JPF

iTrader: (1)

YouTube - 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX vs. 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 by Inside Line

What you guys think? doesn't look good for the scoob so Subaru have gone from creating one of the best handling cars to one that's beaten by a Mazda? how can a 2WD handle better than a AWD?

WR 1mposter

iTrader: (1)

They look almost identical too

"The all new Impreza. It sticks to the road"

Seems not

gam1415

Quote "how can a 2WD handle better than a AWD?"

Judging from the video clip, by much better control of body roll.
On the other hand, I have read one report that says that the Mazda suffers from serious torque steer under hard acceleration.

JPF

iTrader: (1)

Judging from the video clip, by much better control of body roll.
On the other hand, I have read one report that says that the Mazda suffers from serious torque steer under hard acceleration.[/QUOTE]

Good point, but I though Subaru had supposedly improved the body roll by lowering the engine more and improving the chasse?
How can a car based on a rally car have more body roll than the Mazda?
Don't mean to go on but I just don't get it!.....so not only have they messed the looks up(though actually starting to grow on me now ) but they've got the handling wrong too
Me thinks the reviewer likes Mazdas

Steve vRS

By fitting the rally car with completely different suspension than the road car. Oh and a multi point weld in roll cage, seam welded shell etc.

Remember as well, don't confuse handling with grip and traction. An Impreza has loads of traction and wet weather grip but an MX-5 has more entertaining handling.

Steve

JPF

iTrader: (1)

lol all true, but a Mazda 3!? and shorely the rest of the car(scoob) is designed to be a good platform for the roll cage etc to fit on?...sorry don't mean to argue, to be honest I quite often find myself confusing traction with handling
but isn't the WRX and WRX Sti marketed as a good handling car as well as a bargain performer?

I'll stop....just getting more and more disappointed that's all.

mattvortex

The Mazda 3 MPS, as its called in the Uk , is the most powerful hot-hatch for sale here right now- 256 BHP. There was a test on it in What Car? not so long ago and its in-gear acceleration is fantastic-left all the others for dust including an Astra VXR and Leon Cupra . As a comparison its 50-70MPH in 3rd is 2.8secs- exactly the same as a classic wrx sti iv!
It didnt win the test as they said its dull styling and running costs let it down but, personally i would chose it over any of the others as it does,nt shout "llook at me" like the chavvy Civic type R and Astra VXR. Bit of a sleeper!

cster

Good to see the WRX in real lifefor the first time.
If I were to chose one word to describe it, it would be
EMBARASSING !

Probein

God, I almost feel embarassed to say I own a Scooby now.. It's just beyond belief that Subaru would honestly think that thing could sell! Beaten by a bloody Mazda..........

JohnD

iTrader: (5)

Beaten by a car that shares ita name with a lightbulb!
Actually, I've a sneaking admiration for Mazda's and does not the 3 share its platform with the Focus? The WRX looked rather floppy!
I'm afraid that after my STi I would be looking further afield if in the market for a car in the WRX bracket. There's a lot of talent out there in that market.
JohnD

simpsons !

Good point, but I though Subaru had supposedly improved the body roll by lowering the engine more and improving the chasse?
How can a car based on a rally car have more body roll than the Mazda?
Don't mean to go on but I just don't get it!.....so not only have they messed the looks up(though actually starting to grow on me now ) but they've got the handling wrong too
Me thinks the reviewer likes Mazdas [/quote]

Good points and well argued!




But after looking at that video torque steer or not it beat the scooby hands down on performance handling and looks............................................. .....................................It's a sad day.

Suresh

Its not an MPS I know, but I had a 2.0 Mazda 6 estate on loan for a month recently and I thought it had a good chassis and very direct Focus-like steering. Liked it very much - to drive that is.

If I remember rightly TopGear mag rated the mid 1990s Mazda 626 over the Impreza turbo when they tested it (well before anyone knew what a 'scoob' was). History repeating itself then.

Stevesbluewrx

iTrader: (4)

I had a Mazda 3 Sport on hire only in the last couple of weeks.

I liked it. The only things things that put me off of it was the light clutch and the gear box felt wishy washy so to speak. But in all a nice little car.

I was invited to the NEW impreza at Cheam Motors open night. I have to say that in terms of looks (It was only the 1.5gl version) I would have the Mazda over the Scoob I am affraid to say.

Sorry.

Steve

Luminous

iTrader: (3)

Sporty Mazda v basic Impreza, no surprise to the result when they were looking at performance mostly in that review.

At the end of the day, buy what you like, regardless what anyone else thinks.