I got in an argument with this guy at my work today who has a SVT Focus, about which is a better handling car. Basically I was wondering if there is any proof out there that I can show him that the P5 is a better handling car. Any links would be appreciated. Also, what would have to be done to a P5 to make it quicker than an SVT focus in the quarter mile?
-Dan

 

tie the p5 to the top of a viper. that might work.

sorry, haven't seen any comparos between a P5 and a fugly SVT (although the SVT ain't that fugly).

i'll bet when the mazdaspeed hits the shore, there will be comparison articles.

 

turbo

 

sorry, but the svt focus will out handle a pro5 any day. (unless you go full race suspension on the pro5, then it throw the svt focus into the weeds )

 

I like the SVT focus, but that's just me. I know a lot of people hate foci, but I think the SVT is a pretty sweet machine.

 

i just hope they improve the quality of that car. If not it'll be the fastest lil hatch to watch the races from the junkheap.

 

Well I honestly don't have a beef with the SVT but I thought I would pass this little bit of info onto you. It might come in handy

http://www.canada.com/toronto/globaltv/consumersmart/story.html?id={5A2F8C3B-D156-496B-BEA4-7FBC6B26A137}


Sorry but you will need to copy this entire link and paste it into your browser address bar. It's worth the quick read.

 

The SVT will win in 1/4 mile and autocross. I considered the Focus as my next car, but I really have a problem with the looks of it. I love the looks of the P5 sooo much better.

 

I've been looking at the MP5, SVT Focus and VW Golf for quite some time. I have yet to test drive any of these cars. I was wondering how the VW Golf would fare against it's rivals. It is a little more costly but you get what you pay for.

 

The MP5 wouldn't fare up to a competition between the Focus and the Golf. I think those are close in 1/4, but I am not sure in Slalom. Then it comes down to the 6 or the 1.8T in the Golf, both have their advantages/disadvantages. Check the Vortex forums. There are always nice VW's for sale.

 

I dunno about down in the states but up here in the frozen North, to even think about a GTi, you're lookin' at around $30 grand. Granted, you're going to get more with a VW, but I just don't thinik you can compare the two.

For that matter, this argument is kinda moot. Both the GTi and the SVT Focus are rice rockets. They're souped up from the factory. Our P5s, while really nice-looking, are not (nor is the MP3, really [puts on flame-retardant suit] )

In addition, read any reviews these days of the VWs and they all tell the same story, it's tired. VW hasn't done a redesign in almost 5 years. I would say that the most recent Proteges (P5s and MP3s, Mazdaspeed) would run circles around it.

 

com on dru, the mp3 not riced? aftermarket wheels, rims, shifter, pedals, steering wheel, exhaust, stereo, tuning (kinda), spoiler, suspension, body.....there's not much else to modify on the car.

 

What is this mazdaspeed you speak of? I'm a newb! I've seen it mentioned in just about every other thread.

Is there a turbo kit?

 

the mspeed is the replacement to the mp3. The mazdaspeed fixes the problems of the mp3, namely power and the lsd. It is turbocharged by callaway (170hp) and has the aforementioned limited slip. All it needs now is a six speed and some hoochies in the back seat.

 

When I say 'rice-rocket' I'm not referring to 'rice'. A rice-rocket is a (relatively) inexpensive car based on an econobox (eg. Honda CRX, VW Rabbit GTi, Nissan, Sentra SE-R, etc.)

IMHO, the MP3 is kinda ricey (spoiler, stereo) but not really. What's lacking is motivation from the silly pedal. Both the SVT Focus and the GTi 1.8T (or even the VR6, despite being overrated) have powerful engines from the factory.

You can't fault our Mazda's for trying (and they try so hard... ) but they just don't have the same ponies as the other two.