audi a4 vs ms6

[turbospartan]

hey all.... just wanted some opinions on the MS6.

right now, I have a 2004 a4 USP (ultra sport package).... I love the way the car looks, and handles but.....

It is not very fast at all. This isn't super important to me, but damn this thing is slow. Sometimes I have trucks passing me. I could put a chip in it (stage 1 = $500 gets you to about 215 chp, 1+ is same but add injectors for another $300, and you get to 235 chp).


2nd problem is.... im coming up on 50k miles. Nothing has gone terribly wrong with my car so far.... the only issue i've had is that the driver's window regulator is going out, so I need to replace that (2-3 hour DIY or $300 at stealership). But, as it has been noted here, the reliability of audi is in question. Supposedly they are pretty good if you stay on top of things... regular maintenance, preventative maintenance, etc..... but there is always the chance that that one thing could happen and BAM - you have to pay $2k for a new _____.

Also - I'm almost at 50k miles, and the recommended Timing Belt service is anywhere from 60k to 80k.... and that in itself costs around $1k to do (at independent shop it can be as low as $800, stealership as high as $1300).


What I wanted to know is.... besides me searching around this forum (which I have)... what can any of you say regarding the similarities between the 2 vehicles?


I've seen a couple of MS6's within an hour drive of me for sale, all around $19k with anywhere between 20-40k miles....


let the debate begin....

[coyfish]

Audi's are good cars but you are right. The A4 regular is not fast at all. I drove the lexus IS250, audi A4, and the acura tsx. They all felt pretty slow (they all have around 200 hp). Anyway when you get an audi your paying for the name and their notoroius quality. I take it your warranty is up if you complaining about possible expenses in the future. The mazdaspeed 6 is a nice car. I love it. Beautiful balance between power, comfort, and control. If thats what your after then this is a good car for you. If you want a car for pure speed and modding potential than I would suggest an evo or an sti.

As for the similarities . . . not too many. Speed 6 drives and handles better (AWD). Its much faster. It has decent crash test ratings. With the audi you will get more quality in the finish and it will hold its value better. The one thing I dont know about the speed 6 is the reliability. The car has only been out from 06-07 and there arent too many with over 50k miles.

[turbospartan]

Maybe I wasn't clear in the first message... but its not that I want a car purely for speed.... its just that the A4 is a pig (0-60 in like 8.1 seconds? get real). Its somewhat fun for me to drive... its "peppy" in 2nd and 3rd gear, but shit... its kind of depressing that I have a "sport sedan" and I'm getting beat by mini-vans and shit

As for the speed6 handling better..... absolutely not. Audi has AWD as well, in their Quattro system (torsen) which is from my understanding one of the most advanced awd available anywhere.... that is basically where their reputation comes from: Quattro. Plus, i've heard some people say that you absolutely NEED snow tires in the winter, and that the AWD of the speed6 is sometimes hard to understand (going over dips/bumps, while turning, etc) because it switches from 100/0 ratio, to 50/50 ratio on its own "judgement"

Here is what I like about the A4:

Beautiful car, in my opinion it is way nicer looking than the speed6 and almost any other sedan on the road today, even for a 2004
interior - best interior i've ever seen in a car (better than Ford, GM, mazda, cadillac, mercedes, etc)
handling - sports suspension + all wheel drive + 6 speed
gas mileage - i currently average about 26 mpg mixed... up to about 32 on the highway


What I like about the speed6 -

basically it seems to me like it is a "poor man's audi" - it has handling/AWD, turbo engine, and a lot of the details you would find in an Audi.
it is a pretty quick car.... 0-60 in the 5.8 second range (from what i've read)


What I dont like about the Audi:

it is slow. I've stated that above... 0-60 in something around 8 seconds. It only has 170 hp stock.
they are "known" to have issues/problems right around the 50k mile mark... which is right where I am at. This is not a GUARANTEE that something will happen... but often it does. Do I want to risk it is the question.


What I dont like about the speed6 -

I think its looks are OK. The interior is also OK, but not outstanding. I've seen a couple on here that look pretty nice, but the lines of the Audi are classic. Some people, such as myself, like the b6 model (2002-2005) audi's better than both the b7's and b8's... which says something from a styling standpoint about a car.



So, for me, thats what it comes down to..... The speed6's engine performance and reliability (if it is considered reliable - need some input here) vs. the Audi's looks, handling, and overall "swagger"



Make sense at all?

[bova80]

ha you think the audi handles better than the ms6? get real. i drove my ms6 and my friends a4 1.8T quatro on the same day and the ms6 out handled that thing like crazy. the a4 had sloppy turning where the ms6 is tight and precise. but hey what do i know.

[NCZ13]

quattro is a much better AWD system than the speed6 fwd biased AWD.

i wouldnt be surprised in an unbiased test that OPs a4 w/ similar power output would outperform the speed6

[bova80]

haha give me a break. i have driven the 2 in the same day and its night and day difference.

[turbospartan]

im not discrediting the ms6's awd system at all.... but Audi Quattro awd is much more advanced.

Again, the ms6 has much more power (over 100hp more)... but an a4 with stock sport suspension and similar power (from a Big Turbo setup) would outperform the ms6.

I dont want it to seem like I am "cutting down" mazda or the ms6, but Mazda has been doing AWD for how long?

Audi started about 20 years ago, and they were actually banned from certain racing events because no one could even compete against the awd. Wikipedia it.

[NCZ13]

i was in the middle of writing a reply about the quattro system and then i accidently closed the tab. I dont feel like rewriting everything. lol

audi ruled the rally sport during the 80s.

like i said above a similary powered a4 w/ quattro would out perform the speed6 any day.

[Myriad]

I have had experience between both cars, a girlfriends a4 w/quattro (actually her brothers car) and my speed6 (admittedly short). I traded in a mkIV jetta gls 1.8t because of an unforgivable amount of glitches and gremlins that had been building steadily from 55k miles. the mzr powerplant in the speed6 has earned high praise from multiple sources and is finding its way into more vehicles than just the speed series cars. It's true that you won't find many of them that have broken the 50k mark yet, but there really aren't many complaints about the engine so far. Stories are floating around about a small amount of people launching rods through their mzr blocks, but they can mostly be traced back excessive abuse or irresponsible modding, neither of which seem to apply to you.

The quattro system is a fantastic awd setup and far more refined than the speed6's awd, but a mild amount of driving skill under standard driving conditions almost negates the quattro's advantages (thought in a race I'd rather have the Quattro (2thumbs) ). Remember, on public streets awd should be used as a supplement and not a crutch. I don't see the a4's suspension as being vastly superior to the speed6's considering the Audi is a compact sport sedan and the speed6 is a heavier mid-size sedan with a taller ride height.

Fit and finish are where the Audi clearly shines. Audi is a class up and aiming more in the range of Lexus or Infinity whereas the Mazda is gunning more at the VW or Honda market. Despite this fact, the speed6 is remarkably well put together. The quality of the interior materials may not be on par with Audi, but the fitment and general tightness left me stunned. Not the rattling dash or TMPS (too much plastic syndrome) one would expect to find with a car in this price range.

I guess in the end I feel an Audi would make a great lease vehicle that you could give back to the dealership before any expensive problems had the chance to pop up and the speed6 is more of a car one could easily afford to own and maintain over the years if they were willing to sacrifice some of the extra creature comforts. Hope that helps out a little.

*edit*

I think a closer comparison between an Audi and the speed6 would be to compare it against a a6 3.2l quattro from 06-07. The a6 still has a nicer interior and the larger engine comes close to the power of the speed6. The price game gets a little ugly at this point since the average going price for the speed6 is in the low $20k range while the a6 averages in the mid $30k range. Clean lines and posh interior do seem to come with a hefty price.

[Myriad]

like i said above a similary powered a4 w/ quattro would out perform the speed6 any day.

On the other hand, a severely weight reduced and lowered speed6 would outperform the a4 w/quattro by that much larger of a margin. Now a s4 vs the above mentioned speed6 is something I would be excited to see (drinks).

[MR_X]

Just add a APR Stage III+ (http://www.goapr.com/Audi/products/stage3_b6a4.html) and you be fine (12s are capable with this kit). One thing I like about Euro cars is that everything come in packages. You get the Manifold, turbo, DP, all necessary pipping/hoses and fuel upgrade with ECU/reflash/chip needed for that kit.

[MAZDA_SPEED]

Audi A4 FTW..dont get a ms6, it just doesnt compare..if you want power BT...



get a s4 with two GT28 (i believe)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61VpJlUpNHg

or two GT25r

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8kppNEve0g&feature=related

OR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MERn7VbSekg&feature=related and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xL0yFacPJk&feature=related


or GT28 your current ride

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78xJgpOXelY

[MAZDA_SPEED]

On the other hand, a severely weight reduced and lowered speed6 would outperform the a4 w/quattro by that much larger of a margin. Now a s4 vs the above mentioned speed6 is something I would be excited to see (drinks).

as in stock s4 or modified s4? because a chipped s4 puts down 318hp on 93 octane on stock engine i believe(most likely)..
http://www.goapr.com/Audi/products/ecu_upgrade_s4.html

[turbospartan]

Haha the problem with going APR stage III or better is the cost....

The APR stage III costs like $5500 for the components included in the kit. Then you also have to buy a full exhaust system, and upgrade your intercooler. So that brings up the total somewhere around $7-8k to have a very nice car.

If Audi's were notoriously reliable cars (as is not the case for most people) - I would be saving my money up to do this in a heartbeat.


The b5 (1998 - 2001.5) S4's are baaaaaaaad ass cars. I like the b6 body style better, but the engine in those b5's can put out huge numbers (up to 500awhp, yes awhp not crank). They have a twin turbo (called bi-turbo in Europe) 2.7L v6. Problem with these cars is that they are even more "prone" to having expensive problems... and if you want to upgrade the turbos? - you have to pull the entire engine out of the vehicle to do it.

b5 S4's in good condition today can still fetch up to $23k plus with stage III turbo's in them.... so yea it would be great to have, but $23k for a car that is nearing 10 years old? Not worth it in my opinion, I need a daily driver.



As for the comment about cutting the weight in the ms6.... thats the reason that the audi's are somewhat slow.... my a4 with quattro weighs over 3500lbs.... thats pretty damn heavy for a 1.8L engine with a tiny K03 turbo to be pushing.

[coyfish]

Don't want to deviate from the OP but have you considered the WRX ?

Im not personally too fond of the looks but the new interior is decent and its a quality car that seems like a lot of fun to drive. Im sure the speed is more comfotable but then again the speed's 6 gears gets annoying during traffic in DD. You have to shift quite a bit due to 6 very short gears.

[MAZDA_SPEED]

If Audi's were notoriously reliable cars (as is not the case for most people) - I would be saving my money up to do this in a heartbeat.

agreed!

[Myriad]

as in stock s4 or modified s4? because a chipped s4 puts down 318hp on 93 octane on stock engine i believe(most likely)..
http://www.goapr.com/Audi/products/ecu_upgrade_s4.html

Stock vs stock (err... theoretical stock on that fictitious speed6). Once you start adding mods on one side or the other it becomes a race against $ spent which is where the speed6 would be able to gain an advantage with its much lower purchase price. With the cost of a s4 and a mod package you would be able to build one hell of a speed6 and that starts getting into territory this thread didn't seem to be going. Might be a better discussion for a different thread.

[MAZDA_SPEED]

Stock vs stock (err... theoretical stock on that fictitious speed6). Once you start adding mods on one side or the other it becomes a race against $ spent which is where the speed6 would be able to gain an advantage with its much lower purchase price. With the cost of a s4 and a mod package you would be able to build one hell of a speed6 and that starts getting into territory this thread didn't seem to be going. Might be a better discussion for a different thread.

agreed!(fuoops):p

[Flightmedic]

actually mazda has been making awd since the 1980's...


im not discrediting the ms6's awd system at all.... but Audi Quattro awd is much more advanced.

Again, the ms6 has much more power (over 100hp more)... but an a4 with stock sport suspension and similar power (from a Big Turbo setup) would outperform the ms6.

I dont want it to seem like I am "cutting down" mazda or the ms6, but Mazda has been doing AWD for how long?

Audi started about 20 years ago, and they were actually banned from certain racing events because no one could even compete against the awd. Wikipedia it.

[mal_tiempo]

actually mazda has been making awd since the 1980's...

323 GTX FTW

[y2kc0wb0y]

As a former Audi owner, I can tell you this car.
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii124/y2kc0wb0y/IMG_0002.jpg
Has nothing on this car.
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii124/y2kc0wb0y/WK1.jpg
I loved both cars but the Audi broke and broke and broke and broke. The MS6 has been VERY reliable after 11,000 miles of ownership. Both cars were purchased with about the same used miles on them and both car were certified. My boss and co-worker both have new Audi's and both go are starting to go to the shop for lovin'...I tried to tell them.

[coyfish]

Man that teal color looks terrible.

[Skywlkr]

I'll add my .02 cents for anyone who cars. My office is loaded with VW Audi die hard fans. Everyone one of them has had issues with their VW or Audi after 50k. The electrical systems are notorious for having problems and being expensive to dianose and fix.
My buddy has an A4, which is chipped, and he says my MS6 is more powerfully anyday.

As for the AWD. yes Audi is know for its Quattro and there is no denying that, but Mazda is not new to the AWD either. You have to remember that Ford now owns them as well as Volvo. Volvo has had AWD for years and that research and technology has been shared into the Mazda line of cars.

As for the comment about needing snow tires on the MS6, that is true, but not because of the AWD, but because it comes with summer sport tires. The same is true of the Audi if you have an S4 or a sport package with the sport tires. Snow tires are not needed due to the AWD, but because of the tires. You could use an all season tire all year round instead if you wished.

[NCZ13]

I'll add my .02 cents for anyone who cars. My office is loaded with VW Audi die hard fans. Everyone one of them has had issues with their VW or Audi after 50k. The electrical systems are notorious for having problems and being expensive to dianose and fix.
My buddy has an A4, which is chipped, and he says my MS6 is more powerfully anyday.

As for the AWD. yes Audi is know for its Quattro and there is no denying that, but Mazda is not new to the AWD either. You have to remember that Ford now owns them as well as Volvo. Volvo has had AWD for years and that research and technology has been shared into the Mazda line of cars.

As for the comment about needing snow tires on the MS6, that is true, but not because of the AWD, but because it comes with summer sport tires. The same is true of the Audi if you have an S4 or a sport package with the sport tires. Snow tires are not needed due to the AWD, but because of the tires. You could use an all season tire all year round instead if you wished.

for owns 33% which is hardly enough to be called ownership.

not to mention ford is selling back their shares.

[zoomdarylzoom]

Hey, turbospartan, if you buy a SP6 you will love it. For the money it is a great performing car with decent quality and materials. We just bought a '09 Audi A4 2.0T for my wife to drive. Yes, the A4 is more refined and has better quality materials, but it also cost $15K more than I paid for the SP6 (new) so they were never meant to be competitors. There is also no denying the Quattro AWD system is more sophisticated than the AWD in the SP6, but the SP6 works great for the winter and performance driving that I do.

Bottom line, go test drive a SP6 and I think you may be impressed with the car you get for the money.

[OCIE]

hey all.... just wanted some opinions on the MS6.

right now, I have a 2004 a4 USP (ultra sport package).... I love the way the car looks, and handles but.....

It is not very fast at all. This isn't super important to me, but damn this thing is slow. Sometimes I have trucks passing me. I could put a chip in it (stage 1 = $500 gets you to about 215 chp, 1+ is same but add injectors for another $300, and you get to 235 chp).


2nd problem is.... im coming up on 50k miles. Nothing has gone terribly wrong with my car so far.... the only issue i've had is that the driver's window regulator is going out, so I need to replace that (2-3 hour DIY or $300 at stealership). But, as it has been noted here, the reliability of audi is in question. Supposedly they are pretty good if you stay on top of things... regular maintenance, preventative maintenance, etc..... but there is always the chance that that one thing could happen and BAM - you have to pay $2k for a new _____.

Also - I'm almost at 50k miles, and the recommended Timing Belt service is anywhere from 60k to 80k.... and that in itself costs around $1k to do (at independent shop it can be as low as $800, stealership as high as $1300).


What I wanted to know is.... besides me searching around this forum (which I have)... what can any of you say regarding the similarities between the 2 vehicles?


I've seen a couple of MS6's within an hour drive of me for sale, all around $19k with anywhere between 20-40k miles....


let the debate begin....

Hello fellow audi a4 owner, I have a B6 A4 w/ 80k and was looking at MS6 my self. So let me tell you a little about my car; I have full suspension kit sways included, giac 1+ chip, injectors, test pipe,full exhaust etc. my advice to you is if you are looking for reliabilty don't mod the car, unless you want to pay for all the suport items, like hp clutch for example. audi's are good car but require a lot of attention. Also your right about one thing, timing at 80k and everything else you can imagine. I've had enough! love the car though but its got to go. BTW people I have had good time behind the wheel of both cars, and the quattro sys. is best in the world hands down. The differance however between the two cars is that the MS6 is very specific in its objective, its a sport car w/ 4 doors. The audi is touring sedan for the masses, and has to be modded to bring out its sports nature. When that is done it is a truely fine tuner/ sport sedan. your choice if you want power and prestige you must pay! APR stage III is the way to go, they have a step by step film on there website. btw I'm going to wait for the pontiac g8 gxp(laugh)

[coyfish]

Don't mean to argue but the speed 6 is not a "sports car with 4 doors." Its market is the accord v6, maxima 3.5 v6, camry v6, etc. Its meant to be a car balanced between power, comfort, handling, and looks. The goal is to be balanced. Evo's and STI's goals are much different than the mps6's.

[OCIE]

Don't mean to argue but the speed 6 is not a "sports car with 4 doors." Its market is the accord v6, maxima 3.5 v6, camry v6, etc. Its meant to be a car balanced between power, comfort, handling, and looks. The goal is to be balanced. Evo's and STI's goals are much different than the mps6's.

It's not an arguement, but there is a v6 mazda 6 to compete with the aforementioned vehicles. The speed6 was built with a different objective in mind. The veh. is 4cyl. turbo with direct injection, a susp. tuned for performance more than comfort and manual transmission only... this car my friend is not built for the masses like the cars you mentioned.

[Myriad]

Performance aside, the mazda 6 (whichever trim level you go with) is a mid sized family sedan. The speed version was generally offered as a build for those who needed a mid sized family sedan, but still wanted some fun. If the engine setup had the car targeted at a whole different class of cars then one could say the pontiac g8 gxp is meant to take on corvettes... and that's just absurd.

[speedy ms6]

yeah i've heard a couple people say the ms6 was made to compete with accord and camry and other cars like that. From what I heard they were aiming it at bmw 3 series, 4-motion passats, A4's with quatro. And I think it was also marketed as a more refined evo or sti. Even though it doesn't come close to them in performance.

[coyfish]

Performance aside, the mazda 6 (whichever trim level you go with) is a mid sized family sedan. The speed version was generally offered as a build for those who needed a mid sized family sedan, but still wanted some fun. If the engine setup had the car targeted at a whole different class of cars then one could say the pontiac g8 gxp is meant to take on corvettes... and that's just absurd.

Exactly :). The speed 6 was in the market against other "beefed up" family sedans and as an alternative to the audi A4 / other small luxury line cars. Was never meant to compete against real 4 door sports cars (like sti /evo). Its more of a more refined alternative. You cant say the speed 6 was meant to be a sports car unless your willing to make the same claim for an accord v6. I do agree that the only manual option refines the market. I guess they wanted to keep the theme of manual for their limited edition speeds.

Didnt want to argue but I couldn't let that pass undisputed (boobs2)

[blacketik]

Here is a small comparason about 8 awd car : http://autonetfr.feedroom.com/?fr_story=7fe9b68579200e1a8d1970981ba00edf0ba5847f

It's in french but give you an good idea about the best awd system (4 best of 8) :

4) lexus is 250
3) infinity g35x
2) speed6
1) audi a4 quattro

Like the peaple say, the more surprising car of the day was the speed6, but the audi a4 v6 win in overall

Yes Quattro was a little better, but the awd system from mazda is not bad, it's praticly as good as the Quattro.

[xxcosixprendaxx]

I would be careful on your decision. I had an a4 ultrasport, loved it. Last month it was totaled, and i picked up the mazdaspeed 6. At first i liked it, now im starting to hate it, i just want my audi back... nothing can replace the feeling you get when your driving an audi like that. The added power is nice in the ms6, but im not sure if im going to be happy in this car

Maybe this forum will be able to change my mind on how i feel about the ms6, im sure a few mods and ill be a little happier

[enjoy_]

I would be careful on your decision. I had an a4 ultrasport, loved it. Last month it was totaled, and i picked up the mazdaspeed 6. At first i liked it, now im starting to hate it, i just want my audi back... nothing can replace the feeling you get when your driving an audi like that. The added power is nice in the ms6, but im not sure if im going to be happy in this car

Maybe this forum will be able to change my mind on how i feel about the ms6, im sure a few mods and ill be a little happier

a couple of mods. and you wont look back. trust me :D

[coyfish]

I dont understand why people care about the best AWD system. I drove a subaru wrx before my speed and yeah the awd was better , but its not like I go rallying in the thing. Unless you plan on racing at the tracks or the likes then why does it matter so much ??? When im turning at an intersection going 15 miles per hour . . . the last thing I care about is AWD.

The speed 6 is a medium size sedan like an accord or camry. AWD is a nice component but its not what the car was designed for.

Everyone has a right to their opinion and I don't want to come across as being insulting or rude in this post but why dont you like the speed 6 ? Sometimes it just seems that people forget that this is not a high end car. What you get in the speed 6 is very unique. Its not extremly fast, doesn't handle like an evo, or have all the luxuries of an audi, but it has what none of those cars have . . . . balance (with a bit of zoom).

Perhaps I am a little bias because I test drove a new 08 audo A4 with AWD and honestly, I hated it. The interior was nice but overall I thought the car was boring, plain, slow, and I didn't like the feel while driving it. For 35 grand I thought I could do better. Audi's are not known for there reliability so I just didn't know what i was paying for exactly.

Anyway as you can probably tell I am very happy with my mazda and I hope everyone else feels the same way.

[OJ Bartley]

The added power is nice in the ms6, but im not sure if im going to be happy in this car

Maybe this forum will be able to change my mind on how i feel about the ms6, im sure a few mods and ill be a little happier

What are the things that bug you about the Speed6? Let us know where it falls short in your eyes, and I'm sure someone can recommend a good place to start to improve.

[xxcosixprendaxx]

I think im really just having buyers remorse. Dont get me wrong its a really nice car, and a really really fun car. The dealership just gave me a lot of problems.... leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. Today (after over a month owning the car) i finally got my plates after them losing my title, and the dealership refused to fix a big rust area on the trunk they hid from me. So i think more or less it is the dealership that is making me mad, and im taking it out on my new car.

As for what i dont like, the biggest thing is the suspension, i would like more response and less body movement... not sure what exactly will get me the perfect feel i want..... so suggestions on what anyone else has done would be great. I also dont like the cheap look of things, like the taillights and exhaust. My plan is to look around at exhaust systems and tint the tails. I guess its just making the car my own i need to work on.

[coyfish]

Yeah dealers can be a pain. You really think this car looks cheap? Looks like a bentley compared to an american made car or altima / camry. I agree with the exhaust tips but lots of cars have those fake tips.

Anyway the car is not light, but adding some springs and sway bars will reduce roll greatly. If money is no problem than you could always go all out and get new coilovers. Those will put you down at least 1 grand though. Springs / sway bars pretty cheap. Ive got Cobb springs on mine. I got the springs mainly for looks though. I dont take mine to the race track or anything involving lots of handling / turns / etc. But I can definately tell the car feels "tighter" in all aspects. Sacrificed the floaty ride of the stock springs though. A bit rough at times.

[Myriad]

I'm certain these forums will help you make this car your own. There are so many great mods that don't cost much and make a world of difference. If you have a 06 speed6 (Mazdaspeed6 vehicles with VINs lower than JM1GG****7*107613) then you really should contact a mazdaspeed dealership about having the clutch TSB done, it really cleans up the shifts and costs you nothing. A new rear motor mount costs around $100 depending on which one you go with and makes the car feel more how it should. A new intake opens up a major factory restriction on the car and smooths out the powerband. In regards to the suspension, it all depends on what feel you are looking for. There are very few springs made exclusively for the speed6 and most (if not all) are linear, which tend to be a little more on the harsh side. Popular opinion is springs for the v6 mazda 6 will work fine, but leave the rear end feeling a little soft. I have driven a speed6 with eibach pro-kit springs designed for the v6 which are progressive. They were comfortable for normal driving yet responded well under more spirited conditions and I didn't feel any of the rear end "wallow" some people complain about with the v6 springs. Sway bars are always a good idea to counter body roll and up the sport feel of this car. After that, you can go almost any direction you want to dial in a speed6 so it meets or exceeds your needs and desires.

I'm not even going to touch the appearance or material quality concerns since those are very low on my list of priorities (as it comes to my car).

Given a little time and some help from these forums I'm sure you will come to love your car. A great place to start is to imagine a giant rock falling from the sky and flattening the dealership that's left you feeling a bit down over this whole deal (lol2).

[xxcosixprendaxx]

The falling rock idea totally made my day, haha. Now every time i drive past it im going to picture that.

I think my first step after a few cosmetics is some suspension research to find what i want. Sway bars are a priority right now.... and thanks for all the input and ideas, it all helps me feel better about this car. Hearing people tell me how jealous they are of it lately doesn't hurt either.

[Skywlkr]

I would be careful on your decision. I had an a4 ultrasport, loved it. Last month it was totaled, and i picked up the mazdaspeed 6. At first i liked it, now im starting to hate it, i just want my audi back... nothing can replace the feeling you get when your driving an audi like that. The added power is nice in the ms6, but im not sure if im going to be happy in this car

Maybe this forum will be able to change my mind on how i feel about the ms6, im sure a few mods and ill be a little happier

Congrates on the car. Wait till you get your first maintanence bill, you'll be happy :).

I would try going to another deal for service after you get the first to fix the rust. The dealer and the service you get will make a world of difference.

[Skywlkr]

I dont understand why people care about the best AWD system. I drove a subaru wrx before my speed and yeah the awd was better , but its not like I go rallying in the thing. Unless you plan on racing at the tracks or the likes then why does it matter so much ??? When im turning at an intersection going 15 miles per hour . . . the last thing I care about is AWD.

The speed 6 is a medium size sedan like an accord or camry. AWD is a nice component but its not what the car was designed for.

Everyone has a right to their opinion and I don't want to come across as being insulting or rude in this post but why dont you like the speed 6 ? Sometimes it just seems that people forget that this is not a high end car. What you get in the speed 6 is very unique. Its not extremly fast, doesn't handle like an evo, or have all the luxuries of an audi, but it has what none of those cars have . . . . balance (with a bit of zoom).

Perhaps I am a little bias because I test drove a new 08 audo A4 with AWD and honestly, I hated it. The interior was nice but overall I thought the car was boring, plain, slow, and I didn't like the feel while driving it. For 35 grand I thought I could do better. Audi's are not known for there reliability so I just didn't know what i was paying for exactly.

Anyway as you can probably tell I am very happy with my mazda and I hope everyone else feels the same way.

+1

[OJ Bartley]

The falling rock idea totally made my day, haha. Now every time i drive past it im going to picture that.

I think my first step after a few cosmetics is some suspension research to find what i want. Sway bars are a priority right now.... and thanks for all the input and ideas, it all helps me feel better about this car. Hearing people tell me how jealous they are of it lately doesn't hurt either.

One of my favourite cosmetic mods was converting the lighting over to LEDs. Let me know if you're interested and I can point you to some more info. Also, the shark fin antenna from Visual Garage is a popular place to start.

[coyfish]

Is the shark fine just a cosmetic thing ?? Seems like EVERYONE has one but me. Does it boost reception or anything :).

[Skywlkr]

Just cosmetic. I actually reduces reception if anything, but I like the look so I did it.

[enjoy_]

ms3 antenna ftw

[somebody5788]

The MS6 is a great little car and from the sound of it pretty reliable. However from the looks of the engine bay I would never want to work on one lol. The Audi AWD system is far superior for its Torsen system which is also bullet proof. No breaking axles for the Audi guys making 500 awhp. The engines are full of sensors that do fail at a fair rate though in the 16k that I've owned my car all I have done is suspension components, timing belt, and the clutch which is very normal for any 144,000 mile car and why I only payed 4600 when the blue book was closer to 6000. When I first got my car and it still had all the bad suspension and slipping clutch I got a chance to race an MS6 (granted I thought it was a plain old Mazda 6 lol) and off the line w/ no launch I pulled for a tiny bit but then his turbo would spool and he'd fly past me. Seemed like quite a bit of turbo lag to me though (are they not twin scroll turbo's anymore?) For daily driving and luxury comfort I don't think you can beat the Audi even though mines a 10 year old 1999.5. Theres no doubt that MS6 is a very capable car but I would never be able to get past the FWD based AWD system I enjoy kicking the tail of my car out too much lol. That and I love the instant torque of an n/a engine. Makes it really fun to kick it in 2nd and do donut's in a wet parking lot.

I hope I don't sound like I am bashing the MS6 its a great car but I don't think the 2 cars are a good comparison. They both can qualify as sport sedan's but they just arent in the same class none the less. Wonder if the guy is on here that I raced. I'm in Warsaw, IN wouldn't mind see how we compare in some corners lol.

[Funky Mo Fo]

My girlfriend has a rare 2005 2.0T. It's a nice car but my 06 MS6 is much faster stock. Her's feels and looks a bit classier, but also cost a lot more. We both agree that I got the better car for the money.

[SMOKEYS36SHOP]

The MS6 is a great little car and from the sound of it pretty reliable. However from the looks of the engine bay I would never want to work on one lol. The Audi AWD system is far superior for its Torsen system which is also bullet proof. No breaking axles for the Audi guys making 500 awhp. The engines are full of sensors that do fail at a fair rate though in the 16k that I've owned my car all I have done is suspension components, timing belt, and the clutch which is very normal for any 144,000 mile car and why I only payed 4600 when the blue book was closer to 6000. When I first got my car and it still had all the bad suspension and slipping clutch I got a chance to race an MS6 (granted I thought it was a plain old Mazda 6 lol) and off the line w/ no launch I pulled for a tiny bit but then his turbo would spool and he'd fly past me. Seemed like quite a bit of turbo lag to me though (are they not twin scroll turbo's anymore?) For daily driving and luxury comfort I don't think you can beat the Audi even though mines a 10 year old 1999.5. Theres no doubt that MS6 is a very capable car but I would never be able to get past the FWD based AWD system I enjoy kicking the tail of my car out too much lol. That and I love the instant torque of an n/a engine. Makes it really fun to kick it in 2nd and do donut's in a wet parking lot.

I hope I don't sound like I am bashing the MS6 its a great car but I don't think the 2 cars are a good comparison. They both can qualify as sport sedan's but they just arent in the same class none the less. Wonder if the guy is on here that I raced. I'm in Warsaw, IN wouldn't mind see how we compare in some corners lol.

wow way to dig up an old thread. well first i wanna say that in my car when i punch it in the rain my car drifts on turns and from a stop can do a full 360. for some reason when u punch it all the power seems to go to the rear of the car. next i want to add my friend as an 2000 audi a4 with the same ko4 turbo in our cars and let me tell you that thing is fast. he holds 21lbs of boost on his car. i dont know how fast it is compared to my car because we wont ever race each other but he has driven my car and said mine feels faster

[MShreve]

Theres no doubt that MS6 is a very capable car but I would never be able to get past the FWD based AWD system...

Not true, although that seems to be a very common rumor.


All Wheel Drive (AWD)

* Front/rear wheel torque varies between 100/0 and 50/50 through an electronic
torque coupling mounted in front of the rear differential

* 100/0 is only used when the hand brake is applied or at low speeds during
tight turns (parking lot maneuvers)

* Many AWD systems in FWD cars require front wheel slip (viscous couplings)
before power is transferred to the rear, MAZDASPEED6 has a strong rear
wheel bias in most driving conditions

* Almost constant torque to the rear requires a water cooled transfer unit

Taken from page 34 of this document:
http://home.comcast.net/~matt.shreve/Mazda/Mazdaspeed%206%20Technical%20Training.pdf

[somebody5788]

Wow I really made an idiot of myself. (freak) I assumed it was new because somebody linked to it on the Audi forum. Should of checked the dates. At least I am a Mazda fan if that counts for anything haha. Last car was an FC S5 RX-7 Turbo and I have an 05 RX-8 for sale w/ 14k miles and used to have a Turbo 626 (mad torque steer haha).

On the other hand that 50/50 thing and 100/0 seems to me it means FWD biased not RWD. Correct me if I am wrong. As quattro can do up to 30/70 but also 70/30 and is normally 50/50 (those arent the exact numbers) and 100% mechanical using worm gears and some black magic I guess. But if I do a donut when I am done I can sit there and sit there spinning my rear wheels and slowly rolling forward. Only in a wet parking lot though cuz of 235/40/18 tires and lack of any real power (not for long).

FYI were respecting your guys lack of criticism on this forum lol. Your much nicer over here then our forum can be.

[SMOKEYS36SHOP]

yes welcome to the grown up forum!! fully equipped with moderators that don't take crap from people.

[Killer]

(peep)

[zinger002]

LOL!!!! mazda is not a poor mans audi. especially when audi is just a poor mans bmw.

geat real. mazda is a mans car.

[Stealth01]

I find it funny when people have reservations about a FWD-biased AWD system that shifts power to the rear wheels in a fraction of a second. Not enough to even be NOTICED. The breaking axles and diff mount bolts -- OK, I'll grant you those as bonafide weaknesses, but I've driven my MS6 in the snow on summer tires and it was simply GREAT. It launches grandly, with no noticeable shift from FWD to AWD, largely thanks to the computer selecting SPORT mode for you when it detects your launch physics.

The AWD system is NOT a weakness. I'd take it over BMW's RWD-biased AWD system any day.

Maybe it's not as advanced as an Audi (I would hope not, given the difference in price and expectations), but it's a very capable AWD system. Being "more advanced" does not always equal being better.

That said, if I could afford an S4, that's what I'd be driving...or even an RS4...R8...you get the picture.

[somebody5788]

At least neither of them are subaru's famous "symmetrical" AWD which is basically just a fancy name for saying it's got no torque bias or transfer capabilities lmfao. Though I think its not the same in the STi's.

Audi is not a poor man's BMW .... in many respects I find it superior but they are = in my book. Looking into getting an e36 M3 as either a 2nd car or move to where it wont snow and have it as my only car. BMW's interior just doesn't hold up to the Audi's.

e36 BMW dash
http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A9G_bDoOu3NK5eYAnC.jzbkF/SIG=12o9mubg3/EXP=1249184910/**http%3A//www.the-car-source.com/assets/images/2228_97_BMW_M3_dash2.JPG

B5 Audi dash
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p223/somebody5788/My%20cars/A4/dash.jpg?t=1249098602

you decide


On a side note I forgot just how much I loved the RX-8! I might have to go cruise off the last 1/2 tank of gas in it.

[Stealth01]

I might have to go cruise off the last 1/2 tank of gas in it.

LOL. In an 8, that should take about 5 minutes!

[somebody5788]

LOL. In an 8, that should take about 5 minutes!

Hahaha so damn true!

[MShreve]

The Audi 2.7 bi turbo is one of my all time favorite engines. Sounds amazing, crazy amount of possibilities.

I haven't actually tested the MS6 AWD properly...yet. We finally got snow around here (once every 5 years type of occasion) and ended up getting over 14". So I left the MS6 in the driveway and had to chain up the Rodeo to get around.

Maybe I'll get luckier this winter. :)

Edit: I also wanted to say that Audi is not a poor man's BMW. I'd take any Audi over a comparible BMW any day. I also think Audi's are much better looking. Although both are probably going to part you to death after 100k.

[Super Shredder]

14 inches aint shit. have you seen our suspension? i drive the Mazdaspeed Allroad over heea!

[Blendercloud]

The stock suspension on the MS6 is plenty capable of large amounts of snow. Just look out for all the Evo and STi guys giving you a hard time about being a 4x4.

[somebody5788]

14"? Thats play time! Haven't found 1 time that I couldn't make it out on the streets and my car is lowered haha. Although doesnt matter what system you have don't attempt to go through frozen snow....

[Stealth01]

I can't wait for first snow here. I have my new Eagle GT IIs on the car. It was good in the snow with Exclaim UHPs (summer tires), it should be AWESOME with these.

And we now have our Grand Cherokee to play in the white stuff too.

[Super Shredder]

matracks for the speed 6 by protege garage :D