Mazdaspeed 3

[Mavrik]

Torque steer and wheel hop are my enemies on the drag track.I still bet I could get the wheels to hop But maybe one day I'll get to test drive one.

[AKLGT]

good question. i don't have a clue on that. I know i didn't feel any wheel hop or torque steer on the speed6, but it is AWD. you're not gonna have a lot of that because all 4 wheels are getting you going, not just the 2 front ones.

[PhotoGT]

I would still buy a new STI over the speed3. Even though the STI will set you back a good deal more, it has been refined and proven over the past few years. In a recent Motor Trend the STI pulled pretty much identical times to the EVO but was more comfortable and refined as a daily driver. Plus, the variable center diff is an awesome feature if you autoX. There is also a very large aftermarket performance market available for the STI. While I'm sure manufacturers will quickly produce performance parts for the Speed3, it will take quite a while to have the depth of the subaru performance market.

[Mavrik]

Quote, originally posted by PhotoGT »I would still buy a new STI over the speed3. Even though the STI will set you back a good deal more, it has been refined and proven over the past few years. In a recent Motor Trend the STI pulled pretty much identical times to the EVO but was more comfortable and refined as a daily driver. Plus, the variable center diff is an awesome feature if you autoX. There is also a very large aftermarket performance market available for the STI. While I'm sure manufacturers will quickly produce performance parts for the Speed3, it will take quite a while to have the depth of the subaru performance market.Dude you rock

[AKLGT]

well, i think he's looking at the fact he doesn't really need AWD. i would agree, which is why we will be buying an STI over a Speed3 or even the Speed6. I'll still most likely stick with my original plan and go with the Spec B for myself. proven engines for many years, fast, powerful, AWD, etc. before the masses start screaming about me making this into a "SUBARU'S ARE BETTER" thread, I will point out that is not the case and not what this thread is about. Read the title above and it's about the Mazdaspeed 3. It really is in it's own class as there are not too many FWD turbos with those numbers. and the Redline or Cobalt Supercharged are NOT going to be any match unless they are at least stage 2+.

[spyder]

Well folks, October 20, 2006 I traded in the vibe for the mazdaspeed 3. First impressions...Holy F!#$ This car moves! I do have one complaint though, I have to learn how to drive stick all over again because this clutch actually works normally unlike the vibe that had a weak clutch. Secondly because of the torque, you can feel the car "refuse" to let you use it's full power in first and second. But Once you go into third....WOW is all I can say. I would say it has more pull than my bother's mbw 330i.The suspension is good and the ride is not harsh at all. The engin noise is ok...actually when you drive it hard I find it quieter than when idle. When the idle I think it is noisier because it just happens to resonate the car at that frequency.I will give a more details review later I just wanted to give a little before I get more PM'sCheers!Spyder

[Mavrik]

post a video from inside on a hard launch

[AKLGT]

PICS!!!!!!!

[spyder]

All I can say is wow so far this thing has speed. If any of you read the the posts from matrixowners.com they have a dyno that shows some pretty crappy results and one person commented that the dyno was not realistic because they had the hood up. I would have to aggree on that. The engine gets hot really fast and if the car being dynoed doesn't have enough airflow the cooling will affect performance. Trust me when I say the needs to move to cool itself the engine is hot and the hood is designed to cool the engine and intercooler.Here is the link to MO's post on the MS3 http://matrixowners.com/forums...speedPics coming in a minute!Spyder

[spyder]

Ok here are some pics I haven't had time to do a good review but I will soon. As for the video of a hard launch... I am gonna wait for a bit because the clucth is new even though the engine is "broken in" at the factory. Please be patient with these pics...my server has a limit on downloads/transfers so if the link looks broken, give it an hour as the download/transfer limits resets every hourEnjoy!Spyderhttp://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/...8fre2

[Mrizzle05]

saw them on matrixowners... it looks dropdead gorgeous!!!!

[Mavrik]

got to drive a red one just like that today around the lot. First impressions very nice. I'd take it over another Vibe any day... even if it didn't have 260+ horsepower. Didn't get much time to spend with it... but it did do a nice little burn out

[spyder]

now you know what I am talking about!No wheel hop eh? Just spinning the tires right?Spyder

[Mavrik]

yeah it didn't bounce.well hopefully we get one I can road test. This one arrived sold.

[spyder]

good to know that sold cars get treated gently...I suspect my car had a little fun cuz of the extra dirt around the wheel wells and calipersSpyder

[AKLGT]

i've been trying to get ahold of the dealership down in WA and no one calls me back. even the subie dealer has 2 STI Lmtd for me to test drive while i'm there! (removed) is up with the Mazda guys?? sat in the one on the lot, looks nice. for the price, it's tough to beat for sure! however, i'd still want my AWD with all that power... then there'd be no need for the torque converter on first and 2nd gears. even with the wheel hop, i'd still want to have all my power when I want!

[Mavrik]

Quote, originally posted by spyder »good to know that sold cars get treated gently...I suspect my car had a little fun cuz of the extra dirt around the wheel wells and calipersSpydernah, it was just a little burp on the gas driving out the shop door. But the lucky sales guy who sold it gets to drive the first "pull me over" red Speed 3 from anchorage Alaska all the way to Healy to put it on a boat, sail to the Alaska capital city, drive it off the boat and to the new owner and then fly back to Anchorage. Talk about a cool drive thats going to be.

[Mavrik]

ok so a ressurect of sorts.While in seattle this past week, the wife and I test drove a 2007 silver Mazda Speed 3. First off... I'd never trade my STi for one. However I would gladly take one over a WRX (or Vibe) any day of the week. Awesome handling first off. I tested that out for sure and great accel. Plenty of power.I was a little disapointed in the plastic sunvisors... but oh well lol.You've got a great car. I'd get in trouble for sure driving that in town. I'd be harder on it then my STi.

[tangerine]

Mazdaspeed 3 is no joke. There was one that ran 13.3 at the strip last weekend stock. I was impressed for a lil grocery getter.

[AKLGT]

(removed)! that car was a freaking blast!!! we had a great time taking it out for a spin and if it weren't for the fact I need AWD for here, i'd consider one for the business! It was different from driving our AWD turbo's, no pushing, but pulling you. the handling was superb, better or equal to my expensive upgraded suspension in my LGT, but not as good as the STI (inbetween since my LGT is almost as good as the STI as well). It was quick and responsive, hardly any turbo lag. Though it wanted to go a little sideways off the start, it was nothing compared to my 03 Vibe GT. the torque steer really was minimal. i have not actually driven a stock WRX, however, I'd say the Speed3 would most likely be superior in the handling as it is much more lightweight and quick.

[AKLGT]

Quote, originally posted by AKLGT »well, i think he's looking at the fact he doesn't really need AWD. i would agree, which is why we will be buying an STI over a Speed3 or even the Speed6. I'll still most likely stick with my original plan and go with the Spec B for myself. proven engines for many years, fast, powerful, AWD, etc. before the masses start screaming about me making this into a "SUBARU'S ARE BETTER" thread, I will point out that is not the case and not what this thread is about. Read the title above and it's about the Mazdaspeed 3. It really is in it's own class as there are not too many FWD turbos with those numbers. and the Redline or Cobalt Supercharged are NOT going to be any match unless they are at least stage 2+. ha ha.. funny. I'm now looking at buying the new 08 STI hatch that will be coming out Jan 08. after driving that Speed 3, I kept thinking if this was 300 hp and awd, i'd have even more fun! LOLplus, that size and the nice ability to hold more than a few items in the trunk (no rear fold down seats for me) has me really excited!