Damn, Steve was right

[BAC5.2]

Drove an MS3 today.

There is no doubt in my mind that I'd get one of these over a new WRX. Fit and finish is far better, and handling is phenomenal.

I was REALLY aggressive on it, and it didn't skip a beat. Traction control was really intrusive, so it'd almost always be switched off if I got one. FWD limits are met quickly, but that really only hurts it's low-speed performance. high speed, bumpy, near full throttle turns are REALLY nice with DSC off. And it pulls VERY well to over 120.

Now I'd be torn on an 08 Outback 2.5XT, and the MS3.

I also drove an MS6. Back to the drawing board, Mazda. It's overrated.

[evolutionmovement]

Yeah, the dealer said the same thing about the MS6 vs. the 3. It's just a much better car.

Interior's the same as the base model except for the nicer seats and is a big reason I got the car. Everyone that's sat in it since has commented on the interior.

Left foot braking brings the back out nice in everything but low speeds (heavy braking before lifting for turn-in with that). There's electronic brake distribution which I thought would suck, but actually overcomes the understeer better than left foot braking in a car without it. You don't even have to put much on the brakes so it doesn't slow the car as much.

The MS3 handles high speeds better than the standard one since that one's springing is too soft for high speed undulations. Sucker sticks anyway, but moves more than I'd like (or the wagon did). Ride isn't bad for a fairly stiff suspension and real low profiles. I wouldn't want to buy tires every year, though (about what I average) - the cheap one is expensive enough.

The MS3 is noticeably stiffer than the regular one chassis wise. Subarus are built much tougher than either (or at least they used to be).

[klaxed]

well if u want the MS3 in allwheel its called the CVX or somthing like that the small SUV they made is that.

The MS3 engine is a tune down of the MS6... i know for a strong fact that the STi kills the MS6 in any race. I read up on it and magz tend to say its close... no STi killz the MS6

But the MS3 smoke an SRT-4 any day. and the MS3 looks way nicer hint hint NOT a NEON

Well if you think about it, the STI and the MS6 are different cars for different markets.

[entirelyturbo]

FINALLY!!!

I snuck into a sold MS3 that a tech had to work out some issues with after it was jump-started (apparently the DBW doesn't like it).

I didn't throw it into any curves, but I did get on it.

Oh yeah. The WRX would get its ass handed to it.

It does have a lot of lag (it feels like an EJ205 WRX, not much below 3k), but when it does finally get spooled up, it has a LOT more power than any stock WRX I've ever driven.

I hate to say it, but I do agree. I would definitely take this over the new WRX. At least the Mazda is still a real Mazda.

[evolutionmovement]

And I heard Mazda's not using Ford's 3.5 V6 in the new 6, but their own 3.7 instead. The released photo of the new 6 looks great. And the Miata is supposed to get the 2.3 turbo.

[legacy92ej22t]

I had a new MS6 blow by me today on I-476 (PA Turnpike) going probably about 120mph. I was doing 80 mph and it was like I was standing still.

It's a good looking car for sure.

[entirelyturbo]

The released photo of the new 6 looks great.

Released? I've only seen spy photos in diapers still and they have RX8 headlights...

[evolutionmovement]

There's a front shot in a tunnel or something out there. Check windingroad.com