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Hatchbacks Mazda3 Mazdaspeed test drives
268 messages, Last post on Aug 02, 2007 at 6:45 AM
You are in the Mazda3 Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer
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Replying to: 1320mlx (Apr 18, 2007 9:14 pm) 
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Replying to: mrser (Apr 19, 2007 6:23 am) The Speed3 has a top mounted intercooler (sitting on top of the engine). It doesn't make much sense to simply suck up hot air from the engine compartment to run through the intercooler. The inside of the hood incorporates some ductwork that takes cool air coming in though the grill and routes it through the ducts to the intercooler. The inside of the hood is also supposed to seal against the top of the intercooler with the hood closed. This way, the engine can get (somewhat) cool air without resorting to a hood scoop like the WRX (btw - I'm not saying that the Mazda method for getting cool air is as efficient; just why the hood is heavier than a standard Mazda3 hood).
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Replying to: rorr (Apr 19, 2007 12:54 pm) A black '08 MS3 is in my future, unless they add white as a choice next year.
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Replying to: mrser (Apr 20, 2007 4:16 am)
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Replying to: 1320mlx (Apr 18, 2007 9:14 pm) Well ,technically, there is no S-Plan on the Mazdaspeed3. A dealer can sell one for invoice if they choose, which would be the S-Plan price.
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Replying to: aviboy97 (Apr 21, 2007 5:21 am) |
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Replying to: stallionre (Apr 20, 2007 8:17 am)  actually the ms3 has LESS insulation than the regular 3, for a sporiter experience/sound while driving.
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Replying to: eldaino (Apr 25, 2007 8:44 am) sounds like stallionre isn't the ONLY one with a hood fetish...
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After a test drive, I'm leaning towards a 2007 Subaru WRX-TR but a part of me wants a speedy wagon, a WRX wagon was  $3000 more at my dealer. Didn't enjoy the Speed 3's FWD at all, felt it at all times - thought I was being careful with the throttle but was getting slippage, especially over one slightly gravely part of a road. Too much power on the front wheels - I guess I learned I'm really not an FWD driver/fan. Biggest turn off was sharp edge between plastics chaffing my right leg. An almost horizontal seam between lower/upper console area going into my upper calf. Only drove it 10 minutes tops and my leg was starting to hurt from the rubbing. I'll probably test drive one again without wearing shorts but the idea I have to wear pants or put tape over parts of my interior doesn't get me excited. A few other turn-offs; *The engine sound. WRX has nice, aggressive grind to it with nice note - all I could hear from the MS3 was the muffler and some engine, I guess - but I dunno, the WRX was the one saying zoom, zoom, zoom; sounds like an engine should sound. *Colors - I don't want a black car but black was the only color I liked. The soft blue was disappointing. (The color of the one I tested) *The clear tail lights - I don't like nor even understand the trend and look forward to its demise. Can't seem to find tradition replacements online. *Leg area in general wasn't leg friendly, chaffing sucked. WRX was more spartan but I liked its simplicity. *Looking at WRX sedan vs. MS3, which is a wagon - WRX's very clear and intuitive view versus MS3s blindspots. *The 18" wheels - 17" wheels seems fine and more economical. MS3 Pros; *More cupholders. Rear passengers have door ones and elbow rest ones. *Stereo - much nicer but reading from owners it isn't that great. Still, much better than Subarus - the TR's sucks. *Goodies; WRX TR has none. Stepping out of TR instantly adds $1000, getting any other goodies quickly adds even more duckets. Break-even; *Can't really say the power, would've rather had less with AWD or less period - I have no interest in spinning out on my front wheels. But the shifting was much smoother than the WRX / but I also enjoyed the notchiness of the WRX's shifter. Sheer power numbers = MS3 / sheer usable power on all 4 wheels = WRX. *It is a nice black though. Very subtle sparkles - nothing crazy but great paint job. Paint quality is better than WRX's. Colors = WRX / Quality = MS3. *Interior materials. Neither seemed that much better than the other. Different things I liked about both. Mazda's interior feels "newer". Subaru's felt better to my body but looks okay. The center area is serviceable but not neat/cool. Mazda's stick and pedals and steering wheel were definitely a nicer quality and you get controls on the wheel. Which in a way, I liked that the WRX is very simple and is all about the driving experience. *Looks; call me crazy, I like the 3-part Tribeca schnoz. The TR I was looking at was a sweet blue, but also liked the white ones too. The WRX is very recognizable and kinda funky, the MS3 looks almost exactly like a Mazda 3, which are everywhere which is basically a Protoge... I guess I should try them both again - take notes or something. I'm in no rush but would like to get something by the summer.
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Replying to: mugwomp (Apr 25, 2007 7:04 pm) |
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