Honda civic si vs mazdaspeed3

[sunny4201]

Hey guys im really considering buying the mazdaspeed3. Could somebody with a lot of "quality time" driving the mazdaspeed3 tell me if you had many problems with the vehicle. The civic si (2008) is my second choice, but it is much slower 0-60 and more reliable.

[AutoXRacer]

More reliable...? Are you trying to say Mazdas are not reliable?

My previous Mazda was traded in with 204,000 miles and she ran as strong as she did when she had 25,000 miles. She was raced at least 4 times a month on track days and autocross; plus she was my daily driver of 130 mile daily commute.... Can't get more reliable than that...

The 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 has had a couple of recalls... The 2008s, none so far, and I don't expect any...

I'd go with the Mazdaspeed 3... I think Hondas are over rated anyway...

Good luck with your decision...

[Hirudin]

Have you test driven both of them? A buddy of mine (a honda salesman) has a new Civic Si. The car is very nice, super roomy (feeling at least), and the futuristic gauges and stuff are cool too.

I'd say lets be honest... Honda has a very good reputation regarding reliability. Personally Mazda wasn't on my radar up until a few months ago, so I can't speak for Mazda's reputation.

Performance: To me, the Civic Si looks fast but is a little slower, conversely the MS3 sorta looks slow but is actually quite fast.

[Falango]

You are gonna get some biased opinions here being it's a Mazda forum. All that aside, the MS3 is nothing to slouch over, it's quick. All depends what you want out of your car. The MS3 is not only the quickest sport compact out there, but it's very practical too.

[J-protege]

Performance: To me, the Civic Si looks fast but is a little slower, conversely the MS3 sorta looks slow but is actually quite fast.

Sleeper vs Ricer :D

I would test drive them both. Because of the height and curb weight, they are going to feel and drive very differently.

Hard to make a choice on numbers alone, when the cars are designed so differently.

[hsamat]

I had a si. I loved it, but after driving a friend's MS3 I sold the civic and have been driving the MS3 for the last 4 months no regrets.

[BluMicaR]

I have a 2007 MS3 sport, my fiance has a 2007 Honda Civic Si 4-door; without bias I can tell you somethings, however let me 'tint' them so you understand my perspective:

I am 6'4" 320lbs, size 46 waist, 32 length. I am a Big-Boned individual; have a even layer of padding, but am not 'obese' any longer; this is to clarify 'fat' from just 'big and tall'. That said:

I love my MS3 seats WAY better than my g/f's Si. Her lumbar supports bite into my back and I don't quite fit between them; they must be made for more narrow people. My seats, on the other hand, are fantastic and I fit like a glove -- the lumbars work wonderfully. I HATE her dashboard; I tell her we should plant corn on it to make a buck off the extra real-estate. I don't understand why the dashboard in the Civic is as big as my glovebox; I really like how big my glove box is, btw - and a passenger can get into it while sitting in the seat. Not in hers, it opens right into my knees, and then is TINY as hell. Perhaps the knees thing is 6'4", but not the tiny space in it; the MS3 glove on the other hand can realistically hold a fricking 12 pack. On performance, her gears are very crisp, though I really don't care for the way the shifter is; it reminds me of an Atari joystick. I like her display inside, the 'look' is indeed futuristic or very 'techy' feeling; MS3 is more like a cockpit kind of feel, I think F-14 is to MS3 as Blackbird/F-22 is to Si. MS3 feels more 'tried' and 'analog' where the Si is like the cutting edge, just the way everything is lit and displayed. For drink storage/door spaces MS3 is cool, I can fit a drink in each door, two in the middle, and one in each door and two in the middle in the backseat; Si is two in the middle front, two in the middle back. The door slots in Si are not big enough for more than magazines/PSP/CD players. Acceleration; she has more 'equity' in 1st and 2nd, but like has been said, I'd PWN her every time in her Si with my MS3. I don't like how our first gear is sometimes (under hard pull/WOT) more of a 'hurry and get to 2nd' than a real 'gear', lol. Under normal acceleration it is fine. Headroom is equal in both; I am a bit more comfortable sitting on either side of my car than hers, I think for a shorter person the layout of her car provides perfect 'resting' spots for long drives, such as the door trim molding for your right/left arm depending on where you are seated. Mine is seemingly made for me, the resting places are intuitive. Both cars have awesome armrests; these things are like Texas, gone are the days of shifting/pushing subtly for space with the person beside you like in a movie theater. Her car has better stock sound/stereo, but mine makes cool lights left or right on the deck when I change the volume. :) Helpful, I hope.

[chacon101]

I used to own a new Civic SI but that was a few years ago. I currently own an 08 MS3 GT and did a pretty extensive car search which led me to the Mazda.

I personally think a new, red Civic Si is a really sharp looking car. A girl at the dealership had JUST bought it and I must say, I never thought much about the looks of the MS3.

I test drove the SI and then about two months later, the MS3. I bought the MS3 about a week later. On top of that, I also really like the looks of my MS3 more everday for some reason.

It's like a girl you meet and at first, she doesn't seem all that hot. Then, after hanging out with her and grabbing a few beers. She gets hotter and hotter because of her personality but she was never bad looking to begin with.

In the same way, this car is a jewel that you will enjoy for as long as you own it.

I can't think of one thing that I like more about the SI than the MS3.

What is your pro/con list? Maybe we can help you after knowing that?

ps. the Si is quick...sorta. the MS3 is quick for sure.

[BluMicaR]

It's like a girl you meet and at first, she doesn't seem all that hot. Then, after hanging out with her and grabbing a few beers. She gets hotter and hotter because of her personality but she was never bad looking to begin with.

Totally agree. MS3 is like the girl who hangs out with you and longs for you and listens to all your chick issues and is with you through all the dramas; one day you have beers and one thing accidentally leads to another. You've had your first test drive and what you never considered (a hatchback/stationwagon; c'mon, let's be HONEST) is the love of your life. The day I had my 3s in for an oil change and test drove the MS3 was the day I fell in love. I didn't buy that day, but I was already madly in love and knew she was exactly what I was looking for; it always happens when you aren't looking for it, hehe.

[SwampAss]

I contemplated both. I could have saved a few $1000 by going with the Honda.

I drove both. I really like the Honda but do not like the stacked gauges. The Civic feels much slower than the MS3. It feels like 80% of the power is at 20% of the rev range. That's all well in good but you really have to row the shifter on the Si to get any level of performance out of it. Handled beautifully though. The MS3 is the lazy man's car. Who cares what RPM it's in. Gas and go.

Civic Si = scalpel

MS3 = sledge hammer

I had one of the first MS3s. (the first one in my area) I've had a few recalls and one reoccurring check engine light that was fixed with an updated intake manifold valve that was of poor design. My dealer has been great. They get me in and out on the same day.

[MaDz]

You are gonna get some biased opinions here being it's a Mazda forum. All that aside, the MS3 is nothing to slouch over, it's quick. All depends what you want out of your car. The MS3 is not only the quickest sport compact out there, but it's very practical too.

Falango, you have a beautiful car.. every time i see your sig man.. GRrr.. :)

/threadjack

I would go for the MS3 for sure. Hit the search and you will see plenty of posts just like this one!

MaDz

[Falconx84]

I contemplated both. I could have saved a few $1000 by going with the Honda.

I drove both. I really like the Honda but do not like the stacked gauges. The Civic feels much slower than the MS3. It feels like 80% of the power is at 20% of the rev range. That's all well in good but you really have to row the shifter on the Si to get any level of performance out of it. Handled beautifully though. The MS3 is the lazy man's car. Who cares what RPM it's in. Gas and go.

Civic Si = scalpel

MS3 = sledge hammer

I had one of the first MS3s. (the first one in my area) I've had a few recalls and one reoccurring check engine light that was fixed with an updated intake manifold valve that was of poor design. My dealer has been great. They get me in and out on the same day.

+1

I absolutely HATE the gauges on the si, stacked with a dig speedo
I was really really close to signing paperwork, then realized that I couldn't deal with those for 5 yrs or more. That and I never really liked the look, I had wanted a hatch like all other SIs before it.

So I went to Acura to look at the more refined version, the RSX-S. Again, almost bought it but decided to wait a while longer because it didn't have the LSD as an availible option, even though the civic had the same tranny and came with the factory lsd

And then my prayers were answered when I flipped on Speed channel and motorweek was doing their report on the MS3. I drove out to the dealers, he didn't have one so I had to wait a week then I got my baby

[alexB]

I work at a honda dealership in my area. I absolutely love the SI. The car is so smooth in every way. Awesome car. But I would go with a speed3. Ive seen pics of forum members who have lowered their speed3s and put some wheels on them. Im not a big hatcback fan but the speed 3 can be a very good looking car. Alot better platform than the SI also. I have been i nside of the speed3 anywhere close to as much as an SI but the speed3 seems to be alot more upperclass.

[clos561]

get the new cobalt turbo

[chriscecc914]

Honda for the reliability win! Mazda for the win win!

[SwampAss]

Honda for the reliability win! Mazda for the win win!



I think may have been true many years ago, but they are no longer the class leader.

I've heard from more than one person with newer hondas on transmission # 2

[Goosegimlet]

I owned a 06 Civic SI before the Speed 3 I currently drive. They are two different cars.

SI Pros IMO= Awesome gear box. One of the smoothest ever. Great sounding, extreemly smooth high RPM engine. Comfortable seat for the long haul. Great looking design in and out.

Si Cons IMO= Little HP and even less Torque. Paint chipped easily. Even thought it was smooth to shift at high RPM, for some reason it didn't seam that way under normal driving. I think the RPM's dropped to quickly between shifts. Strange, I know. It only had good pickup at high RPM when V-tec kicked in. Won't win many races unless you put alot of money into it. Lose what little HP it has when you turn on the AC.

MS3 Pros IMO= Amazing stock HP and Torque in comparison. Great design as well. A little better handling in my opinion. More driver and passenger room. Drives well just cruising and when your beating on it.

MS3 Cons IMO= Not the most comfortable seat for the long haul. Gearbox is a bit notchy. Sometimes wish the pedals were set a little further back or the stearing wheel and and shifter were set closer.

IMO the the MS3 Cons reaching and easily over looked. I don't regret trading in the Si for that MS3 at all. I'd do it again. Just sooner.

[PeterC]

I went from a 05 RSX Type S before my MS3. My personal opinion is that the Honda is a fun car to throw around with excellent handling, but no power. It simply has no balls. Revving up the VTEC to 8000 gets old...FAST. It has almost no usable power on a daily commute. Drive the MS3 and you are slapped in the face with torque and it has great handling as well. If it had AWD it would be perfect, but as is it is still the best deal in town.

I will add my one complaint about the MS3 is the touchy clutch. Coming from the Honda this thing is just not up to par, but you get used to it after a while.

[Haltech]

Have you test driven both of them? A buddy of mine (a honda salesman) has a new Civic Si. The car is very nice, super roomy (feeling at least), and the futuristic gauges and stuff are cool too.

I'd say lets be honest... Honda has a very good reputation regarding reliability. Personally Mazda wasn't on my radar up until a few months ago, so I can't speak for Mazda's reputation.

Performance: To me, the Civic Si looks fast but is a little slower, conversely the MS3 sorta looks slow but is actually quite fast.

Better change the timing belt on time or youre going to have 14 bent valves... honda's are no more reliable than anything else out there. Their maintence is quite pricing and their brakes dont last very long. Get the mazda, cant beat the power and overall package.

[Derek88]

Better change the timing belt on time or youre going to have 14 bent valves...


14 valves/4cylinders = 3.5 valves per cylinder?

I must be missing something. I thought the K20A's had 16?

[blaggah]

Almost 22k on mine, and no problems yet.

[Nachtsturm]

I was cross shopping the Si and MS3 as well.

All the Si has over the MS3 IMO, is looks(coupe), resale value, comes in white, and a much better shifter. But it is slow.

After a test drive of the MS3, I loved the torque pull. And went with it. No regrets. And the price was the same, I paid invoice for my MS3, the Si I would have paid sticker.

Although, if the SRT-4 Neon was still made, I would have bought another one of them.

[Hikaru9]

SI Pros IMO= Awesome gear box. One of the smoothest ever. Great sounding, extreemly smooth high RPM engine. Comfortable seat for the long haul. Great looking design in and out.

MS3 Cons IMO= Gearbox is a bit notchy.



I went from a 05 RSX Type S before my MS3. My personal opinion is that the Honda is a fun car to throw around with excellent handling, but no power.
I will add my one complaint about the MS3 is the touchy clutch. Coming from the Honda this thing is just not up to par, but you get used to it after a while.

(iagree) As someone who owned an RSX for five years, I agree 100%. MS3's gearbox/ clutch has been my biggest complaint so far, but I seem to be getting used to it.

Contrary to what others have said, I actually like the two tier instrument panel of the Si. I really love the idea of having a large tachometer right in front of you.

[importgirl212]

with the reliability thing....i work for mazda sellin cars...i have this awesome write up at my desk....and it's extremely extensive. I think the website is something like "pro preowned" but not exactly...i'll post it later. But it researches about 100 different auto makers for 3-9 year old vehicles and their warranty reliability. Mazda came out #1 at 8.04% and honda came in second at 8.94ish. I also checked Manheim auto auction and a Cosmic Blue speed3 with 12,000miles on it sold for $21,500...that's very impressive....all in all i just believe the speed3 is the biggest bang for the buck...

[camrycev6]

I think someone said it earlier...but the the stereo in the Civic is better. (MP3 player!)

[speed3se-r]

14 valves/4cylinders = 3.5 valves per cylinder?

I must be missing something. I thought the K20A's had 16?

K20's are also chain driven not belt.

[Haltech]

14 valves/4cylinders = 3.5 valves per cylinder?

I must be missing something. I thought the K20A's had 16?

I worked on Acura's/Hondas in the past. Acura had some bad water pumps that would seize, causing the timing belt to break.. Out of 16 valves, youre replacing 14 of them.. Thats what i meant by 14... You break your belt, youre screwed.

[sunny4201]

Do you guys think that if i dont do any modifications on the MS3 engine or exhaust, there will be no problems for at least 50,000 miles?

Also, whats the cost of insurance on the MS3(i am 19). It has to be higher than the Civic si.

[clos561]

its proly cheaper...4 door hatch....

[Mocoso]

Do you guys think that if i dont do any modifications on the MS3 engine or exhaust, there will be no problems for at least 50,000 miles?

Also, whats the cost of insurance on the MS3(i am 19). It has to be higher than the Civic si.

There are no guarantees in life but YES I doubt you will run into problems for at least 50K miles if you dont mod and if you mantain the car properly....remember that the MS3 while only on a 2 yr production run doesnt have a lot of "new" unproven components in it with low production runs

Oh and I think the whole Honda and Toyota are reliable is WAAAYYYY over-rated... while they may tend to make more reliable cars in general it is no guarantee that ALL their models will be

[PeterC]

I think someone said it earlier...but the the stereo in the Civic is better. (MP3 player!)

The MS3 GT can play mp3s from CDs.

[pirdo]

Or you can use the aux jack (for people w/ no sat radio) with your iPod and you're set with mp3 music.

[Sacrilicious]

....remember that the MS3 while only on a 2 yr production run


wait, so the ms3 is going to end production after the 08 model year?

[ill_eagle94]

The MS3 GT can play mp3s from CDs.

Mine can't.

[ill_eagle94]

I worked on Acura's/Hondas in the past. Acura had some bad water pumps that would seize, causing the timing belt to break.. Out of 16 valves, youre replacing 14 of them.. Thats what i meant by 14... You break your belt, youre screwed.

It's got a timing chain, not a belt.

[POLARBEARsMP3]

hey i would probably buy a SPEED3 instead of a CIVIC SI which isn't bad, get the sleeper SPEED3. i bought my brother one there is barely any parts for it.....

CHECK IT OUT my brothers CIVIC SI if u have an myspace account

http://www.myspace.com/pjeter313

[ZooMIN3]

Do you guys think that if i dont do any modifications on the MS3 engine or exhaust, there will be no problems for at least 50,000 miles?

Also, whats the cost of insurance on the MS3(i am 19). It has to be higher than the Civic si.

I don't think you'll have any problems with minor mods to your car, be it Cold Air Intake(CAI), Short Ram Intake(SRI), Cat-Back Exhaust(CBE), or any suspension problems. The only way if something is guaranteed to get screwed up, is if your upgrade was installed incorrectly.

Or if you just have bad luck, altogether your car just falls apart on ya... (bang)

If you already have insurance for another car, just call your agent and have them run a quote for both cars you are looking into. They'll give you a better estimate than we could. It'll depend on who you have for insurance, how long you've been with them, if you have multiple cars with them, your age, your driving history, and how long you've had your lisence. If I left something out, post it up! :-) Let us know what you come up with, and good luck with what you decide.

-J

[RJKSpeed3]

get the MS3... i used to own an acura rsx which has the same engine as the si and my rsx felt like a slug after test driving the ms3.......

MS3 can be reliable as the si as long as you take care of it....

[camrycev6]

The MS3 GT can play mp3s from CDs.

Actually, it can't. Sorry.

[camrycev6]

Or you can use the aux jack (for people w/ no sat radio) with your iPod and you're set with mp3 music.

I didn't like the aux jack setup because you couldn't easily changes songs (or do much else for that matter), so I eventually paid the $200 for the iPod adapter kit installation. It took a little getting used too, but I really like it now. It just would have been nice to start with an MP3 playing stereo. (Or better yet...a NAV / DVD system that plays MP3 DVDs...that would be awesome in terms of storage capacity.)

[chacon101]

Actually, it can't. Sorry.

Yes it can. I have three albums with the White Stripes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Nirvana that I played last night in my MS3 GT.

The guys at the dealership told me it couldn't either...and then before I drove off, I put in a CD and they were like, "what??".

[Blang]

My 2008 MS3 GT can NOT play MP3's.

[ill_eagle94]

Yes it can. I have three albums with the White Stripes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Nirvana that I played last night in my MS3 GT.

The guys at the dealership told me it couldn't either...and then before I drove off, I put in a CD and they were like, "what??".

Why would you have 3 CD's with only one CD on each. With MP3, you could easily have all 3 of those on there. I'm gonna have to raise the bs flag on this one.

[chacon101]

Wow, good thing you are here to call bullshit. Man, you got me! Uhm, no. I have about 20 songs on each CD and there are songs from more than just those. It was a reference...really not important to the details.

Hmm, I wonder how much you would be willing to bet me that I am wrong? Nothing? $100 bucks? I could make a video and make you eat that "bullshit".

[Powerslave]

Mine can't.

mine does(attn)

[camrycev6]

The 2007 /2008 MS3 GT and Sport models cannot play MP3 CDs in the stock radio system. Get off the crack guys or get educated. Burning a CD and playing in the stereo is not the same as burning an approx. 700 MB data CD with about 150 MP3s and playing it. I think you may be confused....

If you still refuse to accept the truth, check the specs... MP3 capability is not listed:

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=modelsSpecs&vehicleCode=MS3

Not trying to bust your chops too much, just want to get the facts straight.

[Powerslave]

The 2007 /2008 MS3 GT and Sport models cannot play MP3 CDs in the stock radio system. Get off the crack guys or get educated. Burning a CD and playing in the stereo is not the same as burining a approx. 700 MB data CD with about 150 MP3s and playing it. I think you may be confused....

3 of my cds are... well I just remebered i do record my music in WAVE for best qualty mp3 quality is kinda crummiy. So you could be correct

[camrycev6]

Yep... WAVE files are uncompressed...in other words they are just like regular CDs.

Glad we could clear that up....

Side note... I think that 160 Kbps MP3s are pretty good. It is very hard to hear a difference (at that rate) versus uncompressed data considering the acoustic dynamics in a car. I think with few exceptions, at 160 Kbps, you would have trouble distinguishing the two in a "sound test" conducted sitting in the driver's seat. Only the most serious equipment and / or trained ears can tell the difference starting around 128 Kbps. (They have done quite a few studies on it actually.) The type of music does play a factor, but start hitting 256+ Kbps and even that becomes irrelevant.

[chacon101]

Yeah, Wave files...my bad. Glad I didn't bet anyone (braindead

[camrycev6]

No worries...it happens to us all sometimes... Now back on topic...

I have two friends (both female) who just recently purchased Civic SI's. (I think it is important to note they both REFUSED to even test drive a Mazda.) I asked them why and the responses included:

1) It is a Mazda...Honda's are better cars.
2) I don't like the look of the Mazda.
3) They (the SIs) are really fun to drive and are "powerful."
4) The inside is really "cool."
5) I always wanted a sports car....

Both offered to race me after I told them that my MS3 could take their SI. We haven't had the chance to do it yet, and quite honestly, I don't think they really would.

[Sacrilicious]

wow...at least they weren't overly judgemental and gave both cars a chance, eh? ^_~

[camrycev6]

I know...you should have heard the tone in one of their voices when she said Mazda... She could have replaced it with Kia and it would have sounded the same. The other said it a little more tactfully, but she did state that Mazdas were the same as Fords. (Which is exactly what the sales person at Honda told her too...)

[chacon101]

Just wondering, how old were those two chicks who got the Civics?

[Sierra117]

Race them for clothes and sex!

[Sacrilicious]

Race them for clothes and sex!

^^^^^^

[ill_eagle94]

Yeah, Wave files...my bad. Glad I didn't bet anyone (braindead

(rofl) Good thing you got all defensive earlier, only to realize that you were wrong. :)

I exhausted myself trying MP3 CDs in this thing after I bought it. I have around 100 CDs filled with MP3 and I tried about half of them. :)

But yeah, no hard feelings. Just take a second and think next time, before posting incorrect information. :)

[camrycev6]

Just wondering, how old were those two chicks who got the Civics?

41 and 36

[Hikaru9]

41 and 36

(omg)

[voiceKoil]

No worries...it happens to us all sometimes... Now back on topic...

I have two friends (both female) who just recently purchased Civic SI's. (I think it is important to note they both REFUSED to even test drive a Mazda.) I asked them why and the responses included:

1) It is a Mazda...Honda's are better cars.
2) I don't like the look of the Mazda.
3) They (the SIs) are really fun to drive and are "powerful."
4) The inside is really "cool."
5) I always wanted a sports car....

Both offered to race me after I told them that my MS3 could take their SI. We haven't had the chance to do it yet, and quite honestly, I don't think they really would.


lol Ive had similar experiences then I say Ok wanna go for a quick ride??? Con them into it some how, Go real slow and then top of second WAM Make them $hit their pants till 90(nailbyt), theyll think otherwise lol (lick)

[Sacrilicious]

41 and 36

lol...why am i not surprised? ^^;

[Sierra117]

Still race 'em for sex, old chicks need loving too!

[camrycev6]

I've already slept with them both years ago... So no need to go there again...

[Mocoso]

wait, so the ms3 is going to end production after the 08 model year?

I know your yanking my chain :D but nevertheless Ill answer: Yes most likely 08 will be the last production year for MS3.. I havent seen "official" posting for this but its the way its been for all "speeds"

[Sacrilicious]

lol...actually, i wasn't yankin your chain. i had guessed that perhaps that would be the way of it, but i wasn't sure and i was just seeing if you knew for sure...;o

[06Si to CX-7]

Had one of the first 2006 Civic Si's, number 910 to be exact...best car I've ever owned. Roughly 200 hp with a very quick/smooth 6-spd and the handling was phenominal!!! Some complain about the lack of torque but it revs up so fast that you don't notice in my opinion...you just keep gaining hp all the way up to like 8.2k rpm! The i-VTEC kicked in at like 5.2k rpm and it was like the car went insane with the engine starting to scream like a banshee. That car had all kinds of character and I miss her dearly... Long story but I hydroplaned her on the interstate in June and a car behind me hit her at like 40mph destroying the rear bumper :( Had a new bumper installed but the paint match looked like shite...had a baby on the way also and thought I should get a more family friendly car as well. Bought a new CX-7 for a nice compromise between sporty and practical but miss the Si every day. Seriously nothing else on the road handles like the new Civic Si with the limited-slip differential, you can corner like sports cars that cost much much more. The MS3 would beat it every time in a drag race but on the track or in the twisties I think the Si coupe would win hands down...that car eats up the curves...ahhh I do miss her. Did I mention I always got 30-31 mpg with the Si in 85% highway driving?! CX-7 is getting 18-19 mpg on the same commute :(

[ill_eagle94]

The MS3 bests the Si in Lane Change MPH, Slalom MPH, AND Skidpad G Force. Coupled with an extra ~60 HP and ~100 TQ, there should be no comparison on a straight line or road course.

BUT! I've owned the bastard child EP3 and driven FG2's and FA5's and they are all a hoot to drive.

[Andrade08]

Huh...In my weeks of car hunting in late Oct and mostly all of Nov I never even considered the Civic. I test drove a good few times.....a...2008 GTI 2 door 6spd manual, an 2003 20th Anniversary Edition GTI (real nice car but I wanted newness not used), a 2006 WRX STi, a 2008 WRX 5 speed, and the new 2008 Mazdaspeed 3 cars.
VW.......I really like them. Wife and I had a 96 GTi that we put 162k miles on trouble free. I now own a 07 Jetta 2.5l 5cyl auto and love it. That is the reason though I did not get the new GTi. The GTi and the Jetta are too much alike on the inside. I didn't want to feel like I had 2 of the same car. WRX STi......kind of a lot of $$ for a used car with 20k on the odometer and the interior was horrible with that light blue all over the place. Felt very quick though. The new WRX was..........kind of plain. The last cars to consider in my opinion were the dodge SRT turbo box thing and the MS3 cars. The dodge was REAL ugly so I just went into the dealer lot, looked at it, cringed and left. I then drove a few Speed 3s and really liked them. The interior is clean and functional. The shifter was too tall and mushy feeling but that can be fixed for $$. The seats are real nice I think. The motor is REAL surprising. I didn't expect the jolt it gave. The super tight steering is GREAT!! I LOVE the rims and the stance.....4 doors.....ahh 50/50. The exhaust note of a stock car made me smile when I started it up. My wife smiled too. The MS3 won me over hands down once I found this site though and started reading. I actually found this site about 1 week before I made up my mind to buy the speed3. With simple mods these cars go from quick to fricken fast and they are every day driver reliable.

OK...........I do not think I helped with the Honda topic but.....my 2 pennies worth anyway.
Point.......drive them.....more than once or twice. Read the forums on the NET and see what the likes and dislikes are. Write things down and then decide.

[MS3077]

Long story short: I went to the Mazda dealership to test drive Mazdaspeed 3 to see what all the hype was about...3 hrs later I'm driven off the lot with a Black Mica Mazdaspeed 3 GT leaving my 2007 civic si sedan with them for 20k

2007 Civic si sedan: Positives-
-Very nice transmission except for 3rd gear at times.
-8000rpm redline was fun.
-driving postion was superb, felt you were driving a real race car..
- Decent power from 5800-8000rpm.
- Awesome resale..

Negatives-
-Low end tq...isn't there
-3rd gear isn't consistent
-Too loud for a 197hp car.
-A pain to drive in heavy traffic due to again... the lack of toque(eek2)

Mazdaspeed 3: Positives-
-Extremely fast for a 23 to 25k sport compact.(drive)
-Boat loads for Toque!
-interior is very nice
-a monster on the hwy.(five-0) lol !
-inspires much more confidence in heavy traffic when you need to pass/ get out of the way, etc..

Negatives-
-shifter isn't the best but isn't bad..Changed the to Amsoil and it's a lot better!
-Feels heavier than the si but doesn't matter so much better it's got dons more power..
-IN general ppl probably don't like the looks at much as the si.
-Gass mileage might not be as good as the si but it's not that much different.

[WHT_SPD3]

Hey everyone,
Couldn't help but notice this treat. Though there have been discussions about this months before, I got to give my 2 cents.

I've driven 2 model years of the civic Si (1998, 2004) for a total of 7 years, And I used to love Hondas for about 10 years. The reasons I chose the MS3 was...well it was everything I was looking for that I didn't find in older civic Si's. Like many people here, test driving the MS3 for 10 minutes did it for me.
I thought revs were the way to go, but from driving in city and highway I found it really impractical...really. The lack of torque always fustrated me. I really think Si's and RSX's do a great job of making you believe you are going fast...but you truly are not as fast as you think.

There's an acryonm for HONDA - Hold On Not Done Accelerating, I so believe that now, despite I used to be a Honda lover. Why wait for VTEC to kick in while there's a-lot more torque and power with the MS3? By the time VTEC kicks in, other cars have already driven past (I experienced that too often). Their engine's powerband is way too short, impractically short both on track and city/highway. I constantly couldn't help but think what redlining my older Si's everyday would do to the engine, tranny, and clutch. So they maybe build for that wear and tear, but why risk excessive wear and tear like that?

Some have said the MS3 gearbox can be difficult to drive, but I don't agree. Gates notchy? Yes. Clutch engages too easily or harshly? Yes. But I quickly got used the MS3 gearbox (gates,clutch engagement), not to say I'm some expert really I'm not. Many friends do not notice I'm driving MT until they see me shifting. Plus, I was used to driving nice gearboxes like the older Si's for instance. So didn't find the MS3's gearbox as bad as people (especially on Si forums) may say.

Across the board, out of the box, MS3 offers more than the Si. Many here have gone into detail about that already. MS3 alone has helped me turn my back on my 10 years of love for Honda.

[chacon101]

These posts say alot about how nice it is to own a Civic Si. Everyone seems to really love them but in the end, the MS3 wins more hearts.

I owned a new 93 Civic Si hatchback and also really really loved that car. I totalled it but was very happy to have it for 8 months (boom03)

I, like many people, bought my MS3 after one test drive. I drove the Gti, new civic and several others...NONE gave me a power buzz like the MS3. Even the female sales person says she loved how I drove the car and that she also felt high. Come on, is that a sales tactic or just plain honesty?? :D

Get the MS3 and in a few years, you will be raving about how you loved it.

[ill_eagle94]

These posts say alot about how nice it is to own a Civic Si. Everyone seems to really love them but in the end, the MS3 wins more hearts.

I owned a new 93 Civic Si hatchback and also really really loved that car. I totalled it but was very happy to have it for 8 months (boom03)

I, like many people, bought my MS3 after one test drive. I drove the Gti, new civic and several others...NONE gave me a power buzz like the MS3. Even the female sales person says she loved how I drove the car and that she also felt high. Come on, is that a sales tactic or just plain honesty?? :D

Get the MS3 and in a few years, you will be raving about how you loved it.

Yeah, as I drive off the lot in a new Mazdaspeed Miata or Demon SRT4.

[SSMS3]

I had narrowed my search to the Si or MS3, one test drive was all it took to make the decision (drive)

[ill_eagle94]

I had narrowed my search to the Si or MS3, one test drive was all it took to make the decision (drive)

Yet you're selling it?

[SSMS3]

Yet you're selling it?

Yes but here's why and it's not the cars fault lol...

I had an older hi-mileage Civic as a DD and bought the Speed as a more fun DD. In November I was approached by a local Evo owner I know to work a trade because he wanted my Civic to save some money and pay off some bills. I wasn't even looking for another car at all and had never ridden in or driven one before.

Low and behold I prefer the Evo to the Speed and it doesn't make sense to me to have 2 turbocharged cars, both running premium fuel, both getting similar mpg, etc

[jaydubz]

I personally believe it has alot to do with your style of driving and personality. I originally came from a 06 mkv gti before the Speed3 but I had seriously considered the SI. The price was not bad for a full package,but I never pay sticker and honda rarely moves on prices it took me an hour to get 500.00 off the sticker and this was after I showed them an email from a different dealer in tampa , anyway that is way off topic, but the SI is fun to drive in a very forgiving thrashable track experience. If you have the chance to drive one on a track you will come to appreciate the NA engines high revving note. I personally like the sleeper look of the speed3 and the exhaust note plus the low end grunt pays dividends when moving in and out of traffic. With the speed3 I can carry my entire family out to sunday breakfast and still have my dad comment on the feel of the torque. Try carrying a full car load in the SI and excellerating you will swear your driving a Prius!

However the SI is a great car, if my speed3 went away tomorrow I would get a 4 door with Navi. I just fell in love with the speeds appearance and attitude, it truly is a wild child.

[Falconx84]

i was offered a brand new 2007 civic si 4dr with no money down for $19,990(sticker was like $24-ish with dealer options and what not..... and I now have an ms3

[Natedog_37]

I have driven both and I will be owning a MS3 very soon.

[sunny4201]

Wait... so the civic si is better.

[funkyman]

You`re supposed to compare the MS3 to STI and EVO and Volvo c30 turbo not a bloody Civic for god sakes.

[sunny4201]

You`re supposed to compare the MS3 to STI and EVO and Volvo c30 turbo not a bloody Civic for god sakes.

Ok well you cant compare a FWD to AWD. The STI and EVO have 300 hp and the evo pulls a full G on the skid sooooooo yea. Ownage.


And our MS3 owns the c30 soooo yea, ownage.

[Mike240SX]

Actually, no. The STi and Evo start $10k above what the MS3 tops out at. The MS3 competes with the regular WRX and the Lancer Ralliart for those lines, and the Caliber SRT-4, Cobalt SS, GTI, Mustang GT, and Civic Si. When cross shopping, those cars are all in a similar price range.

I never understood why people complain about the car being compared against those rivals. I'd rather be at or near the top of the class in that group than the bottom of the class getting compared against the STi and Evo.

[ZooMIN3]

lol a post from 7 months ago is brought back to life...and by none other than the guy who asks about, DONT YOU HATE IT WHEN!?!? lol tool...

[pdqgp]

IMO, the cobalt is an upcoming new competitor to the scene. Not so much when it was supercharged, but now with a turbo I believe it is. However, that said, I also feel the new HHR SS is more in line since the cobalt isn't a five door.


Actually, no. The STi and Evo start $10k above what the MS3 tops out at. The MS3 competes with the regular WRX and the Lancer Ralliart for those lines, and the Caliber SRT-4, Cobalt SS, GTI, Mustang GT, and Civic Si. When cross shopping, those cars are all in a similar price range.

I never understood why people complain about the car being compared against those rivals. I'd rather be at or near the top of the class in that group than the bottom of the class getting compared against the STi and Evo.

[DaleNixon]

I have the 2008.5 MS3 and my wife has the 2008 Si. Both cars are badass. The high revving k20z3 gives the car an awesome sense of urgency. My wife has always revved her cars higher than you probably should, so it seemed like the perfect choice. Her initials are even REV. Hehe.

[mazdaspeedster3]

LOL... All boils down to how fast you want to get there. You will get there in the si, you will get there pretty quick in the MS3. I love to mess with my cousin (08 si), passing him on on ramps or riding his bumber. He hates that he didnt get the MS3.

[GoFast]

i have the ms3 and the future wifey has an si. while i do like alot of things about her car, i do hate to drive it. i cant see shit when it comes to side views. the pillars are ridiculously dangerous blind spots. and also unless the seeat is adjusted ot its lowest level and the seat back is adjusted uncomfortably far back i feel super claustrophobic in it. my head is about a half an inch away from the ceiling. my third biggest complaint is that we are on our second visor now and that one just broke yesterday.

[DaleNixon]

Oh... yea Honda has some quality issues with that visor. Just don't use them!

[Ace Deprave]

I have the 2008.5 MS3 and my wife has the 2008 Si. Both cars are badass. The high revving k20z3 gives the car an awesome sense of urgency. My wife has always revved her cars higher than you probably should, so it seemed like the perfect choice. Her initials are even REV. Hehe.

Knowing what you do now about both cars, would you choose the MS3 for yourself again?

[DaleNixon]

It really comes down to aesthetics for me. I'm a die-hard wagon/hatch lover, have a passion for Mazda's vehicles and philosophy, so yes, I'd go with the MS3 again. We acquired our cars within a week of each other.

If the MS3 didn't exist I'd probably go for the Si on the basis of value alone. (Fairly quick, sips gas, very reasonably priced, etc.)

[Ace Deprave]

It really comes down to aesthetics for me. I'm a die-hard wagon/hatch lover, have a passion for Mazda's vehicles and philosophy, so yes, I'd go with the MS3 again. We acquired our cars within a week of each other.

If the MS3 didn't exist I'd probably go for the Si on the basis of value alone. (Fairly quick, sips gas, very reasonably priced, etc.)

I was hell bent on the MS3, then thought about the SI for a little while, and am now back on the MS3 bandwagon. Hopefully, I'll be an owner this weekend.

[mckraut]

I was close to buying an SI Sedan...until I found the MS3 on Mazda's website and it was all over. I've never looked backed.