2003 vs. 2003.5 Mechanically

[LByellowStang]

Anyone have any input? Do you believe that the 2003.5 since it is a later model is better mechanically or under the hood are they really the same thing? Do people have more problems with one more than the other?

 

[Striker187]

i imagine they're exactly the same since many of the problems with the 2003's (namely the hesitation and clunk) seem to exist on the 2003.5's.

 

[Fakhelek]

My salesman and tech from my dealership both claim that the 2003.5s are not as fast as the 2003s. However, that might be because I own a 2003.

 

[LByellowStang]

My salesman and tech from my dealership both claim ...

Not very reliable sources

 

[AGR]

.same mechanically.

 

[Cirielle]

Drove both....my 2003 and the 2003.5 at the MazdaREVITUP event in DC. My impression is this--------
Mechanically the same. Drove the same. Interior and exterior are different. I love my 2003....the 2003.5 was just nice! I like the smaller shift know...my husband likes the bigger. The Sparco pedals are better (husband agreed). The floormats in mine I like better (again husband agreed). I like my lighter rims. I like my spoiler better. I like that I have foglights!!! I like the gauge arrows better on mine. I just prefer mine. Aesthetics are the only difference!
I think that this has also been debated before!

 

[Newf]

stiffer and stronger clutch in the 2003.5

rest is cosmetic, and personal taste.

 

[Cirielle]

I didn't feel the difference in the clutch. Maybe cuz I was in a ragged-out 2003.5.