Mazdaspeed 3

[kuhli]

Woh, with pessimism about the turbo I drove the Mazdaspeed 3 last night(amongst an STI, GTI 4 dr DSG, GLI Man.). That powertrain is great, linear, great power, very little turbo presence to speak of. There wasn't a detectable peak or valley in the power output, apparently their torque management electronics work very well. Didn't get a chance to test out the limited slip diff. The GTI may have a bit more seamless power deliver, but its also a bit more numb, not really communicating with you. The Mazdaspeed gave more of a sporting sense in both the steering and the throttle response, that may be a result of more power. And the transmission is excellent in the Speed 3, not super short shift, but they are a very nice shift nonetheless.

Took the exit ramps of Barlow and Hwy 1 6 times in the Mazdaspeed and took no prisoners, completely neutral at the limit with 18 inch summers on. The only handling flaw was in mid corner at the limit the front end began to hunt a bit, pondering where it might go next, not a huge flaw but not quite(only by a tiny margin) to the level of the GTI. That said, the extra power entertains you out of a corner in a way that a GTI (probably even chipped) wouldn't. That's the really bright spot of the car, you can predictably get onto the power in mid corner on the limit and slash your way out of the corner. The VW's are better on entry and quieter at the limit (by only a bit), but the Mazda puts the power down in a very satisfying way.

Mazda has a promotion on, not a lotta mucho for a great car with 280 ft*lbs, 18's and Xenons.

[liquid]

Re: Mazdaspeed 3

I like my Mazda (granted it's not Mazda speed), but the interior is not even close to that of a VW. The build quality is just not the same IMHO.

[The Brice]

Re: Mazdaspeed 3

My uncle has one, and indeed it is a rather impressive car. I think looks wise they are rather hideous but I would be interested in seeing how much power can be had out of that little Cosworth engine.

[100%VAGitarian]

Re: Mazdaspeed 3

i drove my friends moms mazdaspeed3. i didn't really like it that much. agreed it's alot of car for the $, but didn't do anything for me.

[Speed Cat]

Re: Mazdaspeed 3

ITS a Mazda

[Klobi-One-Kinobi]

Re: Mazdaspeed 3

Well I just picked up a new mazda speed 3 last week, and I would say Kuhli's thoughts on the car are pretty accurate. If I could have got a mk5 gti with the same 230hp motor that can be had in europe with a decent finance rate, then I might be driving one now instead.

The mazda does have a lesser interior, but not by much. All of the creature comforts are there like climate control, rain sensing wipers, etc. Looks are subjective, and I do prefer the gti on some nice 18 or 19" wheels, but the mazda's not bad imo.

Performance wise its not even close. A chipped gti with all the bolt ons would be lucky to just keep up. The ms3 has a lsd and is limited to 155mph. Add a cai with a cat-back exhaust and you've got an honest 300hp with warranty. Ecu upgrade with bolt ons will net in and around 350hp 400trq, lotso fun for not much $$$

[Kor]

Re: Mazdaspeed 3

I cruised around in my pal's 2.5L Rabbit today, interior absolutely destroys the Mazda and actually I was surprised, the 5c is speedy in that car, compared to the old 2.slo it feels way way better.

Anyway depends on what you want, the Mazda has a great engine and torque management but I think the Rabbit/GTI are so much more comfy.

[Speed Cat]

Re: Mazdaspeed 3

I cruised around in my pal's 2.5L Rabbit today, interior absolutely destroys the Mazda and actually I was surprised, the 5c is speedy in that car, compared to the old 2.slo it feels way way better.

Anyway depends on what you want, the Mazda has a great engine and torque management but I think the Rabbit/GTI are so much more comfy.

I will very much agree on that Kor.

I would really love to see what is faster, if anyone who has a Mazda 3 speed. i woud love to go for a cruze, with my GTI.

[Triple G]

Re: Mazdaspeed 3

Well I just picked up a new mazda speed 3 last week

Coming to the meet tomorrow? Id like to check it out

We can hang out in the corner by ourselves

[Klobi-One-Kinobi]

Re: Mazdaspeed 3

Coming to the meet tomorrow? Id like to check it out

We can hang out in the corner by ourselves

lol sounds good Graeme.

Oh and Freddy, there were a couple stock ms3's at secret street running 14.0-14.1. Correct me if I'm wrong but chipped mk5's normally go low 15's at the same track so....

[me=mk3]

Re: Mazdaspeed 3

I work at a mazda dealership and I do agree that its not a good looking hatchback, especially the oversized exhaust and the big spoiler, but the engine is the key point of that car. It is programmed to limit the torque in the first two gears to avoid spinning the wheels, but if you chip it it will make a big difference. The only downisde of that car is that its fwd.
If you want to buy a mazda, stay away from rx8 and buy a speed3

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: Mazdaspeed 3

Mazdaspeed 3 Extreme from down under!

[The Brice]

Re: Mazdaspeed 3

lol sounds good Graeme.

Oh and Freddy, there were a couple stock ms3's at secret street running 14.0-14.1. Correct me if I'm wrong but chipped mk5's normally go low 15's at the same track so....

How could a stock ms3 run faster at 3300+' alt. then they can at sea level?

[DeanerF]

Re: Mazdaspeed 3

How could a stock ms3 run faster at 3300+' alt. then they can at sea level?

oops!



i dont mind them actually. . . somethings i dont like about their looks, and their interiors arnt the greatest. . (niether are rabbit interiors though, but still not asnice)

[Kor]

Re: Mazdaspeed 3

I don't mean to be a hater but, are you sure a stock Mazdaspeed 3 can run 14.0 in Calgary? This seems very unlikely to me.

Even according to a 1/4 mile calculator, a 3200 lb MS3 at 263hp can run low 14's at best - at sea level. On a good track.

Also Mazda would probably like to advertise a 1/4 mile time that competed with the STI/EVO if they could.

Also based on some reading and youtube videos, it seems like even modified MS3's start to brag when they crack the 14.0. There are some high-13s runs on youtube - but on slicks on better tracks at lower altitudes.

14.0 bone stock in Calgary at race city... I'd like to congratulate that driver!