I've owned in my life; 1991 Mustang LX 5.0 AT, 1995 Camaro Z28 6MT, 1996 BMW 328is Sport 5MT, 2000 BMW 328i Sport 5MT, 2002 BMW M3 6MT (still have) and 2002 Subaru WRX Sportwagon 5MT (which is being replaced with the MS 3).

Scheduled to take delivery on the 24th, it will be the first FWD car I've ever owned.

I only got a short drive in one, but I must say I was very impressed with the quality of both the materials and build, the specification and equipment levels of the GT version and the great value.

I loved the seats, at least in terms of support, hopefully they'll prove to be comfortable over long distance. The brakes where just plain awesome and I know brakes. The steering was very good, with nice feel and good feedback with about being twitchy. The ride/handling balance is outstanding, fun car, toss-able but perfectly livable on a day-to-day basis.

Only 2 things I didn't like; one is the shifter, the clutch is fine but the shifter was OK it's just not what I expected from a Mazdaspeed. The other is the engine note, however, the WRX engine note is pretty lame so it's acceptable.

I'm sure as many other the VW GTI was the other car I was looking at to replace the WRX, 5-door version, and I must say I was a bit disappointed in the car. It's a fine car, but what happened to the vaunted quality? It looked more old Chevy than Audi, despite the PR. It also wasn't as toss-able as the MS 3, it just felt less connected and not as much fun. And with the 18" wheels on the test car, the ride was not that great. One place where the VW has a clear edge though, the engine and transmission. That 2.0T is an outstanding power-plant and the shifter is typical slick. But that can't make up for the rest or make up for the $2,500 premium given the lousy way VW setup the options lists.


More after I get my car and have a few weeks with it.
As an everyday, fun to drive and occasionally track car the MS 3 is stunning value and in my opinion a big step up from the WRX, it ain't no M3, but the M3 is dangerous in the winter and will give most people kidney damage on bad roads.

 

That's insane man .. you have a BMW M3 and soon a MazdaSpeed 3 as well? I must say I am a little jealous at this point...

 

^ sweet... haha.. guess I really got to take back my spam comment!

 

No need, no offense was taken and it's completely understandable, if anything I was a bit too defense

Before you say that you need to know that I pay a near daily price in the form of nagging ...it's a 3 car family, the M3 for 3 season, the WRX (soon MS3) for 4 season and my wife's old Jeep Cherokee which I refuse to acknowledge or drive . But, the think is a tank it just keeps going, 16 years now, she was a sophomore in college when she bought it and she wants to keep the ugly think. That said, I usually find the M3 or WRX missing from the driveway.

 

welcome to the forum.

A MS3 for your first FWD car....good luck! You'll build muscles in your arms you never knew were there.

Seriously though, what is your location? We try to organize regional meets from time to time. I'm doing a big meet in the S.E. area as we speak.

 

N.E. NJ, Cliffside Park to be exact, 3 miles south of the GW Bridge.


I look forward to the torque steer, I've always had a soft spot for wild animals

 

wait until you pu a few mods on it.

Just a piggyback on the stock car made something like 290whp and 310wtq...couple that with an intake and catless turboback and you'llbe kicking the crap ou of almost everyone.

 

Lord, lead me from temptation