WRX or MSP

[yashooa]

I'd go with WRX. If you avoid the earlier years you end up getting a more stout transmission (than previous wrxs), more syncros, and if you get a late enough model, more displacement off the bat.

The impreza has more aftermarket parts, more companies that specialize in tuning them, and the same suspension configuration. You get AWD (which can be a bonus depending on where you live, it's not in your profile) and a rear LSD.

The bottom line is that both cars ARE brittle. How many 2.0s have blown on this forum? How many lsds have gone out the window? And on top of that, how many WRX owners do you know who have shot their transmissions? You cannot put reliability into the equation here as your key point.

So lets try to list the points and counterpoints.

MSP:
Lighter Chassis
Stock suspension parts are better
Better brakes from the factory
Better stereo (meh, some people enjoy their tunes)

WRX:
Larger Turbo from the factory
More available and mature aftermarket
AWD (could be a bonus, depends on how you look at it)
More HP gains for the $$

Good post and if this were between an STI and an MSP then I like the STI but if it is just a plain Jane WRX then MSP all the way.

The main issue I have had after 103,000 miles on my 12-15PSI daily MSP has been the broken LSD at 103k miles.
But now that has been fixed permanently.

 

[gar777]

This is an interesting thread. I am looking to move up from my Protege ES with MSP suspension. I am considering a 03 MSP for $14K or an 03 WRX for $13K (asking prices, both would probably come down some, but not sure how much). Both have around 40K miles and seem to be unmolested and in good shape. The MSP definitely handles better (like my ES but with more power) but with the $1k savings I could mod the WRX suspension to be closer to the MSP and then I'd enjoy the extra power, AWD and better seats (IMO) on the WRX so I am leaning toward the WRX. Also, it's a wagon which would come in handy and be quite a sleeper, but maybe not my favorite looks. I am concerned about the loss of the MSPs great steering and handling prowess but I am frustrated by the limitations of FWD (especially for autox and track events)

Any opinions?

 

[kipper88]

This is an interesting thread. I am looking to move up from my Protege ES with MSP suspension. I am considering a 03 MSP for $14K or an 03 WRX for $13K (asking prices, both would probably come down some, but not sure how much). Both have around 40K miles and seem to be unmolested and in good shape. The MSP definitely handles better (like my ES but with more power) but with the $1k savings I could mod the WRX suspension to be closer to the MSP and then I'd enjoy the extra power, AWD and better seats (IMO) on the WRX so I am leaning toward the WRX. Also, it's a wagon which would come in handy and be quite a sleeper, but maybe not my favorite looks. I am concerned about the loss of the MSPs great steering and handling prowess but I am frustrated by the limitations of FWD (especially for autox and track events)

Any opinions?

You can get an 03MSP a lot cheaper than $14,000. I bought mine a year ago w/ 13,500 miles on for $13,800! Keep looking and don't settle for that price. As for choosing the WRX over the MSP, that would be like choosing between cake or pie.

 

[Peter5]

are we talking about the STI or just the wrx impreza ?
if its the wrx im going for msp without a tought
but the sti look as good as the msp from the outside (both stock)
but i like better modifiedd msp then sti
long life to mazda(first)

 

[II-Savy]

You can get an 03MSP a lot cheaper than $14,000. I bought mine a year ago w/ 13,500 miles on for $13,800! Keep looking and don't settle for that price. As for choosing the WRX over the MSP, that would be like choosing between cake or pie.

That's a steal. A 13,5 m MSP for 13k? Yea you got a real good deal.

 

[woodstockstr]

i would go with the msp becuase the miles on the msp are prob better than the subaru if they both are in the same price range. its just more fun being the underdog and having people allways ask you, "is that a protege?!?"

plus come on, its comes in cool colors lol

 

[Phoenix5]

I say MSP simply because Impreza interior does not do anything for me.It's just so plain and boring.I mean,I would not pay 25k just for performance.Yes, the WRX has 4WD and more horses but I don't know seeing how nice Mazda interior is(especially w/ the Proteges and the RX-8),I'd take the MSP.Plus the MSP,has a bunch of aftermarket s*** on it already so that's a bonus.

 

[gar777]

Thanks for all the input. My fav was the cake or pie comment--I totally agree, they are both great cars. B/c I've had the protege for 3 years now, I am leaning toward the WRX wagon, maybe just to try something new. The WRX isn't good-looking but I like the plain and simple int/ext of the WRX wagon. For me, the big wing and flashy interior of the MSP are a bit much and attract too much attention.

My only hesitation is that I love the wonderfully light, responsive steering of my protege and the way the car changes directions so readily. I haven't found another sedan that steers or handles like this (only car I've driven that was better was an MR2 Spyder). If I leave the Protege family, I will definitely miss that.

 

[II-Savy]

The interior of the WRX is just blah, and personally I can not get used to that flat 4 sound. It just sounds cheap. The STI KINDA has that sounds also stock. I can't put my finger on it...it's just cheap sounding. Man it sounds like a juiced up briggs and stratton lawn mower....almost.

 

[woodstockstr]

i would get the wagon all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that is my favorite car on the road (that i can afford)

 

[Phoenix5]

The interior of the WRX is just blah, and personally I can not get used to that flat 4 sound. It just sounds cheap. The STI KINDA has that sounds also stock. I can't put my finger on it...it's just cheap sounding. Man it sounds like a juiced up briggs and stratton lawn mower....almost.

YES!(lol)It sounds like someone is gargling some water and with a blow off valve,spitting it out,(lol2)

Personally,I'd look for an Evo if you want 4WD boost.

 

[II-Savy]

YES!(lol)It sounds like someone is gargling some water and with a blow off valve,spitting it out,(lol2)

Personally,I'd look for an Evo if you want 4WD boost.

See now the EVO is nice...sometimes hard to find one that hasn't been beat on. The interior is worse though...like way worse. Retarded tight suspension also, handles unreal...but very hard.

 

[Protege52003]

WRX for me.......

have always wanted one and it is AWD!!!!! would be great up here in MA over the winter.......

I would take a MS3 over a WRX now though.......

-R

 

[FrolessWonder]

I love my p5, but i would definetely take a WRX wagon over it. Its actually probably the only car i would take over mine. as for the sound, i love it i think it sounds awesome.

 

[Phoenix5]

See now the EVO is nice...sometimes hard to find one that hasn't been beat on. The interior is worse though...like way worse. Retarded tight suspension also, handles unreal...but very hard.

Yeah,interior is also bad on the Evo,but at least it sounds good on the road.And w/ the Evo IX out now,looks better the WRX.Well,it sort of expected to have hard suspension since it's a sports sedan.

 

[woodstockstr]

there is only one vote away from a victory... well a victory to 35 votes lol.