Well I was reading the other mazda thread and noticed a few people that knew about mazdas and i didn't wana thread jack Airman so anyways

What do you guys think about the 08 MazdaSpeed3? Im kinda interested after the video I saw. In the review by Edmunds, as you might have seen, they tested the MS3, Ralliart, and WRX and they ranked them in that order. So what would you guys say MS3 vs Ralliart...I like the look of the ralliart more and i like that its the 4B11 engine but its higher priced(from what Ive gathered so far) MSRP ralliart around 27k(According to Japans website its about 28.5k after you convert it to USD but who know how much higher priced japan might be) MSRP MS3 like 23k and its manual(which is a +) and they interiors better IMO..not a big fan of FWD or hatchbacks though..

Oh another thing I found very interesting was that after I converted the price on the ralliart from yen to USD it was like i said about 28.5k and I looked at the Evo RS priced at about 28.5k...sooo if the RS comes out here(which i personally, honestly don't know if it is) why would anyone buy the ralliart? Idk just food for thought on what I saw

I much rather the ralliart. The mazaspeed3 isnt a bad car but Mazda is owned by ford so you know the car is going to have problems. Its the only hatchback that doesnt look bad and seems really fun to drive but I would be worried about the reliability.
If you are looking to tune then get the ralliart. It has the same engine as the evo, just a smaller turbo. Im sure tuners will find easy ways to boost up that engine and turn it into a beast. Plus it has the dual clutch tranny and suspension or traction controls from the evo ix.

I much rather the ralliart. The mazaspeed3 isnt a bad car but Mazda is owned by ford so you know the car is going to have problems. Its the only hatchback that doesnt look bad and seems really fun to drive but I would be worried about the reliability.
If you are looking to tune then get the ralliart. It has the same engine as the evo, just a smaller turbo. Im sure tuners will find easy ways to boost up that engine and turn it into a beast. Plus it has the dual clutch tranny and suspension or traction controls from the evo ix.

I'ma have to agree on this one. i know its the TC-SST but that tranny is beautiful. You'll have to shift yourself in performance driving and there is no "launch" feature in the ralliart versions. But still. Take the fact that you get the EVO X engine and EVO 9 awd system. Get some new rubber and wheels and I'm sure the aftermarket will fix the power issue FAST.

Although, you also have to consider that any aftermarket mids will void the warranty and that TC-SST is gonna cost an arm and a leg if you have to replace it out of warranty.

By Josh Jacquot, Senior Road Test Editor
Date posted: 07-14-2008


Thanks to three turbochargers, 724 horsepower and five limited-slip differentials, comparing the 2008 Mazdaspeed 3, 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX and 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart should be more entertaining than a cage match between Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and New Kids on the Block. Imagine the fun! Donny and Danny hangin' tough from the walls of the cage while Joey, Jordan and Jonathan get tossed into the crowd.

The way we see it, our Rampage vs. New Kids bout is no different from pitting the Mazdaspeed 3 — the current champ of the sport compact world — against the Lancer Ralliart and Subaru WRX. On the track, an epic ass-kicking is bound to ensue.

But comparison tests aren't always won on the track. Since these cars all share a focus on real-world driving for enthusiasts, we weighted performance as 25 percent of this test's scoring total, leaving the remaining points to price (20 percent), feature content (20 percent), fuel economy (15 percent), our subjective evaluation (15 percent) and personal and recommended picks (5 percent).

So performance is important, but in the end, the most well-rounded car wins.

The Contenders
When it comes to sheer muscle, none of the challengers measure up to the champ. The 2008 Mazdaspeed 3 is the most powerful in this group with a turbocharged, direct-injected, 2.3-liter inline-4 engine cranking out 263 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It uses a six-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential, gear-specific torque management and a steering-angle sensor to create a front-wheel-drive package that's unmatched in its ability to precisely meter power to the ground.

It's also a hatchback with dramatic styling, excellent build quality and top-notch interior materials. Plus, you can have one like our test car with leather seats, a Bose audio system with satellite radio and a navigation system for $26,640.

The 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX is the new-generation version of the car that set the standard for all-wheel-drive performance. The current car features a new multilink rear suspension, more feature content and more interior space, while keeping weight in check. Its turbocharged 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine produces 224 hp and 226 lb-ft of torque. Subaru's claim to fame is its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, which uses a viscous center differential to send power to all four wheels.

We evaluated a WRX wagon with satellite navigation, vehicle dynamics control, a $163 center armrest and $75 cargo tray, and it lists for $29,833 as tested.

The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart offers a detuned version of the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine from the 2008 Mitsubishi Evo X. In Ralliart trim, this engine produces 237 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. Included as standard equipment is Mitsubishi's brilliant twin-clutch six-speed transmission with shift paddles, an active center differential with selectable modes for tarmac, gravel and snow, as well as front and rear limited-slip differentials. The Ralliart is the Evo X's little brother in every way.

Pricing for the Lancer Ralliart isn't yet official, but our best estimate puts this car's as-tested price at $29,415, including the $1,750 Recaro Sport package, which adds supportive Recaro seats, xenon HID headlamps and a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with a six-disc CD changer and satellite radio.

3rd Place: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
Subaru's WRX is, on paper, the Lancer Ralliart's most obvious competitor. Its all-wheel-drive powertrain offers the same all-weather flexibility as the Lancer. But its performance just isn't on par with its competition in the sport-compact category.

Subaru has made a clear about-face with the second-generation WRX's attitude. Where the first-generation car was sharp and responsive, this one is muted and even dull. It's clear these tuning choices were made to expand the WRX's market appeal — perhaps to your average Corolla or Camry buyer. The downside, however, is that the car's performance suffers. An enthusiast is left with only one choice if he/she wants a high-performance Subaru: the $36,995 Subaru Impreza WRX STI.

At the track the Mazda worked over the WRX with the same indifference Rampage would show while tossing the New Kids around the cage. Even the WRX's all-wheel drive and manual transmission weren't enough to capture the quickest 0-60 time. The Subaru did, however, feel honestly durable, as it withstood multiple standing-start launches at 5,500 rpm to produce a best 0-60 time of 6.2 seconds (6.0 seconds with 1 foot of rollout like on a drag strip). It went on to finish the quarter-mile in 14.6 seconds at 92.2 mph.

The WRX's braking performance bested the Lancer Ralliart. Though halting from 60 mph in 123 feet isn't exactly a stellar effort, the WRX edges the Lancer's 128-foot stop. More troubling, though, were the soft brake pedal and substantial dive and squirm the softly sprung WRX demonstrated during maximum deceleration.

Squirming between our slalom cones at 63.5 mph, the WRX proved it isn't as focused on pure driving performance as it once was. This effort is 1.5 mph slower than the Lancer and 4.3 mph slower than the Mazda. The combination of hard-to-ignore body roll and meager damping makes the WRX susceptible to midcorner bumps, and this hurts driver confidence as much in instrumented tests as it does in the real world. On our skid pad, the WRX tied the Lancer in lateral acceleration at 0.81g — a performance that won't win either car any awards.

One advantage the WRX does enjoy over the Ralliart lies in overall utility. Our WRX wagon proved time and again to be more user-friendly than the Lancer sedan. With flat-folding rear seats, it was able to more easily carry large cargo. It also has a navigation system, which the Lancer lacks.

The Subaru Impreza WRX wagon is a nice car. It offers supreme utility, comfort and function, but when measured as a performance car, it simply comes up short.

2nd Place: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
Forget what you think you know about this car and consider this: The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart gets you 90 percent of the Evo MR's hardware for only about 75 percent of its price. Sure, the Ralliart might lack the Evo's fancy aluminum suspension bits, its wider track and some of its power. But you get the best parts, like the bitchin' twin-clutch transmission, three limited-slip differentials and a suspension tuned for someone who cares about driving.

Next to the incredibly dynamic tranny with its shift paddles on the steering column, the most significant of these features is the Ralliart's all-wheel-drive system. It offers the WRX's all-weather abilities, but thanks to front and rear limited-slip differentials, it adds a level of driving involvement the WRX cannot match. And it helps the Ralliart rocket out of slow corners with far more speed than any front-driver.

There's good control feel — steering and turn-in feel resemble that of an Evo — but with rock-hard tires and no yaw control the Ralliart's overall limits are much lower than an Evo X. The tires squeal more than a buff book editor who just got scooped and their grip on reality is just about as reliable. We were only able to eke 0.81g out of the Ralliart on the skid pad, while its 65-mph slalom performance is slower than a Nissan Altima (though still better than the WRX).

The Ralliart's Achilles' heel is its inability to leave quickly from a standing start, a side effect of the twin-clutch transmission. Acceleration to 60 mph requires 6.6 seconds (6.2 seconds with 1 foot of rollout like on a drag strip). The quarter-mile performance suffers as well, as the Ralliart's effort of 14.8 seconds at 94.6 mph is the slowest of this group. Yet these numbers don't tell the whole story. The Ralliart takes 11.7 seconds to accelerate between 20 and 90 mph. The Subaru, which gains its only advantage off the line, requires 12.6 seconds. Meanwhile, the Mazda covers the same spread in 10.7 seconds.

The Lancer Ralliart's braking performance is also unimpressive, since it takes 128 feet to stop from 60 mph, as much stopping distance as some small SUVs. We did witness mild brake fade when driving the Ralliart aggressively down a mountain road. Predictably, its brakes lack the heat capacity and fade resistance of the Evo's Brembos — not surprising considering they are burdened with similar weight (3,512 pounds for the Ralliart vs. 3,630 pounds for the Evo X).

The Ralliart comes standard with keyless ignition and a driver-side knee airbag — features not available on the Mazdaspeed 3 or WRX. And with the right tires it would run down a Mazdaspeed 3 on many roads.

Add it all up and it's obvious why two of our three judging editors chose the Ralliart as their personal pick. It's simply a lot of car for the money.



http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=128908?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..1.*

I am a bit partial to MS3, because I think its a beautiful looking car. I would personally go with MS3. I know it doesn't make sense since I own an Evo, I don't understand why either. You can't lose with either choices unless you choose WRX, which would be epic fail

1st Place: 2008 Mazdaspeed 3
There's a reason the Mazdaspeed 3 has won every comparison test we've put it through. Like we said when it won our 2006 comparison test, it's impossible to go this fast, have this much fun or be more practical for less money. OK, so that's three reasons, but you get the point.

When it comes to "fast," nothing in this test can touch the Mazda. It hits 60 in 6.1 seconds (5.8 seconds with 1 foot of rollout like on a drag strip) and blasts through the quarter-mile traps in 14.4 seconds at 97 mph — bettering the WRX and Ralliart in both tests. It also stops from 60 mph with the stability of a pure sports car, and it does the job in just 111 feet, the shortest distance in the group by a considerable margin.

Handling, too, is better in the Mazda. Its 0.88g skid pad performance and 67.8-mph slalom speed (slower than our last test) are light-years ahead of the Ralliart and WRX. And on the road it shows. The Mazda easily carries more speed through medium- and high-speed corners and its straight-line acceleration is unmatched. It's also 321 pounds lighter than the Ralliart (it weighs exactly the same as the WRX), which is a huge advantage in any dynamic maneuver. In fact, the only place the Lancer has an advantage is hauling out of slow corners, where its all-wheel drive allows earlier throttle application and provides superior thrust sooner.

We also prefer the Mazda's steering feel. It offers the Ralliart's confidence in its effort and precision, and backs it up with real tire grip and chassis poise. Its brakes are also marginally more fade-resistant than either of the other cars in this test, although they, too, will fade with enough hard driving. The Mazdaspeed 3 is simply the best driving car here. If we had to find fault it would be that the damping could be more aggressive in both compression and rebound — an issue Mazda is soon going to address, we understand.

The Mazda also gives up nothing when it comes to build quality or utility. Its five-door body is more practical than the Ralliart and it falls insignificantly short of the WRX's interior space. Meanwhile, it's nicer than both inside the cabin. The combination of all-black materials, surfaces of differing textures and intelligently designed sport seats is brilliant. The seats also don't leave those of us with short torsos sitting on the floor like we do in the Ralliart's otherwise excellent Recaros (which aren't height-adjustable).

As we've said before, the Mazdaspeed 3 is a tough combination to beat for this kind of money. Unless the confidence of all-wheel drive is a must, it's the car to have.

Final Thoughts
This is the second time the 2008 Mazdaspeed 3 has beaten the 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX in a head-to-head comparison, so we're not surprised to see this result again. Frankly, we're a little confused by Subaru's strategy. It's the most expensive car in the test, yet it's the least involving to drive. And, symmetrical all-wheel drive or not, its powertrain doesn't come close to matching the Ralliart's sophistication or confidence.

The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, however, puts up a genuine fight with a good overall driving experience and lots of amenities. If it cost $1,000 less and had better tires, the Ralliart would win this contest hands down.

But once again, it's the Mazdaspeed 3's combination of muscle, poise, practicality and price that lets it keep the champion's belt. It might not have doled out the same ass-whuppin' Rampage would put on the New Kids, but the result is the same — the champ still reigns.

The champ

I much rather the ralliart. The mazaspeed3 isnt a bad car but Mazda is owned by ford so you know the car is going to have problems.

wow that is horribly wrong :bowlol:

Ford owns a stake in the Japanese Mazda (33%) - very few models (3 currently) are built in conjunction with Ford and only 2 of those are actually rebadged Fords. The rest are designed and built solely by Mazda (unless you count ford fuses and some sensors, but Mazda also uses Mitsu. sensors). Mazda R&D's builds and uses their own tech. just like any other "separate" company. Most of Ford's partnership with Mazda is to take advantage of their 4-cylinder block design and some suspension setups. By your logic Mitsubishi is automatically going to have issues because they were owned by Chrysler.

The MS3 Engine/trans/suspension is all Mazda R&D and sourced.

They are both very good cars but it comes down to what you are looking for in your next vehicle. The MS3 is a very stout performer but is a limited production vehicle comparitively and therefor doesnt have a huge aftermarket following. You will also be limited to the drawbacks of the FWD layout. The Ralliart, having the same engine of the Evo will have a stronger following in the aftermarket world. Also - AWD is a nice plus to help make your decision.

I myself am a purist at heart and love the 6-spd (having driven it) in the MS3. I am, however, not completely opposed to the TC-SST but I think a test drive will really make my decision for me

I thought trannys in mazdas were all from ford and the main problems with mazdas are their trannys.

Isnt the mazadspeed 3 awd also? the regular mazada3 is fwd but I believe the speed is awd.

Either way both are good looking cars. Its just about what you want out of the car.

I thought trannys in mazdas were all from ford and the main problems with mazdas are their trannys.

Isnt the mazadspeed 3 awd also? the regular mazada3 is fwd but I believe the speed is awd.

Either way both are good looking cars. Its just about what you want out of the car.


No not all the transmissions in Mazdas are Fords... Actually most of what Mazda uses is of their own design. As for transmission failures - their automatics were pretty bad in the early/mid 90s but since then have been ok. Their Manual Transmissions are actually really good, with the exception of the G-Series 5spd in the Mazdaspeed Protege which lacked the strength to hold out on anything more than 300whp (the vehicle stock was 170hp).

The Mazda 3 is FWD as is the Mazdaspeed 3. There was an AWD Mazdaspeed vehicle (the Mazdaspeed 6) that used the Identical 2.3l DISI-Turbo motor in the MS3, which may be what you are thinking of. The Mazdaspeed 6 used a FWD based, Haldex AWD mated to the same 6-speed manual to propel the wheels.

I thought trannys in mazdas were all from ford and the main problems with mazdas are their trannys.

Isnt the mazadspeed 3 awd also? the regular mazada3 is fwd but I believe the speed is awd.

Either way both are good looking cars. Its just about what you want out of the car.no its fwd, i wish it was awd, that would be a huge plus for the ms3

I think the MS3 would over all be much funner to drive because of the 6SP MT and the power difference STOCK and the layout of the interior seems nicer.
Then on the ralliart I think it looks better and the SST is a steal for the price and would be fun(not as fun as the 6sp mt) and easy to use especially as a DD car and its not a hatch which is a big + in my book

I'm not sure..its a really hard decision because I want all of those things and its torn between 2 so all in all it does comes down to personal opinion but it helps weigh my decisions on the info you guys can give me, so thanks guys

but man you just cant beat the price of that MS3 though...i was on some ms3 forum and some guy got his like 18.8k and just under 20k out the door...thats a kick ass deal A LOT of bang for your buck with that car

The MS3 is FWD. I agree that I like the new RalliArt and Evo styling more but the MS3 really is one hot hatch. I actually had an 07 MazdaSpeed3 before my Evo X. I could tell you anything you want to know about the MS3 and why I traded it in if you wish. But I just don't feel like writing a huge comparison right now. Haha. And sadly I didn't get to track the MS3 when I was done with it...only tracked it with an intake on. After that it became a fun project car with TOO much power...and then I got the Evo. When I say too much, I didn't blow a motor, but for FWD around 330+hp is a lot to keep on the road. The 2.3L Duratec engine is an amazing engine! It can handle so much power after MazdaSpeed team got their hands on it...all the upgraded internals can handle nice power. The engine is so good it had a Ford Focus with the 2.3L N/A. That's the only reason Ford owns some of Mazda is for engine and other goodies. But Mazda did the MS3 design and building. Not once did I get any rattles and creaks. The climate controls are far superior to Mitsubishi's. The auto sensing headlights and windshield wipers are great. It has one of the best interiors around and I miss some of the storage and materials they used when compared to the Evo. And trust me you will love the functionality of the hatch! I had to cancel a snowboarding trip becuase I had the Evo instead of the MS3...no way to carry the board in the Evo. So it may sound like the Evo was a downgrade for me...and well it kinda was....less power, and an economy interior. Where the MS3...well MY MS3 had more power and the interior of all MS3 makes you fell the Evo should have more....HOWEVER I wanted AWD to handle my goal of 400hp so the Evo was what I wanted....always wanted an Evo since 2003 but couldn't afford it till now. But if you have goals of high HP cars a Ralliart is not your answer with the power limiting SST. Also you CAN do 400+hp in the MS3 but with FWD be carefully, the FWD of the MS3 just got a bit too much for me to handle around 330+hp and feel safe with more. But if you like to tame the beast, as I've seen higher numbers than me, and whoop on unsuspecting cars like the STi, and Evo....go MS3!


Here is my old MS3:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v506/xbox4414/mazdaspeed3/fmic6.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v506/xbox4414/mazdaspeed3/rims6.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v506/xbox4414/mazdaspeed3/fmic.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v506/xbox4414/mazdaspeed3/turboxs.jpg
Not shown in the last pic but installed later....CP-E TBE and exhaust/turbo manifold.

If you got AIM hit me up on it and lets talk. There is so much to compare on these 2....

wow thanks for all the info xbox! btw your ms3 was sexxxy! i dont have aim:( uninstalled it, lol got sick of using it but anyways just a few questions..

Can you go into detail on what you mean by 330hp was a lot for FWD..i know fwd is the worst but can you give me an example of like exactly what you mean and what difference it made?

and can you list the mods you had?

What kinda gas mileage did you get?

and last(for now lol) was there anything that ever worried you about it? like any issues or problems or just things you disliked about it?

Thanks in advance:thumbup:

Well 330hp is a lot for a car to put to just the front wheels. There is a tremendous amount of torque steer. Although Mazda did a great job with limiting boost and wheel spin in 1st and 2nd gears better than any other 4banger boosted FWD car, due to ecu programming and limited slip diffs, when you add power what they did doesn't help. There was one day I remember exactly when I said "this is enough power....I don't want to add more....although I do". I was going on a long on-ramp onto a highway....floored it in 2nd maybe 3rd gear and the steering wheel just jolted to the right with all that boost and power trying to go to the ground. I know you can work with it but I'm lazy, lol, and AWD seemed to be the cure for the common torque steer. However if you want that much power the Ralliart is not the answer with the SST....should go Evo X GSR....


Here is every little thing I did to it: TurboXS FMIC, HKS SSQV BOV, CP-E TBE, PG Exhaust Manifold, Mazdaspeed SRI, Hotchkis Sway Bars, Cobb Springs, Enkei Evo5's, Window Tint, TWM Shifter Bushings, MSD Dashhawk, TRZ Motor Mount, Painted Black Calipers. Next up would have been a PG CDFP as the stock pump starts to give out at higher numbers and RPM's. And then would have been the Cobb Ap for tunning.

Gas millage....WAY better than my Evo. I wanna say around 27-28 constantly with HEAVY FOOTED driving. But if I was babying it and wanting the high MPG....would get 30-32mpg.

The onlt thing I dislike about the MS3 is the "flotty" suspension. The dampners and shocks need to be upgraded. I though the Cobb Springs would help but they did not. The suspension is soft and coilovers would be better suited for an upgrade. Also TMIC = heat soak so get a FMIC. But other than that I don't think I will ever have anything bad to say about the MS3. I hate how some of my friends really underestimate the power and handling of the MS3...they are fanboys of the Evo for sure....where I like what ever is best. And have no one company I like. And in the FWD boosted sector the MS3 is best and a highly modded will take a stock/slightly modded Evo no doubt.

More question? I'll be happy to answer them! :thumbup:

No shit!? 27-28??? Its not even rated near that high! thats absolutely amazing gas millage and if thats true I would consider even more, thats a huge + right now

if you cant remember what would you guess you payed for all those mods?

anyways this car is sounding really good and I really appreciate all you info man:thumbup:

LOL ya it was a computer thing that did the average MPG. I got 27MPG with the Evo once, but I have never seen that number again.

It had over $4k in mods I think...maybe more around $5-6k. Haha. I'm in major debt because of the MS3 and now I have no money to mod the Evo, lol.

MS3 advocate here too........my 2007 Speed3 Cosmic blue (rare color)

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/BOXRPWR/945475418111_2_BG.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/BOXRPWR/167265418111_4_BG.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/BOXRPWR/Willowsprings/CP2_6333.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/BOXRPWR/MS3%20lake%20pics/PICT0067.jpg



http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/BOXRPWR/MS3%20for%20sale/PICT0100.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a373/BOXRPWR/Yimi/KevinGiesyCobbSRI.jpg

if you're interested....its for sale. $18,500 with all mods included

LOL ya it was a computer thing that did the average MPG. I got 27MPG with the Evo once, but I have never seen that number again.

It had over $4k in mods I think...maybe more around $5-6k. Haha. I'm in major debt because of the MS3 and now I have no money to mod the Evo, lol.
A cumputer thing? so do think it was really accurate? I have the Avg MPG on the display in my lancer but I always calculate it my self at the pump to make 100% sure what im getting.

Next up would have been a PG CDFP as the stock pump starts to give out at higher numbers and RPM's. And then would have been the Cobb Ap for tunning.

okay ima noob at modding, whats CDFP mean? Obiviously something to do with the fuel pump, but ya I read something about problems with the MS3 having fuel system/fuel pressure problems. Do you know what they mean?

LOL yes I do know what the mean! Haha. CDFP is the cam driven fuel pump. You crack open the valve cover and you will see the cam going out of the block and to the fuel pump....I think, LOL. It's be a while since I played with a MS3. And I lost the picture of when I installed the manifold and opened up the valve cover. Well becuase it's direct inject there is a lot of fuel pressure required and sometimes in cold weather and/or high altitudes it can't deliver enough fuel. The ECU sees it can't keep up with the demand in fuel and you get fuel cut or boost cut. And it sucks! Feels like someone just yanked out your engine and it's on the bottom of the road dragging for 1 or 2 seconds. Worst feeling ever. I only got it once....simply becuase I'm at sea level in sunny California. The people who have issues are in colder states and/or high climates...some people have issues with just a TBE or just a FMIC...but I had a TBE, FMIC, Exhaust Manifold and Intake and never got fuel cut but once and that was becuase I was in the Sierras (5000ft+) going snowboarding and I did a 6th to 5th drop and pull to pass a big rig. The second I went WOT in 5th....BAM! Then I got power again and took off. That is the only fuel system problem I got. So those who get it all the time are out there in cold climates and/or high altitude with thinner and colder air.

As for the computer thing....yup just like the Lancer...never really tested to see how accurate it was though. Still better than the Evo BY FAR!

MS3 advocate here too........my 2007 Speed3 Cosmic blue (rare color)


if you're interested....its for sale. $18,500 with all mods included

Actually the Cosmic Blue isn't as rare as you think it was in production for 2007 and 2008. And was very popular in the MS3 as it was exclusive to the MS3. How ever it was discontinued along with the Sunlight Silver for the 2008.5 model updates....so if you still say it's "rare" so was my Sunlight Silver, LOL!

LOL yes I do know what the mean! Haha. CDFP is the cam driven fuel pump. You crack open the valve cover and you will see the cam going out of the block and to the fuel pump....I think, LOL. It's be a while since I played with a MS3. And I lost the picture of when I installed the manifold and opened up the valve cover. Well becuase it's direct inject there is a lot of fuel pressure required and sometimes in cold weather and/or high altitudes it can't deliver enough fuel. The ECU sees it can't keep up with the demand in fuel and you get fuel cut or boost cut. And it sucks! Feels like someone just yanked out your engine and it's on the bottom of the road dragging for 1 or 2 seconds. Worst feeling ever. I only got it once....simply becuase I'm at sea level in sunny California. The people who have issues are in colder states and/or high climates...some people have issues with just a TBE or just a FMIC...but I had a TBE, FMIC, Exhaust Manifold and Intake and never got fuel cut but once and that was becuase I was in the Sierras (5000ft+) going snowboarding and I did a 6th to 5th drop and pull to pass a big rig. The second I went WOT in 5th....BAM! Then I got power again and took off. That is the only fuel system problem I got. So those who get it all the time are out there in cold climates and/or high altitude with thinner and colder air.

As for the computer thing....yup just like the Lancer...never really tested to see how accurate it was though. Still better than the Evo BY FAR!
well im in the desert in arizona so i dont think i have anything to worry about hahaha, but I would still be weary about it and would probably want to replace it down the line. Hmm I think when Im done with my lease on my lancer I will move to this car...Its either like a new one of these, a used 350z or used evo IX, but this one sounds best for fuel reasons, more space, and I can get a new one and put mods on it with money I save:thumbup:

Thanks for the offer XFactor but no thanks

Ya you will have to get used then as this is the last year for the Speed3....

And ya they have new fuel pumps to support even more pressure and fuel to fix the cuts. So ya a very good upgrade and a very good car.

Ya you will have to get used then as this is the last year for the Speed3....

And ya they have new fuel pumps to support even more pressure and fuel to fix the cuts. So ya a very good upgrade and a very good car.are they seriously discontinuing it? are they replacing it with something?

are they seriously discontinuing it? are they replacing it with something?
Mazda only makes the Mazdaspeed model of a line for a couple of years and it doesn't start until the model has existed for a year or 2. In this case, the redesigned 3 is coming out in 09 and they'll probably wait until 2010 to do the next MS3. It's the same situation as the MS6 and there has yet to be a Mazdaspeed MX-5.

Ya after 2 years the MazdaSpeed version is discontinued and every year only 5000 MS3's are made. So they are pretty rare....I wish they would keep the MS3 longer as I think it was the best selling Speed car made yet and the most awarded!

I would vote for the MS3, too.

hmm well...shit..I still have about a year left on my lease but I could trade in early..i put 3.5k down so i guess technically speaking I would be kinda wasting like 1.75k...hmm idk

Well I went and test drove one yesterday, and was impressed in some areas and disappointed in others. The interior isn't AS nice as I thought it was, still nice though and I still am not a huge fan of hatch but for a hatch its really nice. I liked the gearbox, really easy to shift in that car and I really like the position of reverse. Okay most importantly..how it drove! This little guy is quick! I was impressed by being able to hit..a certain speed...in a fairly short time on the backstreets, totally a fun little car. 3rd gear is definitely the best, that thing pulls in 3rd. Not as fast as the used 350z I drove a couple weeks back at the mistu dealer, but that one also had mods, and gets like 8mpg less hahah. I think with a few mods I would be happy with the power of this car. I noticed the FWD big time, lots of torque steer:(. Overall..I'd give this car an...8...maybe 8.5 for the price. The biggest advantage for me is the money..I'm starting college this month so I'd really rather my payments, gas money, and insurance doesn't go up to much and this vs the 350z I would save an ass load of money in all those things a month. Plus this would be my first actual fast car and manual that I've owned so I'd say its a good one to start on:thumbup: Ill keep you guys posted if I do anything

LOL well that is good that you were impressed with it. Ya I kinda wish they made the Speed version in the sedan as well. Honestly I miss the gear box in the MS3. I love that 6-speed gear box and I love the reverse. I've taken it to shops and they didn't know how to back the car up so I would have to walk over there and help them....you get a good laugh out of it, hahahaha. Yup 3rd gear is the most fun as it's not boost limited like 1 and 2. But you can now use the Cobb AP to tune the ECU and not boost limit the...but I suggest keeping it boosted limited becuase of the the torque steer. And ya they are cheap I got my payment around 315 a month with the MS3....now I'm at 610 with the Evo and it's killing me! I can barley afford it now after being laid off...

LMAO @ the reverse story! How could a mechanic not figure that out??

Ya I was guna ask you about that, did you chip your car or get it tuned or what? Im not to knowledgeable in that area. Cause I was reading in a forum peoples avg mpg and it seemed most with mods got much better mileage then without and I know a turn can increase your mpg.

And that payment, how many months was it?

PS, HOLY S**T, I just called my insurance, they said it would cost me $308 a MONTH to insure the MS3!!! WTF!

Shop around on insurance. Also then again you already have a pretty safe car. See with me I had an 03 Focus so the addition of the MS3 wasn't much more becuase of all the safety features we got a discount. Like the side curtain air bags and stuff.

It was at 72 months....the Evo is even more than 72....I'm invested into the Evo for life....at times I wish I stayed with the MS3 due to finicial difficulties right now....but then I look outside and see the Evo and it makes the worries slightly less worrisome. LOL!

Ya the Cobb AP is the best tunning solution out now, but you can't custom tune it till the release the software and know one knows when that will be. So now they are doing OTS maps and they aren't really saving your MPG or maxing out the performance you can get out of your car. They are far to basic of maps to get good gains and MPG. So I would stay with the stock maps and just do all the bolt ons.

Ya the reverse....I have no idea....he kept putting it into first....I didn't realize you have to push the knob down....it was awesome.

Aww now you got me missing the MS3! Really...

Any good pics of modded Mazda 3's?

I wanna see what you can do to these things.

Not to many ppl go crazy with the MS3. No extreme body kits or stuff like that. A lot look stock. I'll search and see what I can find...

EDIT: I'll update this post with more pics I find...

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q244/joshj84/1.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k276/mx32nv/speed3/carterspeed3.jpg

http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/6899/dsc0090gw4.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b296/steph_a_nie/6-8-08/10-26-07023.png

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b296/steph_a_nie/6-8-08/10-26-07028.png

Aww fuck it just go here: http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=61562.0

heres a pretty nice
http://www.themotorreport.com.au/2366/mazda3-mps-extreme-debuts-at-aims/

but like xbox said theres not many people that go all out on these cars, cause as mentioned before they make 5k a year. Thats kinda what I like about it though cause that would give me a chance to mod it and have one of the few nicely modded ones.

Wow, those are actually pretty nice.

^quick to
350z w/ exhaust vs MS3 w/ SRI
http://youtube.com/watch?v=fvJzoatxt9M&feature=related

its beats 350z's like everytime based on what I've seen and keeps up fairly well with the evos and sti's and can beat them if there have a few mods in em based on all the videos that I've watched

http://rally-america.com/thumb.php?pic=2411&max=600

http://rally-america.com/thumb.php?pic=2353&max=600

The most modified MS3 I think there is....unless you count this one:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=q5w-ygpCiJw

http://rally-america.com/thumb.php?pic=2411&max=600

http://rally-america.com/thumb.php?pic=2353&max=600

The most modified MS3 I think there is....unless you count this one:

Burmeister is a nuts ass driver.

Speaking of MS3, we've got one in the shop now that I'm doing an ECU upgrade on. Should be finished this evening! It's that nice red color that someone posted earlier.

Oh what ECU upgrade are you doing? So far all I know that is out is Cobb AP, CP-E Standback, Vishnu PROcede and Xcede. I don't think the uni-chip is out yet. So what are you guys doing? Oh and ya True Red is an amazing shade of red.

What kinda gains is this guy getting out of the tune your doing?

i would get the ms3

in-car vid I took at Willowsprings "Big Track"

not the best camera vantage point, but it gives a since of MS3 capabilities on the track


http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5397013078565804826&hl=en

http://blogs.cobbtuning.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/ms3_gtlive_03.JPG

http://blogs.cobbtuning.com/?p=331

^ that does look nice!

It's not just nice looking....it's tearing up the Time Attacks!!! They keep winning. There first time in a TT with the MS3 they won and this is there second win. 11second win in Street and 2 second win in Modified. The MS3 can be a true beast.

You guys are right. I just bought MS3 last 2 weeks ago with the Metropolitan Gray, this car has some serious HP and handling for a FWD. It was faster than I thought and I loving it everyday. Was able to do around 28 MPG on decent driving on weekdays to work.

LOL of course I'm right....I once had one too. hahah.

I'm surprised that Subaru didn't get them an '09 WRX for that test. They've added 40+ hp and tweaked the chassis for '09, plus it only comes in the 5-speed manual. I'm not sure how that would change things, but it has to be a big improvement.

LOL of course I'm right....I once had one too. hahah.

Hehe yup! Do SRi and CAI has alot of difference? I was planning to just put a SRI. And what brand you think its good, i really dont have much cash in hand to spend a good amount for those intakes.

You guys are right. I just bought MS3 last 2 weeks ago with the Metropolitan Gray, this car has some serious HP and handling for a FWD. It was faster than I thought and I loving it everyday. Was able to do around 28 MPG on decent driving on weekdays to work.
nicee, PICS!

nicee, PICS!

Alright let me wash my car this weekend and take some shots side by side with my other older car lancer 02 oz rally. I love that lancer alot that I cant afford to trade it in or let it go :P

^ nicee, thanks man. Hey if you don't mind me asking what are you paying for insurance in that car? They quoted me fuckin $3600 a year!

^ nicee, thanks man. Hey if you don't mind me asking what are you paying for insurance in that car? They quoted me fuckin $3600 a year!

I'm in US SoCal, they quoted me $73 a month. So that is like $876 a year. Full coverage Farmers insurance.

Jesus I get raped by my insurance company...I'm guessing your probably over 25 tho? I'm 18 and I do have one ticket....but $3600??...thats $300 a month...that just doesn't sound right and I'm even on my parents policy and its that bad...:pokeowned:

Oh and also if you dont mind what did you get the car far out the door? and did you get the GT version or no? any package? Thanks man:thumbup:

Oh and also if you dont mind what did you get the car far out the door? and did you get the GT version or no? any package? Thanks man:thumbup:

Yup I'm over 25 and I had around 10 years of driving experience including my international driving lisc before. My age help on lowering down the rate, and your TICKET is one of the thing that holding up your insurance as well I guess. Take that off quick by going to those online schools that you can cheat on the last part exam to pass it. Having ticket record that is not yet omited would greatly increase your rates I think. For insurance companies you can try Mercury Insurance or my insurance Farmers.

As for my MS3, I only took the sports edition. The GT didnt really make me feel worth paying 3k more. I can get those things on the GT to my car way cheaper with aftermarket add ins. I was able to go up to 24,200 I think out of the door with 10k down. They are very stiff on prices, but since my Metro Gray is a new color and I got a whatever bumper protector for the trunk hood part (little black plastic step protector whatever) which determining its a 2008 new stock. But I heard on some places and state by other MS3 owners got lower than what I paid. Here on my area I have no luck on really bringing down the price like some people saying they got around 23k out of door. But most people I saw they got those rates are the ones who got their old cars traded in. So i guess if thats the case they didnt really get a good deal on it since they rip you off on your trade in value.

^ The sales guy I spoke with said he could get me a 2 year lease for about $250 a month with only like 4k down...I woulda done a 3 year to...who knows..but the only thing really stopping me is that damn insurance

I agree I don't really think the GT is worth that extra money either. I would like leather seats tho but those are more cloth than leather in the GT anyways.

^ The sales guy I spoke with said he could get me a 2 year lease for about $250 a month with only like 4k down...I woulda done a 3 year to...who knows..but the only thing really stopping me is that damn insurance

I agree I don't really think the GT is worth that extra money either. I would like leather seats tho but those are more cloth than leather in the GT anyways.

You know that leasing would increase insurance rate too right? I would suggest you buying the car rather leasing it. Because every year the insurance rate would go down even if the car is not yet fully paid. As for the lease it would always stay very damn expensive until the lease period expires.

The quote they gave me they didn't even ask if it was a lease or buying so either way I'd still be fucked

The quote they gave me they didn't even ask if it was a lease or buying so either way I'd still be fucked

Well you cant getaway with the lease contract. Because the insurance company would ask for your sales deed contract copy when you are applying for the insurance. And there would be a bold word there that you are on Lease contract! hehe. Just try other insurance companies and get that ticket record removed. :)

cant get that ticket removed, i've already got one removed so I can't on this one...fuckin dumb reasons to...oh well

NO!!! The GT really is worth it....trust me. The Evo feels so stripped down compared to my MS3 GT. I had navi too...and now I don't. I plan to get the MMCS but ya. Trust me the auto headlights, windshield wipers, LED taillights and leather bolstered seats are amazing. Yes the BOSE system sounds like CRAP! But I would never consider a Sport... Just something to consider. I mean seriosuly the LED tailights are worth it alone. They are simply amazing in stock form. I wish the EVO had LED's...

sexyy

^ oops thats only a mazda3 but same look...

NO!!! The GT really is worth it....trust me. The Evo feels so stripped down compared to my MS3 GT. I had navi too...and now I don't. I plan to get the MMCS but ya. Trust me the auto headlights, windshield wipers, LED taillights and leather bolstered seats are amazing. Yes the BOSE system sounds like CRAP! But I would never consider a Sport... Just something to consider. I mean seriosuly the LED tailights are worth it alone. They are simply amazing in stock form. I wish the EVO had LED's...

Bah! too late I already got the Sports. I really dont have enough juice to get the 3k additional for installment. its way too much for my monthly already.... :(. It sucks if you are alittle bit limited on your money. Now you made me feel bad i took the sports edition instead of GT.

^ Just get after maket mods, don't feel bad!:thumbup:

^ Just get after maket mods, don't feel bad!:thumbup:

Haha thanks! Well I wont really force my pocket to squeeze out more every month for something I cant really afford. So either ways I still cant afford to pay the 3k to be rolled together on my APR. As you know every 1,000 usd on APR is alot of diff on your monthly even I have a 10k down! :confused2:

Oh ya don't feel bad that you got the sport...honestly just get upgraded taillights....there is just something about the Sport and all non LED Mazda3 taillights I don't like. There was a group buy going on at mazda3forums.com for LED taillights...not sure if it's still going on...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v506/xbox4414/mazdaspeed3/speed12.jpg

And they look amazing at night....so you should get some....LOL.

Oh ya don't feel bad that you got the sport...honestly just get upgraded taillights....there is just something about the Sport and all non LED Mazda3 taillights I don't like. There was a group buy going on at mazda3forums.com for LED taillights...not sure if it's still going on..

And they look amazing at night....so you should get some....LOL.

Which MazdaForum is good? I tried to find post on the mazdaforums i ran around dont have luck that it has a good ms3 topics. Can you please point me to the right direction. And also I check ebay for some aftermarket LED tail lights, they are different. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks! :godance:

^ good question, all the ms3 forums i came across were pretty shitty, out of car forums this is the best one to me by far. Thats why even if I talk about other cars I just do it here because the community is much more helpful and nice and no f**kin idiots

mazda3forums.com

that's the best site....they have everything about the MS3...

www.mazdas247.com
;)

Dino don't you have a speed 6 or something?

Thanks for the sites guys.

Dino don't you have a speed 6 or something?

Thanks for the sites guys.
Turboed MP3

^ ahh i see, nicee

Ah too busy at work cant even reply the whole day. Wow thanks for the links for the forums. I did register on mazda3 and mazda247, for some reason i still didnt recieve the activation email for my account. I check my bulk so many times, none whatsoever. So with that I cant post any message at all!

sensui wheres those pics!

Hold on I got it already. but not too clean shots. Let me post them up around our lunch break. :)

:rock:

Here are some of the shots for my car. My camera is not that great since its one of the cheap samsung ones. And Im not really good in taking shots haha.

Oh by the way I was at the mazda on weekend due to they want to detail my car since when I bought at last 3 weeks ago was around 11pm out of the garage. There are not mechanics and cleaners around that time so they insist me to bring the car in last saturday to do all the cleaning and final checkup.

http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/4215/mazdafrontij7.th.jpg (http://img60.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mazdafrontij7.jpg)

http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/9985/mazdafront2ec9.th.jpg (http://img60.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mazdafront2ec9.jpg)

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/1487/mazdarear1kc7.th.jpg (http://img175.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mazdarear1kc7.jpg)

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/8792/mazdarear2eg2.th.jpg (http://img175.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mazdarear2eg2.jpg)

niceeee...thats a total sleeper car. how ya like'n it so far?

niceeee...thats a total sleeper car. how ya like'n it so far?


Car is good. I like it alot so far. But having issues on 1st gear on first initial launch on inclined uphill roads on stop. Its weird, does not act same way as my previous N/A stick shift car. Its alittle bit sloppy just on incline uphill starting on 1st gear. But on non inclined or downhill on stop and initial run on 1st gear is fine.

And one little thing about the suspension, I dont know but it is sometimes bouncy. Im not sure maybe I got used too my lowered Lancer before. But I dont occasionally feel it. Only feeling it on like really bad pavement roads that has little stones already showing of the asphalts.

As for the rest I like the whole car alot on both handling and design. Loving it more each day. I try driving it slow can only got up to 23 mpg. Weird! haha I guess i need to go more easy on my gas pedal and shift more precisely on 2k rpm haha.

Did you check the new upcoming WRX 09? They are same par here with my mazda on engine but with AWD! And also they said they changed the suspension to more sport tune. It would be only $24,950 they said on base! Good price. But the interior sucks! But its performance > Looks!

WRX 09: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=130386

I had a 2007 MS3.
Great Car.
Got it for $20,900 brand new.

I put 50,000 miles on it, never needed a repair. I did $20 oil changes every 5,000 miles. Never needed a clutch. Never needed a brake job.

Only modification I did was the Mazdaspeed Cold Air Intake, which adds like 20-30hp.
The exhaust sounded really good from the factory, so I left it alone.

Mazda got 24mpg on average, using 91 octane. My Evo gets me 19mpg now and before I modified it.

I would say in general, the Mazda is a better street car than the Evo. It's road manners are nice, the ride is nice, it's easy to drive, and it's easy to go fast. The Evo requires driving skill, whereas anybody could drive the Mazda fast.

Great car for the money.

The Evo requires driving skill, whereas anybody could drive the Mazda fast.

Meh.

Driving an Evo fast is like driving a fucking Go-Bot. You just floor it and point the wheel.

Meh.

Driving an Evo fast is like driving a fucking Go-Bot. You just floor it and point the wheel.

Agreed... I drive like an idiot and the evo uses all 4 traction systems to keep me from death.

+2. The wife and I had a Mazdaspeed 3 and she hated the torque steer when pulling away from a light. Aside from that nice car and very convenient.

Can we let Dead Thread be dead? Until today, the last post on here was over 2 years ago.
http://www.rooney.org/tlc/silly/holy%20thread%20resurrection.jpg

Can we let Dead Thread be dead? Until today, the last post on here was over 2 years ago.
http://www.rooney.org/tlc/silly/holy%20thread%20resurrection.jpg

Well it's October and we are getting near Halloween so this is the perfect time to bring back DEAD THREADS!!

BTW you look awfully cute in that robin outfit! Don't let Hotdog see it.