If you can swing the RX8 and can get by on the limited utility...go for it. The MS3 is more powerful, more fuel efficient, and easier to get in and out of. The RX8 definitely has a more sporting feel. Both are great cars. You're winning either way.

 

[crystalmeth3]

rx8 in six months

The new rx8 will be displayed at the North American Autoshow in Detroit. So there are only a few months left for the current model. The rx8 isnt selling strong right now. When the new model comes out you will definitely be able to get an 08 gt 6spd rx8 for near $25k. Not a bad deal if you can wait till summer. Although im sure the next rx8 will look pretty damn hot and have better performance. Buying the previous gen car when the new ones come out is always tough.
On a side note... cant wait to see the next MS3... 2.5 liter, better interior, better NVH. I hope they keep power output same but with stronger powerband, none of this 3000 to 5500 rpm crap.

 

[Powerslave]

CLEARLY there are several reasons to get an ms3, more power, more room, faster, same mpg, good quality for less money....

 

[Vengure]

The Rx-8 is a nice car overall however its limited in space and lowend power. I find that most people who love going fast don't always drag or race on the tracks. The MS3 is probably one of the best bang for your buck go fast cars thats practical when the day is over.

 

[Sierra117]

The one thing I felt in test driving both was that the MS3 was more fun. Like, the RX8 handled like a dream, and the six speed on it was beautiful, but it felt like to drive it on the edge took a lot, and that if you weren't driving it on the edge, it wasn't all that great. The MS3 felt a bit more forgiving, and if you don't want to hoon about, you can drive it nice a soft and get great miliage and make it work for ya. It felt like with the RX8 you were either at 10/10ths, or the car was turned off.

 

[Je5ter]

The new rx8 will be displayed at the North American Autoshow in Detroit. So there are only a few months left for the current model. The rx8 isnt selling strong right now. When the new model comes out you will definitely be able to get an 08 gt 6spd rx8 for near $25k. Not a bad deal if you can wait till summer. Although im sure the next rx8 will look pretty damn hot and have better performance. Buying the previous gen car when the new ones come out is always tough.
On a side note... cant wait to see the next MS3... 2.5 liter, better interior, better NVH. I hope they keep power output same but with stronger powerband, none of this 3000 to 5500 rpm crap.

When is the MS3 getting a 2.5 L engine????.........

 

[fourthmeal]

IMO, the RX-8 is a car that failed Mazda and its customers. It promised much, but delivered very little. Its a great looking car, it handles well, but it guzzles gas (even though it is naturally aspirated), it tends to have problems that no other engine is plagued with (flooding, thus stranding the owner), and it has NO torque down low.

Right now, I'd say the MS3 is your best bet by a long shot, or wait for what Mazda comes up with soon as a replacement to the RX8.

 

[crystalmeth3]

The next mazda3 will have a disi 2.5l motor. The mazda3 "S" should have 180-190 hp. Likely 2009 model year will have the upgraded C1 platform, if not, then def 2010. Mazdaspeed model is either one year or two years after cause the MX-5 Miata is due for speed treatment next. Its unlikely they will introduce two speeds for same model year. Mazda has done two speeds at same time tho... 2007, for the last year of MS6 and first year of MS3.

 

[Je5ter]

I highly doubt the "new" 3's will have 190 HP, where are you getting this info?? And generally Speed versions come out at the end of the vehicle lifespan. I'm sure Mazda is not even thinking about the next Speed 3 yet.

 

[Akaveli]

I highly doubt the "new" 3's will have 190 HP, where are you getting this info?? And generally Speed versions come out at the end of the vehicle lifespan. I'm sure Mazda is not even thinking about the next Speed 3 yet.

+1
imo the next car to get the MazdaSpeed treatment is the RX-8. Get the MS3 for now!

 

[ZooMIN3]

+1
imo the next car to get the MazdaSpeed treatment is the RX-8. Get the MS3 for now!

Why not the MazdaSpeed5? lol I'd hut it...(lick)

 

[Adammazda06]

+1
imo the next car to get the MazdaSpeed treatment is the RX-8. Get the MS3 for now!

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/22/mazdaspeed-mx-5-coming-mid-2008-kabura-still-in-the-works/

rx8 is getting a new engine very soon. 16x rotary.

 

[crystalmeth3]

just like autoblog says, mx5 is next for speed treatment. Edmunds Insider said next 3 will have a 2.5 w/ disi and a 20-30 hp increase, that equals a 176-186 hp guess.

About 5 years ago it was atleast 4 or 5 years to design a car before it hit production. Nowadays there is a quicker turn around in the auto industry to follow trends better. All started by Toyota and their business practices. Three years or more is how long it takes to get whats on the drawing board at Mazda to the streets. I bet there are MS3 plans right now. Hell they just had a design contest on Facebook for the 2017 Mazda3.

 

[redspeed]

I'm sure Mazda is not even thinking about the next Speed 3 yet.

I bet they are! With strong sales of the current model, they better be thinking of a new version. And remember, auto design,planning and a working prototype takes place years before you see them on the showroom.

 

[Adammazda06]

just like autoblog says, mx5 is next for speed treatment. Edmunds Insider said next 3 will have a 2.5 w/ disi and a 20-30 hp increase, that equals a 176-186 hp guess.

About 5 years ago it was atleast 4 or 5 years to design a car before it hit production. Nowadays there is a quicker turn around in the auto industry to follow trends better. All started by Toyota and their business practices. Three years or more is how long it takes to get whats on the drawing board at Mazda to the streets. I bet there are MS3 plans right now. Hell they just had a design contest on Facebook for the 2017 Mazda3.

car and driver had a small write up on the next mazda6 and they said the 2.5 had 168 and i don't remember reading anything about DISI. said better gas milage though. us spec might be tuned a little more since its supposed to be a little larger. euro 6 gets some fun diesels too.