Seems like a dumb move to me. You need to get more power not less.
My WRX stock came as a 227 hp car. I've done a few things to boost the hp. I've never put it on a dyno but I would guess I'm aroudn 260.
The MS3, for those who don't know, comes with 260 hp and LOADS of torque. It runs the quarter about even with the WRX (not the STI, really a whole different category). But the 0-60 speed is slower with the MS3 but it picks that speed back up in the quarter and runs about the same time. The MS3, being frontwheel drive can have tons of wheel spin and that is the biggest difference 0-60. It also has a 6 speed box, 18-inch wheel and a really nice sounding stock exhaust. The interior the MS3 gets rave reviews over that of the WRX.
The 2008 WRX is downright fugly. The STI is an improvement in appearance with the flared fenders but still not as attractive at the MS3 or GTI.
Why would I switch to a Mazda? Things I've heard and read:
- Better ride.
- Better interior materials
- Exhaust note
- Eventually want something new and it is priced right.
My question was this: By owning a WRX will I be disappointed in the MS3. It sounds like people are saying I would be.
I'm not sure if everyone understands there is BIG difference between the Mazda3 and the Mazdaspeed3.
Cyclone: The Mazdaspeed 6 in 5.2? I've never read anything lower than 6.1. Edmunds did a comparison of the MS6 to the Legacy GT spec B and the Legacy did 5.7 and the MS6 did 6.1 (for the record, the Mazda slalomed faster).