Cross shopping MP3 vs. Tiburon I4 and MSP vs. TibV6

[Rotary_Powered]

I'm planning on getting another car so I'm cross shopping. Depending on what I can afford it's either going to be

2001 Mazda Protege MP3 Vs 2003 Hyundai Tiburon GS
140 hp vs 134 hp
Or

2003 Mazda Speed Protege vs. 2003/2004 Hyundai Tiburon GT

170 vs 170.

My argument for the Protege is better handling, and main argument for the Tiburon is that both it's engines respond better to mods than the Protege's FSDE.

Trying to put as much bias aside (as possible) what do you guys think?
As I've matched them up cost is pretty much the same.

[Rotary_Powered]

I think insurance should be about the same for both too, but the protege's need premium fuel.

[Kansei]

The Tiburon (4-cyl) is probably heavier than the Protege MP3. The MP3 is a much rarer car, beautiful styling, amazing handling, and the engine responds to mods quite well.. with forged rods and pistons it can be a beast (600+ whp).

The Tiburon has a decent aftermarket, with multiple turbo and supercharger kits available.

I'll alert my friend on these forums with a tib and I'm sure he can come in and answer any questions you have about the tib.

[Boosted03MSP]

Mazdaspeed Protege FTW! Handles better than a crappy Hyundai, looks better, comes factory turbocharged, so no need to spend more cash buying a turbo kit for the tib. With exhaust intake unichip and 8-10psi, you will destroy 99% of tibs. :) Glad I could decide for you, hahaha:)

[CitizenPro]

The new style tibby's are very nice imo. I had an '05 SE V6 version at one time, and it was a very nice car to own. Only major downside for me was there was no leg room in the back seats....

[Rio Racer]

I beg to differ with you that the msp looks better than a "crappy" hyundai tiburon. The baby ferrari styling of the tib is beautiful. The msp handles better than the tib and it's a drivers race between the two in straight line stock for stock. Handling in the tib isn't bad it's saloms faster than the RSX type s but slower than the celica GT-S and with suspension mods it is very capable. The tib has more aftermarket, stronger motor than fsde in both V6 and I4. The V6 tib can be safely boosted with proper tuning to around 330 whp the 4 cylinder tib can be boosted with good tuning to around 350 whp or more on stock internals. The 4 cylinder is known for it's strength and boostability. The tib is really reliable with both engines. You hardly ever here of blown engines on tiburons (check out newtiburon.com). The weaknesses of tiburons are that the early 03 models have clutch issues, also power window and door lock actuator issues. Other than that there are no known common problems with the tib. The newer 04+ tibs have most of the bugs worked out. Another great thing about the V6 tib is that it takes REALLY well to bolt on mods. I made nearly 180 whp with just intake header exhaust. There is a new header design out which netted 193 whp on a V6 tib with just I/H/E. There are several supercharger kits available for the V6. The best one is the assassin supercharger that is awesome quality and nets you about 310 whp right off the bat and it comes with everything you need in the kit so you can literally get it and install it in a few hours and safely run 310 whp. Change the pulley diameter and you get way more power. I have the intermediate s/c option which is the Alpine stage 1 aqua cooled supercharger i'm at 3-4 psi and i put down 220 whp. The tib also turns alot of heads because of the styling. The 05-06 tibs are definitely the hottest looking ones IMO. I think the msp is also a great car that handles well but if you like the 2 door coupe look the tib is a solid great value and looks way better than it's 2 door competition such as the eclipse. http://subscribers.wardsauto.com/data/models/2006/2006-Hyundai-Tiburon.jpg
here is the Top gear review where the compare the tiburon and the SC 430 lexus and they love the tib. it's 7 minutes long though but the tibs driving style is described very nicely. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhhSHyMjlYE The tib review starts around the 5-6 min mark because they are reviewing the lexus before that but it's worth it.

[cmahlig]

i always saw it as a chicks car

[msp35]

if you're considering the tiburon, why not a kia? lol

Rio, Sure the tib motor is built strong, but take into account the $$$ required to FI the tiburon. Put that into an mp3 or even msp (turbo already installed) and then whatcha got? Sorry I say the msp all the way, not to mention you really don't feel as if you're driving a sedan.

FI FSDE, how big are you? I know I don't fit very well in a tiburon, I'm 6'2 ish.

[Rio Racer]

And here is a vid of some tibs that includes part of the top gear review on the tib. It has alot of supercharged tibs in the video. I love the s/c whine they make. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrJnhExdfho

Msp 35 how much can the stock FSDE hold in power without zoom zoom booming though? One could get a 4 cylinder tib for dirt cheap way cheaper than a MSP or MP3 (which isn't even turbo so yeah.) and buy a turbo charger for 3 grand tweak boost and net huge gains safely on stock internals. The money you save in getting the 4 cylinder tib can get you the turbo needed to make more power.
Yes the msp will be cheaper to get to 220 whp then a V6 tib but if ya don't wanna just do bolt ons and get tons of gains I would take the tib V6. Also I dunno about how expensive a msp is but you can get a used V6 tib in good shape from a dealer for a little bit under 10 grand. The NGM sniper supercharger costs 2,300 dollars right now and will get you 240 whp with NA mods. The I4 tib can be purchased with less than 60k on it for around $8,500 (at least according to autotrader listings in my local CT area) and ones with 70k miles are selling for around 7,700 bucks.

[altspace]

Is this not more of Off Topic?

[Boosted03MSP]

And here is a vid of some tibs that includes part of the top gear review on the tib. It has alot of supercharged tibs in the video. I love the s/c whine they make. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrJnhExdfho

Msp 35 how much can the stock FSDE hold in power without zoom zoom booming though? One could get a 4 cylinder tib for dirt cheap way cheaper than a MSP or MP3 (which isn't even turbo so yeah.) and buy a turbo charger for 3 grand tweak boost and net huge gains safely on stock internals. The money you save in getting the 4 cylinder tib can get you the turbo needed to make more power.
Yes the msp will be cheaper to get to 220 whp then a V6 tib but if ya don't wanna just do bolt ons and get tons of gains I would take the tib V6. Also I dunno about how expensive a msp is but you can get a used V6 tib in good shape from a dealer for a little bit under 10 grand. The NGM sniper supercharger costs 2,300 dollars right now and will get you 240 whp with NA mods. The I4 tib can be purchased with less than 60k on it for around $8,500 (at least according to autotrader listings in my local CT area) and ones with 70k miles are selling for around 7,700 bucks.




3 grand??? For 3 grand in a MSP i can get internals and other supporting mods and boost 14-15psi and bye bye Tib. Sorry a car coming with facorty boost will always win the $$$ war. If i had 3 grand why buy a turbo kit when i can get a car relative to the same price already turbod and makeit balls fast. This isnt a Hyundai forum, so you wont get much support on a chicks car..lol j/k

[bradicus18]

Did someone say 600+ whp out of an MP3???

[CitizenPro]

You guys are worried about who has the bigger HP numbers, not everyone gives a shit in that department....or makes it there only reasonto buy. They need to like the car overall imo....unless your a kid lookin for the bigger d*ck. Ive personally owned both vechicles, and i must say there two totally different cars. In the Tiburon, it feels like u sit much lower and feels more crowded (back seats suck!) The Protege has much more space, but isnt has "sporty" looking as the Tiburon. Also depends on which model you purchase too.....I had the SE V6 6-speed model w/ almost all options, sunroof, Kenwood unit w/ speakers, leather & mesh w/ Red Stitching, etc......and ive seen lower models that looked like crap. Also the shifting isnt allthat great, i believe they use the drive-by-wire shiet....and it shifts retarded. Definitely takes some getting used to.....i never did though.

And like Rio said, stock for stock.....the V6 Tibby & MSP head to head is a drivers race. The Tibby was torquey, and had nice power.....and for its weight, wasnt much of a slouch. I should be telling you to go all protege, but both vechicles are great in there own right. And the only model i would ever consider is the 05-06 models like Rio posted. The rest are blah, even the new body style that just came out.

[Boosted03MSP]

You guys are worried about who has the bigger HP numbers, not every gives a shit in that department....or makes it there only reasonto buy. Ive personally owned both vechicles, and i must say there two totally different cars. In the Tiburon, it feels like u sit much lower and feels more crowded (back seats suck!) The Protege has much more space, but isnt has "sporty" looking as the Tiburon. Also depends on which model you purchase too.....I had the SE V6 6-speed model w/ almost all options, sunroof, Kenwood unit w/ speakers, leather & mesh w/ Red Stitching, etc......and ive seen lower models that looked like crap. Also the shifting isnt allthat great, i believe they use the drive-by-wire shiet....and it shifts retarded. Definitely takes some getting used to.....i never did though.

And like Rio said, stock for stock.....the V6 Tibby & MSP head to head is a drivers race. The Tibby was torquey, and had nice power.....and for its weight, wasnt much of a slouch. I should be telling you to go all protege, but both vechicles are great in there own right. And the only model i would ever consider is the 05-06 models like Rio posted. The rest are blah, even the new body style that just came out.


I agreee with most of whats said. My brother used to own a tibby. I didnt think it was quick feeling at all. As for Speed, yes not everyone cares about that. The MSP out handles the Tib by far. Braking, i dont have the specs on, but i would think it would outbreak it. Interior in the MSP is much nicer than the cheap Hyundai interiors. Also the styling, especially the 03.5, is pretty "sporty" as you said compared to the boring, kinda fem looking tiburon.

[Kooldino]

FI_FSDE (http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/member.php?u=26703) - You really have to sit down and look at your goals. If you want moderate power, go with the mazda route. If you want BIG power, go with the Hyundai route.

However, in every other category I can think of (other than power and potential power) I think the Protege wins hands down.

[Kansei]

Did someone say 600+ whp out of an MP3???

yeah.. I have the video on my computer.. I'll try to find it on here.

This (http://home.coqui.net/igdrasil/gallery/turbo/cp323b.wmv) is an FS-DE in a Mazda 323 over 600whp..

I highly doubt that if you include labor you can forge the FS-DE for cheap.

A supercharger install is infinitely easier than installing forged rods and pistons.

If you want an AutoX beast: MSP + coilovers + new sway bars + 16s + Kumho Ecsta MX
If you want a drag beast: Tiburon (but why are you looking at FWD cars anyway?? (poke))
If you want a really functional everyday car: MSP (due to being a sedan with really decent back seat room)
If you care about warranties: Tiburon (I never really touched my warranty so I don't even consider this when I'm buying a car).
If you want a lot of power with a nice, linear powerband: Tiburon with or without supercharger.
If you want whiplash when the power kicks in: MSP with some mods.. a stock MSP doesn't feel very fast .. at ALL.
If you want a show car: Tiburon.. it's a more racey look, there are a lot more bodykits for it, etc. If you care more about image, the Tiburon is good because people know they are a sport coupe.. Seriously not many people know about the Mazdaspeed Protege.

They are both very good cars.

[Rotary_Powered]

FI_FSDE (http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/member.php?u=26703) - You really have to sit down and look at your goals. If you want moderate power, go with the mazda route. If you want BIG power, go with the Hyundai route.

However, in every other category I can think of (other than power and potential power) I think the Protege wins hands down.

My goal sometime after buying any of the 4 I mentioned, would be eventually 200hp. I have another car I use for AutoX though I would like to take the new as well, hopefully I could road race the new car a couple of times.

here are my priorities: (scale of 1 to 5, 5 being the most important).

Power: 4
Handling: 5
Insurance Cost: 4
Fuel Economy: 3.5 (both cars are about the same)
Versatility: 3
Reliability: 4.5
Ride:3

[Rio Racer]

FI_FSDE posted the exact same question on newtiburon.com and it's funny to compare the responses between the two sites. On NT.com he posted that he would be happy with 170-180 whp which is exactly what a V6 tib with I/H/E gets which is pretty affordable to do. Take the money you saved and buy yourself some suspension mods on the tib to improve it's handling and you have a nice well rounded car. The tibs chassis is actually pretty rigid which is why it weighs alot (although it is the lightest V6 coupe in it's class) curb weight for a 6 speed is around 2,950 lbs for the V6.

[Rotary_Powered]

Thanks everyone for the reponses :). They've help a few things in perspective. (though I still wonder which one would have cheaper insurance LOL)

To be fair if I got the v6 I'd probably do the stage 0 s/c from alpine, though appearently the same thing is possible with bolt ons

If I got the MSP, I would go with SMIC + 626 manifol, turbo back (with cat & resonator) and unitchip.

So each would give me reoughtly the same cost for the same power. So in a way price isn't to big of a concern, I think...

[Rotary_Powered]

As for the MP3 Vs the Tiburon 4cylinder.

How much is a MSP turbo kit??? (the manifold, turbo, ecu, etc.) That could be put on an MP3 as a future mod, this puts things into perspective when comparing it to the i4 tib.

[CitizenPro]

May take awhile to piece together an MSP kit. Another option could be the HiBoost Turbo budget kit.....i believe its like $1500, and you'll need to get an EMS which is seperate.

[Rio Racer]

if you are gonna go alpine stage 0 you should go NGM sniper S/C instead because it costs the same and makes more power. How much is a seperate EMS system with tune for the MP3?

[CitizenPro]

Ranges from $200 to $1500+

[Kansei]

And the MSP turbo kit can be done with a front mount intercooler, wideband, all other gauges, etc all inclusive for around 3000

[Rotary_Powered]

if you are gonna go alpine stage 0 you should go NGM sniper S/C instead because it costs the same and makes more power. How much is a seperate EMS system with tune for the MP3?
Thanks for the tip on the s/c(glare). As for the EMS I can get Emanage ultimate for a bit less than $550. and Emanage blue for under $305.


May take awhile to piece together an MSP kit. Another option could be the HiBoost Turbo budget kit.....i believe its like $1500, and you'll need to get an EMS which is seperate.
I guess emanage would be cheaper than say Unichip, does only hiboost make a good kit. (:( they're obdii happy are they?)

[CitizenPro]

At the moment yes. I dont think theres any other company out there that u could purchase from, as a new kit. I just checked some websites & numbers, and the budget kit is $2500. I could have sworn that i saw one from them for $1500.....my mistake.

[avarela86]

As for the MP3 Vs the Tiburon 4cylinder.

How much is a MSP turbo kit??? (the manifold, turbo, ecu, etc.) That could be put on an MP3 as a future mod, this puts things into perspective when comparing it to the i4 tib.

There are a couple of people that have done the MSP upgrade and my take is it's the best bang for your buck. Find a used kit with a good turbo and just get the ECU and run a Unichip at no more than 9PSI with an exhaust and not even a FMIC just the SMIC and you got a VERY fun car to drive....Minus the LSD which kicks it up another 50% fun factor if you get one.

If I did it all over again it would've been that or a Hiboost Kit. They are the more RELIABLE ways to go. Tunning is the MAGIC to our cars.

My buddy just bought a Tiburon and he surprised me with it. When I went outside to see what he got for the first time I almost Blurted out WHY.... I have never heard much about reliability in Hyundai. But then again I have never looked into it. If reliability was a big reason TOYOTA!! For the fun factor and rarity I would go for the MP3.(stereo is kickass, better than the MSP IMO) The Tib is a car I have always looked down upon, also never seen any really nice ones. This is also just MY OPINION.

Wish you the best of luck and W?E you go with I hope it's for the best. BTW I think the MP3 should be a lot cheaper than a newr Tib. I got mine for 7k out the door.(first)

[Rotary_Powered]

At the moment yes. I dont think theres any other company out there that u could purchase from, as a new kit. I just checked some websites & numbers, and the budget kit is $2500. I could have sworn that i saw one from them for $1500.....my mistake.
Linky(poke) Please (first) (pretty much the same as a budget kit for the 4cylinder tiburon, $2400). (peep)

Edit: found the budget kind on P.G. silly me kept checking the hiboost site.

[Rotary_Powered]

There are a couple of people that have done the MSP upgrade and my take is it's the best bang for your buck. Find a used kit with a good turbo and just get the ECU and run a Unichip at no more than 9PSI with an exhaust and not even a FMIC just the SMIC and you got a VERY fun car to drive...
If I did it all over again it would've been that or a Hiboost Kit. They are the more RELIABLE ways to go. Tunning is the MAGIC to our cars.

(first) Great reply! thanks. SMIC for me (cheaper hehe). Do you mind discussing your original setup to get the mp3 up to speed level, I have a pretty good idea of what's needed but I would love to hear a first hand account.

MSP ecu is cool. seems like the easy way to go. Though like I said before emanage is cool (and I actually just found blue for $245! & ultimate $434!)

[avarela86]

(first) Great reply! thanks. SMIC for me (cheaper hehe). Do you mind discussing your original setup to get the mp3 up to speed level, I have a pretty good idea of what's needed but I would love to hear a first hand account.

MSP ecu is cool. seems like the easy way to go. Though like I said before emanage is cool (and I actually just found blue for $245! & ultimate $434!)


Well...from experience to be honest I would go the easy route. (if you don't plan to build it.) I asked another guy, he insisted that he get a FMIC. He was doing the MSP swap and was going crazy cause he just wanted to drive the car. Solution was simple get a stock intercooler setup with radiator in all etc so you can DRIVE the car....I EVEN HAD THE PARTS HE NEEDED. It's proven that for low boost applications the upgraded SMIC is plenty. He is now driving the car without an intercooler at all. Some people are just subborn.

The best bang for your buck without plans to build is the MSP setup or a Hiboost setup since then you REALLY don't have to worry about tuning.The MSP has a handful of complications that include:

-Rear Sway bar clunk(AXR Clunk Fix)
-Blowing motor(Any form of A/F tuning)
-Broken LSD(Open Diff/Quaiffe)
-Radio issues(Get another one!?)
-Wheel Hop(AWR MM)

There are solutions to ALL of it. For my application I will go forged. I tell EVERYONE this same story. I have a buddy that hangs with the crew all the time he has a black MSP. His car was literally in ruins, it was even riding on airbags. I would take him like if he was driving a golf cart all day. Fast forward to today, he has: hardpipes, Upgraded SMIC, Vibrant exhaust, ATP actuator (8PSi) D2 Full Race Coilovers, AWR MM stock s pipe, stock ecu, no tuning and he is right on my passenger door. Mind you I dynoed at 196WHP 194WTQ just about a month ago.

Like I said, bang for your buck this is what I would do. All he needs is a Unichip and then I will be the one that needs to upgrade something to match him. For tuning I don't know about E-manage because I never have read much about it. I dealt with the MPI and had my car running for about 2 months then went the full step and went standalone with a Haltech since I wanna build it.

The Unichip is great, plug and play, no splicing wires etc and if you can, you can even get JDM Sam to tune it. From what I have read he is the best when it comes to Unichip tuning. EVERYONE is satisfied. For MPI tuning either Kooldino or Bigg_Tim are the ones to go to. There are also DSM afc that I hear work wonders, I have another local buddy Sandspeed which runs one and he is on 11PSI now and has a blast driving the car. PM any of these guys I mentioned and you can get the info you are looking for, as more me....I got class to go to!

[Donas64]

It comes down to your choice. I like both cars. I've seen some awesome tiburons and some awesome proteges. As for which motor is stronger? No question that the Tiburons motor is the more reliable block but the protege can be done right too! I have a soft spots for Tiburons though. The main difference is 2 dr or 4 dr. Which one works best for you? Me? I love my P5. But I got love for hyundais too.

http://www.wickedbodies.net/03-On-Tiburon/Hyundai%20Tiburon%2003-04%20-%20poison%20complete%20kit2.jpg

[Kooldino]

Is this from a dealer?

[CitizenPro]

Thats some uber low mileage.

[jdm4lyf9]

I say go with the msp because I own one. Kidding the msp all around is a better car. The tib is nice too, but lets be honest a V6 should put out a lot more than 170 hp. The msp is not very potent etiher for a 2 litter turbo charged car, but for what it lacks in power it compensates for in handling. The tib has a stronger block but think about the extra money that you would have to spend to add power and to strengthen the suspension. A tweak here and there and the msp would be quite the car to compete against. Oh and the mp3 is nice to but I don't know much about that car.

[MSP608]

get the blue mp3

[Rio Racer]

Why not just test drive the tib, and msp, mp3 and see how you like them.

[Rotary_Powered]

Testing a couple this week.