Mazdaspeed 3 fun

3321 Views 8 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Bryman13, Jan 6, 2017

acanoia07

Discussion Starter · Sep 24, 2016

I'm sure it's been explained in many other threads but thought I'd let y'all know about a quick little race I had with a red Mazdaspeed 3 2nd gen. No idea who he was but he came up behind me and switched lanes to get next me. I asked him if it was stock first and he said it was, but there was at least an exhaust mod. Anyway, we were goin 40 mph (It was either in Mexico or in Phoenix, AZ near 67th and Thunderbird). I was in 3rd gear and took off. Not sure what gear he was in but i was in 3rd the whole time and he had to shift but we were even until he had to shift and I slowly pulled. Basically dead even.

Again he said he was stock...

Mine: 2015 MM ST1. Steeda FMIC, FSWERKS full intake with Green filter, tuned by Stratified on 91 octane, 18" TSW alloy wheels, FSWERKS shift shift kit, WC lathewerks ST knob, ISC N1 coilovers (1" drop in front, 2" drop in back).

Always been a fan of the MS3's, just never got the chance to wet my whistle against one. Anyways let me know what you guys think of the results. Appreciate the forums.

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wheelhopper

· #2 · Sep 24, 2016

Well the do have a motor 15% bigger than ours.

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fragchild

· #3 · Sep 24, 2016

Speed3's are just OK stock, but they take to mods well. Just an intake on mine got me to 250whp 276wtq. Never dynoed it after my cateless DP but it was noticeable gain.

I love my focus but the Speed felt way more aggressive.

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acanoia07

Discussion Starter · #4 · Sep 24, 2016 (Edited)

Yea I do understand the motor is bigger than ours but def wanted to see how a pull would end up. I'm torn between upgrading the turbo or keeping it as is. It's still the daily so I'd prefer not to stress about my motor blowing. anyone with an upgraded turbo use it as a daily?

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willfromfreeport

· #5 · Sep 24, 2016

I daily my big turbo ST. The turbo spools just a tad slower than stock, but makes a ton more power. Very worth upgrading from that hair dryer we have stock.

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acanoia07

Discussion Starter · #6 · Sep 24, 2016

lol well I'll have to look into it then. I can't be outdone by the "other guys" in Japan.

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FoST2016

· #7 · Nov 12, 2016 (Edited)

acanoia07 said:
Always been a fan of the MS3's, just never got the chance to wet my whistle against one. Anyways let me know what you guys think of the results. Appreciate the forums.

Not only does the MS3 have a 2.3L, it also has a K04 turbo which is considerably bigger than the K03 in our cars. Further, the MS3 has a LSD which helps with traction. My buddy had one back in 2008 (although I'm not sure if that mk1 was mechanically the same as the mk2) and I agree with whoever mentioned they feel more raw than the ST, torque-steer is considerably worse as well. Anyway, Motortrend did a video comparison of both cars which is worth watching.

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DTANN23

· #8 · Jan 6, 2017

Being the owner of both a Speed6 and a Focus ST (also have a few Speed3 buddies) the ST is definitely more refined and more fun in the twisties. The Speeds feel like they have more of a soul than the ST and I know from experience that with just a tune they turn into a whole different animal. Now with that being said my ST is completely stock as its my DD and covered by an extended warranty where as my Speed6 is heavily modified and is my favorite out of the two.

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Bryman13

· #9 · Jan 6, 2017

DTANN23 said:
Being the owner of both a Speed6 and a Focus ST (also have a few Speed3 buddies) the ST is definitely more refined and more fun in the twisties. The Speeds feel like they have more of a soul than the ST and I know from experience that with just a tune they turn into a whole different animal. Now with that being said my ST is completely stock as its my DD and covered by an extended warranty where as my Speed6 is heavily modified and is my favorite out of the two.

The MS6 is hard to compare, being awd, but I too have heard that they take to tune and mods very well. Overall I like the ST more, I think it looks better, and is much more well equipped when you get into the ST2/3. Still, for the money you can't go wrong with the MS3, I have several friends that have them.

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