Newbie here, so bare with me if this has already been discussed at length. I'm seriously considering purchasing a new car, MSP, SRT4, or WRX. I'm impressed by what I've read about the MSP's handling, but a little skeptical of the apparent lack of performance (170hp). I know HP is not everything, and so my first question is what does this 170hp translate into concerning 0-60? Would the stock MSP get toasted by an SRT4 or WRX (not-STi)? Second question: what is holding back the HP of the MSP if it has a seemingly beefy Garrett ball-bearing turbo? What kind of investment would it take to get up to around 200 to 250 hp (if this is even possible with such a limited aftermarket market)? Any educated responses are appreciated. Thanks.

 

Well, I'm by no means a 3rd gen expert, but here ya go:

1. The MSP would be smoked in a straight line by a SRT and a WRX (From a stop). I think the 0-60 #s for the MSP are around the mid-high 6 range.

2. There are two problems with turboing 3rd gen's that I've run across. First, the fuel management is an issue. Perhaps in the MSP with an ECU made to run boost it wouldn't be a problem, but from what I hear, a lot of people are concerned about the fuel issues. Second, I've heard rumors about the engine internals as well as the tranny being somewhat weak. If I'm off base here, I'm sure someone will definately correct me.

3. 200whp shouldn't be a problem. I haven't been keeping up to date on maybe 3rd gen turbo projects, but I know non-MSP turbo protege's have been getting pretty impressive numbers, even over tha callaway kit on the MSP (torque seems to be much better on the FM kit). I think AEM made a CAI for the MSP that has peak gains of about 10-12whp, very nice definately. If you can get a larger downpipe and exhaust (I think there is a pre-cat that you can take out to probably regain some HP) and a boost controller, you would be running definately close to 200whp, if not slightly over.

Hopefully some more knowledgeable 3rd gen guys can clear up any misinformation I've been giving you

 

Ok between those three choices, and if money isnt really isnt an issue, go with the WRX.

The SRT-4 has alot of potential especially with a slight mod to the inner part of the hood it has a built in cold air ram point directly above the air box. and it has impressive numbers especially considering the torque it puts out, I just dont like how it looks, simply.

The WRX has a large aftermarket available for it and has nice styling and incredible power potential as I have seen may many WRX's pushing 300 to 400 hp or more depending on how much into tuning you want to get. vishnu racing is the best company, IMO, for wrx tuning as they offer a full line of turbo staged kits for the wrx starting with stage0 which is an ECU upgrade taking it from 227hp stock to about 275-280 according to their duno results. By the time you hit stage 3 of their progress you are above 350hp I think which is plenty for most any application(other than time attack).

I think the MSP is dead sexy as far as looks and especially as far as handling is concerned, for stock suspension packages it has the best setup I have seen on almost any car, exlcuding maybe the mitsu EVO and then you in a completely different price range.

To put it this way I wanted a WRX, 01 or 02, and couldnt afford it in my current financial position so I went with my 03.5 mp5 and love my car alot. Maybe not the power I wanted but for what I use it for now and the growing aftermarket (now that mazdaspeed is in the american market and the p5 is gaining recognition) is nice also.

In the end it is up to personal preference, which do you like the look of more, more importantly go drive both cars, drive them both multiple times if possible before deciding. And the get what feels and looks right to YOU.

GL happy shopping =)

 

Exactly, I was going to get a WRX, but it was $100 more a month payments and $150 more insurance. My P5 is prettier and I think is cooler cause it's not as popular.

 

hey BBoost and Welcome to our happy little corner of the net, and to our Club. There are TWO BIG fridge'S in the corner with anything you can think of in them...help yourself...of course only take what you can LEGALLY have.

make yourself at home on one of the big fluffy couches, kick your shoes off, put your feet up on one of the tables, yes we are allowed to do that, mom don't care....and take it easy.

oh...btw....every once in a while a food fight breaks out...so you may not want to wear nice clothes here.

Welcome!!

the guys have pretty much answered your questions...but one...you ask how much to get it up to the 200 whp range? about $3000....in fact there is a company out of Miami, Spool, that makes an upgrade for the MSP that puts you right in that ballpark.

as for the other questions...well you REALLY need to ask yourself what is truely most important to you....

in reality the 170 ponies that the MSP comes with is WAY more than enough to get you in more trouble than you want to be in ..... and in its stock form...the MSP will out handle 7 out of 10 cars on the road today...REGARDLESS of how much they cost.

in my opinion that MSP is a much better looking car than the others.

if raw power and handling are the most important things to you...then you need to figure a way to wrangle the WRX STI. you get power to spare, it handles pretty well....you get AWD....have a big aftermarket.....the only thing the car is lacking when you get it...is the fact that it does NOT come with a sound system. Imagine that...you pay $30,000 for a car and NO radio!!

 

Check out this thread from the other protege board.

http://www.protege5.com/vbb225/showt...threadid=22948

14.2@100Mph. And apparently he outran a few SRT's

-Sp

 

Yet again, it's interesting that no one brings up the Lancer Evo. The new 270hp one was put up against the STi in Car and Driver. They rated the Lancer higher. At least check it out, so you aren't missing out on any of your options.

Though, since you stated you aren't looking at an STi, the new Evo is probably out of your price range.

 

with the addition of a front mount intercooler and the cold air intake to the MSP, you should see pretty good hp numbers. I for one would most likely go with the MSP if it were a choice of MSP and the SRT, but with the WRX the potential and aftermarket is physically there and already developed.
Body kits are available and there are product out that can boost the hp and tq levels. Also the WRX's engine IMHO is stronger, already proven and can hold boost.
The only downfall to the WRX is that they sound horrible with an exhaust attached. Many people should be able to attest to that.

You should also specify the price range that you want to spend on the car, mainly because the MSP ,SRT4 is in a bit of a different price range than the EVO...

At any Rate best of Luck and hopefully you will make the right decision for yourself
Bruce

 

Okay Guys, Thanks a bunch. You definitely answered all my questions. I will take some time to formulate my final decisison. Several of you hit on a key point, price is an issue. Right now this excludes an EVO (my dream!) and the STi. Thanks a lot!

 

well gl with your shopping, like most eveyrone has said it depends on 2 main things, what you want and what price your willing to pay.

And as far as the EVO vs STi comparison it was edged over the STi simply for form and handling, not for brute power. For brute power you still cant compare 271 or so hp in the evo and 300 even from the STi.

Since those are out of the price range anyway I wouldnt worry =)
as for the rest you have gotten good info here, Although I am not sure about the sound from a WRX exhuast as I have only heard one and it sounded nice (low, not too loud). but I am sure there are those that dont sound so good.

 

I got a question and I would like to know everyones opinion. Which is better, building your car up from the start and spending bwt 5k-10k into it. Whatever your preference if, example buying a used civics, 240sxs, 200sx, eclispe, talon, intregra, or whateva car. Or spending, 20-30k+ For a brand new car, then throwing 5k - 10k plus into it?

 

I choose to buy a used car and put 5-10k in it . For one i didnt wanna rip apart a new car im gonna be paying for 3 years on . and also i wanted to do all my own work to understand the car im driving more. So i choose my 93 lx protege ..Jon

 

yea I agree. My plans were to build my 240sx up. Get the sr20 swap and gettin the full Silvia conversion. By the time I get finish I would have spent bwt 10k - 15k and will have a fast car hittin 12s-11s. My goal is 10 - 9 secs.

But I get sidetrack when I hear about the new cars, MSP, SRT, Evo, Sti and I wonder which would be better.

 

http://www.protegeclub.com/forum/sho...5&goto=newpost

 

The only car out of the three that I would have a problem with is the SRT-4.

It's fast, Yes
Cheap, Yes
Cheaply Made, Yes.

Remember it is a Neon!

Ask yourself this. Would I ever had even thought about buying a Neon, before the SRT-4? Probly not!