Mazdaspeed OR Ralliart

[nks_bb]

Hello,

Newbie here and I can get my hands on an 03.5 Mazdaspeed or an 04 Ralliart Lancer. Both very similar advertised crank HP is 170 vs 163, and both have an upgraded suspension and they each have aftermarket audio system. Kenwood vs, infinity.

My dilemma here is that the MSP scores high points for having the Turbo and the Lancer scores almost as high point for having a moonroof ( i know a small detail but a huge one for me) since i have never test drove either I'd like for some more insight on the MSP. Thanks for the help.

[t3ase]

I'd suggest driving them both. They're now to a point where dealerships will allow test drives (I didn't drive a MSP at all until I had officially signed the papers for mine). Styling wise, I'd pick the MSP. It's more "fluid" looking and less 2F2F style. That's just my opinion, though. Also, Infinity systems are a *bitch* to deal with later on so if you're an audio guy, take that into consideration.

You're on a MSP board, we're going to say get the MSP but it's ultimately up to you. If you're in this for power, get the lancer. If you're in it for a on rails ride, get the MSP. Perfect example.. A few members here with MSPs have started autocrossing for the first time this year and many of them won first or second place. How's *that* for a tuned suspension car? :D

It's TOTALLY up to you. Don't buy a car because of what other people are saying, but it from what the inner you says.

[yashooa]

I aint touching this one (outie)

[jersey_emt]

I aint touching this one (outie)
LOL

I haven't driven the Ralliart...only a base Lancer and an EVO, so my comments won't help you very much.

Just drive the two and get whatever feels more 'right' to you.

[wicked]

I own a msp and my best freind owns a new ralliart,and between the 2 it's up to you
they both have a pretty good sound system (mazda =kenwood) (ralliart=infinion)
mazda=turbo 2.0 DOHC
ralliart n\a 2.4 SOHC
mazda 170 horses
ralli 162
plus plan on there being more performance parts for the ralliart because there is more ralliarts than msp's and its a powerful mitsubishi.
I've driven them both a lot and if i had to choose between them i,d probaly go for the ralliart it's engine is a lot more stable and powerful for a n\a car.
but keep in mind the msp has way better suspension and nice wheels.
If you get the ralli you will allways have a voice in the back of your head saying you own a fake evo=)

the msp looks better too
(uhm) (uhm) (uhm)

[Prodigy]

04 Ralliart Lancer! haha.
I love both (design-wise)!
I haven't driven the lancer, only a stock '02 lx though I still lean more towards my screen name, MLEvo. (Mitsubishi Lancer EVOlution) Have fun.
-cat

[Prodigy]

Oh yeah, CONGRATS on your 1st post! Welcome to the forums.

[BinaryRotary]

Hello,

Newbie here and I can get my hands on an 03.5 Mazdaspeed or an 04 Ralliart Lancer. Both very similar advertised crank HP is 170 vs 163, and both have an upgraded suspension and they each have aftermarket audio system. Kenwood vs, infinity.

My dilemma here is that the MSP scores high points for having the Turbo and the Lancer scores almost as high point for having a moonroof ( i know a small detail but a huge one for me) since i have never test drove either I'd like for some more insight on the MSP. Thanks for the help.
I cant believe this is even posted on this site. Mitsubishi is proof that the Japanese CAN make an inferior product.

[mazdaspeedpower]

I dunno which I would choose..haven't seen a ralliart in person, or obviously driven one either.....I think you do really have to drive them both....take everything into consideration. Also, if you plan on upgrading, look into what there is now, and plan on alot more coming out for both, though the ralliart will have big things coming soon(probably) like turbo and such. I dunno, I kinda like the look of the MSP a bit better, but the power curve of the ralliart will be much more stable due to no boost kicking in at whatever range. Look at the newness of the vehicle....MSP has known problems, with fixes/warrenty fixes, and others coming, while the ralliart has some bugs yet to surface to to being a youngin in town. The Mitsubishi nameplate is decent, same as Mazda, so I don't think overall quality will be much different. Inregards to wheels and suspension, yes, MSP is better stock, but with the ralliart, you get to choose what you want to get, if you plan on upgrading. So hey, test drive em, give them several checks, and aftermarket test(see what there is) etc. If it's any consolodation, I LOVE MY MAZDASPEED, and would buy it again....so...happy trails, whichever way you go, I'm sure you'll be happy, but also have byers remorse...cause you never know what the other would be like...I say, go with your heart and you minds first guess after all the tests, it's usually the right one.

[LADY MSPD]

i think that the ralliart lancer is really ugly, i would pick the msp any day but if you want a all motor car i'd get a mazda 3 with the 2.3l engine...the msp and the mazda 3 are way better looking cars than a ralliart lancer...but that my opinion...its all up to you...

[Spooled]

I've driven both cars to their extents, and even raced them against each other (driving both cars). Here's what I can tell you:

1. Engine: MSP wins, but not by as much as you'd think. The Lancer has some great torque. The Lancer also has a MUCH smoother powerband. For daily driving, I would pick the Lancer, but for hard driving, the MSP is the way to go.

2. Handling: MSP. Period. I don't care what Mitsubishi says they did to the suspension. The Lancer, again, is better for daily driving because of the softer ride, but will roll over with a quick tug on the sterring wheel.

3. Looks: It's all in what I like, but for my money there isn't a better looking car on the road within $20k of the MSP.

4. Interior: Again, it's up to you. The MSP is much mor refined in my book, and has a sportier feel. The stereo in the Ralliart is a POS and doesn't even compare to the Speed's Kenwood. The Sparco decor adds to the gestalt...

5. Overall: If this is a car that you are getting to tide you over 'til you can afford something else (like an S4 or M3 or something) and you just want a daily-driver with some pep, get the Lancer. If you want a special car that gets attention, drives like a real sports car, and will be one of those rare finds you tell your kids about in 20 years, get the MSP.

[mspeed101]

I would get an msp! The car handles incredible and is way better looking then lancers. I bet you will turn more heads with an msp then you will the ralliart

[Matthew]

all i need to know to make a decision is DOHC vs. SOHC

[CommieSpeed]

Uhhhh...MSP all the way. Like binaryrotary said....mitsubishi is is just an inferior product. Aside from the EVO...everything they make is crap...just read consumer reports reviews for the past couple of years. The MSP has it's problems but it ain't no Mitsu. Plus its a SOHC....BLA *spit*. Oh, and I smoke lancers all day...even modded ones.

[Prodigy]

Uhhhh...MSP all the way. Like binaryrotary said....mitsubishi is is just an inferior product. Aside from the EVO...everything they make is crap...just read consumer reports reviews for the past couple of years. The MSP has it's problems but it ain't no Mitsu. Plus its a SOHC....BLA *spit*. Oh, and I smoke lancers all day...even modded ones.
ehh... a '93 mitsubishi 300zx twin turbo isn't crap. I'd like to see a video of you whooping one.(strike)

haha, it's alright man.

-c.a.t.

[mspeed101]

ehh... a '93 mitsubishi 300zx twin turbo isn't crap. I'd like to see a video of you whooping one.(strike)

haha, it's alright man.

-c.a.t.lol! I think you mean nissan 300zx!!!

[mspeed101]

Uhhhh...MSP all the way. Like binaryrotary said....mitsubishi is is just an inferior product. Aside from the EVO...everything they make is crap...just read consumer reports reviews for the past couple of years. The MSP has it's problems but it ain't no Mitsu. Plus its a SOHC....BLA *spit*. Oh, and I smoke lancers all day...even modded ones.Whats so bad about sohc? I used to own a eclipse GT which was a sohc and that wasnt crap.

[Prodigy]

ehh.. correct. i havent slept for 48+ hours.

[Prodigy]

(sad2)

[mspeed101]

ehh.. correct. i havent slept for 48+ hours.Its all good! didnt you mean to say eclipse gst! those cars are sick(evil)

[Prodigy]

Its all good! didnt you mean to say eclipse gst! those cars are sick(evil)
lol, nope. not that tired yet.

[misbehave]

That SOHC engine in the 04 Ralliart Lancer is a piece of stoneage crap.
Don't get it.

[Ljspeed]

Well I test drove a '04 Ralliart with a friend that was looking to get one since he has a '01 Eclipse. Let me tell you when the salesman was telling him all this crap about it and I was looking at in inside and out, i thought(uhm) This is Mitsubish's idea of copying a Speed. And the salesman had the nerve to say that the Ralliart is an Evolution except the brute power and price, YEAH RIGHT DUDE!! He must of been smoking crack to compare an Evo to the Ralliart. But it is an affordable baby Evo but damn why not fork out the extra 8 or so grand for the Evo!:) But thats my opinion. And on the test drive.... Well the engine is really loud, you can hear that sucka, and its not a good loud IMHO. The handling is not that bad but nothing like the Speed. The interior is totally trying to be like the MSP since you can see the attempts in seats and accessories(sound system) The outside looks like ass to me. But going from a neutral standpoint, its a decent car with good features but not my cup of tea. I may be a lil bias but who doesnt love their Mazdaspeed;)

[cycoutMSP03.5]

ralliart is shitty as hell

go with the msp

later
ry;

[misbehave]

Well I test drove a '04 Ralliart with a friend that was looking to get one since he has a '01 Eclipse. Let me tell you when the salesman was telling him all this crap about it and I was looking at in inside and out, i thought(uhm) This is Mitsubish's idea of copying a Speed. And the salesman had the nerve to say that the Ralliart is an Evolution except the brute power and price, YEAH RIGHT DUDE!! He must of been smoking crack to compare an Evo to the Ralliart. But it is an affordable baby Evo but damn why not fork out the extra 8 or so grand for the Evo!:) But thats my opinion. And on the test drive.... Well the engine is really loud, you can hear that sucka, and its not a good loud IMHO. The handling is not that bad but nothing like the Speed. The interior is totally trying to be like the MSP since you can see the attempts in seats and accessories(sound system) The outside looks like ass to me. But going from a neutral standpoint, its a decent car with good features but not my cup of tea. I may be a lil bias but who doesnt love their Mazdaspeed;)
Most Mitsubish dealers salesmen don't know shit.
Last time when my friend went to the Mitsubish dealer and check out the Evo.
The salesman know nothing about the car at all. He kept mentioning the movie "2 fast and 2 furious" to try to prove that the Evo kick ass, other than that, he couldn't tell us anything about the car.

[Wiggles6983]

Most Mitsubish dealers salesmen don't know shit.
Last time when my friend went to the Mitsubish dealer and check out the Evo.
The salesman know nothing about the car at all. He kept mentioning the movie "2 fast and 2 furious" to try to prove that the Evo kick ass, other than that, he couldn't tell us anything about the car.LOL.. I always try to make a point to know more then the salesmen when I go to look at cars.... There was one salesmen when I was looking at a STi try to tell me you can adjust the turbo to be on full boost at idle...... salesmen will say anything to get a sale....

Now back on topic. I love my speed and would by another if (God forbid) something happened to mine (less I could afford an evo or sti). My parents like it so much that they are driving 8 hours to buy my brother the last (or one of the last) black speeds in FL.

Edit: I also like the limited edition factor, and I have never seen another one on the road.

[nks_bb]

Thanks for the replies guys, I knew i was going to get a Pro MSP reply. But i wanted to get information on the MSP anyways. Surprising how the majority here agree that the Mitsu has or has more potential for power. Didn't see that one coming.

Only been on the boards for 2 days and it looks like a mature and knowledgeable crowd. I guess not a lot of the ricers opt for proteges. Thanks for the input andkeep em coming.

[nks_bb]

One more thing, Why does the first post appear to be the last and the last post appear on the top of the first page. Kinda makes it hard to follow the thread. Anyway to fix this. Again great board.

[VegasMSP]

nks_bb - check your user control panel under edit options. You can change it to having the newest posts last on a thread. Look under thread display options I believe. Under thread display mode I have mine set at linear oldest first. Not sure if this is it, but try it. Oh Welcome btw! Whatever you decide to get? Enjoy!

[igdrasil]

Isnt the rallyart using a Mivec engine?

Someone here has one, made turbo, pushing 247WHP. Its faster than the EVO.

Its a 2.4L engine, it has some hidden potential.

[BinaryRotary]

ehh... a '93 mitsubishi 300zx twin turbo isn't crap. I'd like to see a video of you whooping one.(strike)

haha, it's alright man.

-c.a.t.
Wow, I didnt know Mitsu made a 300zx. (dunno)

[Prodigy]

Wow, I didnt know Mitsu made a 300zx. (dunno)lol, they have their 3000gt..damn #'s.
I got my sleep. no more stupid words are coming out of me any more. (atleast not as much)

[ND4MSP]

I'm sorry, but the rally art is just the poor mans evo. If you own one you'll just have buyers remorse everytime an evo passes you buy. With that being said, it does look like a pretty good car. In the end you'll be much happier with the speed. Turbocharged, looks good, and is a pretty rare car. Thats the recipe for coolness. Its not a world beater though but I love it.

[batmang]

id go ralliart, its cheaper, its about as fast as the msp stock, and it doesnt look half bad. im sure in the future theirs going to be some upgrades for it that could make it a beast. imagine a turbo on that.

[StreetUnit]

Have you gotten prices on each car? go between dealerships and talk them down on the price.

[JeRNuT]

lol, nope. not that tired yet.
3000GT VR4???????

[Prodigy]

lol, i quit this thread.

[1338]

looks like the rallyart after market is already going strong.

http://www.roadracemotorsports.com/ralliart.htm

[shaolin]

http://www.sportycompactcars.com/sedans.htm

Lots of info there...

[BinaryRotary]

http://www.sportycompactcars.com/sedans.htm

Lots of info there...
The SVT Focus beat the Ralliart in a shootout. 'Nuff said. Maybe when I buy my Ass Lancer I can go beat a Mitsubishi 300zx TT Rotary SVX.

[Prodigy]

ehh.. how about a Honda Integra?

[MazdaSpeeder00]

lol! I think you mean nissan 300zx!!!

LMAO.......thats what i was thinkin............And they arent as bad as they should be for twin turbo!

[t3ase]

*Our* car isn't as "bad as it should be" for a turbo. You can't be talking shit about other cars. It'll come right back and bite you in the ass. It's down to owner's preference. You can throw down all of the numbers you want but what it really comes down to is what *YOU* want.

[yashooa]

I cant believe this is even posted on this site. Mitsubishi is proof that the Japanese CAN make an inferior product. Diamond Star did get in some trouble once by the Japanese Gov for covering up defects. So I suppose that would be a strike against buying one.

[MazdaSpeeder00]

sorry tease, but we have one turbo they have two.. I can buy a stock 4th gen trans-am or Z28 and beat it... (shrug)

[t3ase]

I'm just sayin'... You can use that "bad as it could be" statement with any sports car.

[MazdaSpeeder00]

I'm just sayin'... You can use that "bad as it could be" statement with any sports car.
True... youre very right...

I just think that if you have two turbos... you should be able to run better times than they do.. but its my opinion too and that isnt shit.. lol

I guess Im a lil byassed too seeing as how in high school a guy always talked smack about how his 300z tt could beat my 97 WS6 Formula(stock/automatic)........

Well we raced finally and to be honest I would have been surprised if he could have read my license plate.

[daperspeed]

Objectively. from a performance standpoint the MSP is better than a Ralliart. The statistics and information to prove this are readily available. From a personal standpoint, I just dont trust Mitsubishi. A girl I dated for a while had a 3G Eclipse(its a girls car after all)...and it had many quality control problems such as bent rims, a bad throw out bearing, the latch coming off on the hatch etc etc. The only Mitsu I would get would be an EVO simply for the fact it has a world renowned performance pedigree and Mitsu puts their best engineers and efforts into since it is their halo car.

[nks_bb]

Well I've made my decision, I will be going to the dealership on Tuesday to sign the lease on the MSP. I went to both dealerships and they we're price matching all the way. But in the end I think I can live without the sunroof. I'll just get a BOV and everytime I hear it go WHOOSH i'm sure i'll forget about not having the sunroof.

Another main factor is the limited release, I like having a car that i KNOW not too many people have. I mean I've seen 2 MSP's since they we're released and 1 was in the show room.

Thanks.

[tritonheat1]

True... youre very right...

I just think that if you have two turbos... you should be able to run better times than they do.. but its my opinion too and that isnt shit.. lol

I guess Im a lil byassed too seeing as how in high school a guy always talked smack about how his 300z tt could beat my 97 WS6 Formula(stock/automatic)........

Well we raced finally and to be honest I would have been surprised if he could have read my license plate.
Not to get off topic or anything, But a 300ZX TT wouldn't get spanked by a WS6 (Stock/auto). My friend ran a black WS6 auto stock, and he only lost by 1 1/2 car lengh's. BTW: it was a 1990 300ZX N/A V-6 5-speed, with minor mod's done to it. So i'm sure a TT-300ZX woulda done a whole lot better.

[Prodigy]

One of my friend's 300zx's http://hometown.aol.com/zblacktt/ ...only 450hp. we'll see. (I'm done commenting from now on.. be happy)

[MazdaSpeeder00]

Not to get off topic or anything, But a 300ZX TT wouldn't get spanked by a WS6 (Stock/auto). My friend ran a black WS6 auto stock, and he only lost by 1 1/2 car lengh's. BTW: it was a 1990 300ZX N/A V-6 5-speed, with minor mod's done to it. So i'm sure a TT-300ZX woulda done a whole lot better.
Im just speakin of my experience... probably ran a lil over a quarter mile cuz I hit 120mph. But it was at least 2-3 cars....and to me, thats a spankin.. lol

but hey, its all IMO..(dunno)

[t3ase]

...[/threadjack]

[MazdaSpeeder00]

...[/threadjack]
sorry..i wasnt meanin to. :(

[t3ase]

:P Iz all good, yo.

[EVADE]

get the MSP ! my bestfreind got the first Ralliart in Hawaii and to me it aint worth it unless you get the EVO.

[Notorious_V.I.C]

I test drove a ralli art Lancer and the only reason i went to the dealership was to get 2fast2furious and a kick ass evo poster for free. I wanted to test drive the evo but they said only 4 serious buyers..anyways.....i don't wanna threadjack.....but they did do some nice things to the car....i mean the exhaust sounds really nice....but i'm glad i got my MSP

Stats on the Rallyart : http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedan/112_0401_thrash/index4.html

Stats on MSP: http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/roadtests/0309scc_protege/index.html
http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/features/0210scc_protege/index.html

http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/features/0307scc_8greatrides/index.html

[MazdaSpeeder00]

Ok, back on subject LOL...

I seen a lancer for the first time tonight.. I wasnt really impressed. It wasnt a Ralliart but still I think they really wasted their time. I went by him and the guy pracitically gizzed on my car as I went by. I just grinned. Now the Ralliart, it seems to me that the front end doesnt fit the rest of the car. a lil bit similar to the SRT4. Maybe thats just the crack I smoked earlier (confused) lol

[Notorious_V.I.C]

ooooooo.....i want some..lol
j/k

[SPARCO3319]

NKS BB ------ if you reall want a moonroof, you can have one put in. It will cost you more but it is possible to have one because someone on here does have an MSP w/ a sunroof. go to the "PHOTO/VIDEO" page and do a search.

[3.5titanuimSD]

Ralliart!!!! Man does not evan compare to the MSP. The Lancer is more like in the class with a corrolla type S.

[wicked]

were not talking about a normal lancer .were talking about a lancer with 162 naturaly asperated horsepower,infinion sound system and suspension that can allmost compare to ours
and comes in more colors=)
but there is no L.S.D.
the ralliart was designed to fill the gap between the lancer and the evo.
so I think its the only car out there in the same class as the msp
exept their engine is a hell of a lot better then ours

[jebus]

their engine is not better than mazda's
i hate mitsubishi, their trannys suck and so do their engines

[TampaBlackMSP]

I may be a biased owner, but there is NO COMPARISON here. MSP Baby!!! 'Ralliart' Lancer is crap imo.

[Phoenix5]

If the Ralliart was 4WD,then I would have said go with the Ralliart but since it's not go with the MSP,oh yeah,go with the Laser Blue cuz that's a nice looking blue.

[BinaryRotary]

were not talking about a normal lancer .were talking about a lancer with 162 naturaly asperated horsepower,infinion sound system and suspension that can allmost compare to ours
and comes in more colors=)
but there is no L.S.D.
the ralliart was designed to fill the gap between the lancer and the evo.
so I think its the only car out there in the same class as the msp
exept their engine is a hell of a lot better then ours
Explain to me why its better. I'd like to hear this.

[MetalSpeed]

exept their engine is a hell of a lot better then ours
I had a 96 GST and their engines sucked I put more money in the car repairing things than upgrading it, everthing on that car was going out it the suspensision,ecu,relays etc. I would never buy another Mitsu vehicle.(flame)

[3.5titanuimSD]

Still the ralliart, i believe comes no were near the MSP. Yes the ralliart got more power, and a system, but that's all. The MSP is the highest model of the protege's the ralliart is between the evo and the OZ. It's like comparing a civic LX to the MSP.

[03MSP]

The ralliart does not have more power than the MSP.

[Stormtrooper77]

Personally I don't think the Ralliart is that bad. I was actually waiting for it to come out before I bought my MSP. Couldn't wait.

But in terms of looks, I think it looks alright. It's a hell of an upgrade from the previous Lancer/OZ Edition. Power wise, both are about the same. The MIVEC is not a bad engine. You would be suprised as to what you could do. But then again, money does anything. The numbers are very close to the MSP's. Except in the handling dept.