2008 Subaru Impreza WRX vs. 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 | Edmunds.com

[@MrEvtmazda]

Haha So much Suburu butt hurt. Sorry Lesbians, Mazdaspeed 3 was waaaay better.

[@mazda2284]

gotta love mazdas 3 series ! i have an old mazda 323 and it still shocks the hell out of people when they ride in it . they been doing it rite !

[@Flabernat]

For 2008 they're bringing the Cobalt SS back. It's going to have the Solstice 2.0L Turbo, 260hp, 260ft-lbs. It's already set a Nurburgring track time of 8:22.85. You can find the article on Motor Trends website.

[@zep25]

Picking up my new true red MazdaSpeed3 tomorrow.....Can hardly wait!!! My Mazda 3 ('08, also) was destroyed in a powerline fire last Sunday...I was broken hearted. Have a feeling this Speed 3 will help it mend!!!

[@Blakerey]

the subie awd system defaults to 50/50 unless traction is lost, when it will move around power. most awd cars on the market default to mostly fwd anyways, until a wheel slips. it really depends on which one you buy. remember, though, that awd only makes you go- doesn't do a thing for braking, or turning if you're not accelerating as well.

[@buckeyepost]

everytime i see a video like this one I'm glad once again the i bought my Speed

[@Reaper1008]

The suberu tested here was not the sti. The Impreza wrx only has 224 bhp, here as the sti has around 315 bhp. Mazdaspeed 3 is at around 263 bhp

[@CrownAndMainspring]

Correct. But the point Im making to a previous comment is MS3 and STI are not in the same price bracket. There fore the two cars are typically not compared. I owned a WRX 2 years and test drove the $36,000+ 08 STI and $26,000 WRX. The MS3 can pull hard w/ 263HP & 280 Lbs/Torque. I bought my MS3 GT for $23,500. Stock 4 stock i'll smoke WRX's- STI will prob spank me. But I would like run an STI after my mech. drops in my GT3071R Turbo kit.

[@t5e2]

i test drove the GTI before I settled with a Mazda3. GTI comes in @ 200hp that costs ~27k, Mazdaspeed @ 260+ hp that costs ~25k. GTI is hot for its new transmission though. Mazdaspeed3 is so hard to come by, there's a waiting list to get one.

[@roadtrip1098]

I may be wrong, but with a Cobb Access Port ($695) you can time the electric wastegate and set the BOV on your WRX and get it pretty damn close to the 265 HP, and the Acees Port also gets you more HP out of other upgrades. I added a Cusco front strut bar which takes out most of the body roll, well worth the $160. The '09 is going to cost about $3,500 more on the base price and for $3,500, there's a lot I can do with an '08.

[@chriswf]

@iamhelix Hi, to answer all of the confusion I created, The scoop was "trying" to force air into the engine bay, but was actually failing at it. The car was already sucking massive amounts of air in through the front. The hood scoop is pointless, if not hurting the performance. They shouldn't be TMIC at all. If so, they need to block off air passage through the front of the engine. Wind tunnel was free. My friend goes to some airplane engineer school. Tunnel is used for creating lift.

[@Blakerey]

I have noticed very little torque steer while driving it. the only time i notice it is if I really stomp on the gas, but even then, it's very manageable.

[@sorich]

I have had mine for about 3 weeks and absolutely love it. It is on the way to being one of the best cars I have ever owned. I already put the 3 inch TBE and CAI and wow, this thing is fast.

[@LEVIN_1917]

15 лет

[@dtmzero]

Have to agree with you there. MS3's DST won't let you get full power until 3rd gear. My MS3 is modded to 298 hp, but i won't see any of it unless i turn it off and fly off the road, plus i need snow tires... and extra $800. It's still and amazing car though.

[@opmike343]

That's a real objective analysis you have there.

[@ldynasty]

Yes the GT-R will be sold in the US. The manufacturers had to tune down hp to 485 to meet gas emission standards in the states

[@Alexsered]

yeah, but it's now AWD all the time, I'm not 100% sure about the fraction but I think it's 20/80 AWD around the track and can even throw all the power to the rear wheels, but it also can go up to 50/50 AWD like it does on launches.

[@Blakerey]

according to consumer reports, the ms3 averaged 24, with 18 city(their city test is rough), and 32 hw. the wrx, when i looked at previous models (they havn't tested the current model wrx yet), it got 22 combined. as a side note, they also rated the ms3 highest in it's class.

[@pandafc]

So because the speed3 is a great car, its now a beefed up focus? The chassis is great, only thing I feel it needs is some suspension work. Power is fine where its at, but for autox work the stock suspension will not do. For all those bashing the speed 3 saying the wrx is better, well how many more tests do you want?

[@BillyWalsh82]

sounds like they did a pretty good job on that vehicle. I think the STi needs to be beefed up, which I hear is planned for future models... odd how the MS3 gets so much more attention than the speed6..which is now discontinued I think. I had an 05 STi...I wonder how the new 08 would stack up to the MS3.

[@kens97sto171]

@Trucoco Not me.. No rage here.. Just facts and opinions. And we all know about opinions. I just think its cool that there are so many awesome cars to choose from. I like them all for different reasons.

[@tigergreg8]

I never liked these kind of comparisons, For me, timing and handling are only as good as the driver and the wheels under it, Were the comparisons done by the same driver, going the same speed, with the same tires. If not, you can't really compare them equally. Even the same driver may find himself slower or faster with reflexes at different intervals, So, to me, it's all about which vehicle you find comfortable, fun to drive, and reliable.

[@Reaper1008]

There was three diff. trims in 07. One was 173 bhp, one with 224 bhp and one with 293 bhp

[@S9staryu]

if you were looking for speed on a track or circuit, i guess you would be right, but im talking about everyday driving. since he cant afford a wrx, a base impreza definately trumps the mazda in terms of drivability. if you want the small creature comforts, the mazda may be better equipped. either way the price range is still about the same.

[@Alexsered]

All the information I have gathered is that the new skyline will be the same skyline offered around the world. 500± hp Twin Turbo 3.7 liter AWD. Looks pretty sick too. I'm pretty sure it will be a 7 speed padle shifter too.

[@mwrightp]

subie went with the hatch for RALLY racing. it keeps the same weight distribution but has a smaller rear overhang. which comes in handy flying around tight roads at 80+mph!

[@biscuitninja]

Both are good cars, I'm sure the Suby will have TONS of aftermarket parts available. Some even from the factory.

[@f4r20]

yeah i actually bought an 09... it is exactly the same as the 08.5.. the only difference i think is that the control remote has a button to open the boot

[@nd4spd325]

I love all the cars like these.. Gives us all options to choose from and means there's plenty of races out there..... What these cars do for the money just kicks ass.. V8's are gonna have to watch out!!

[@chriswf]

@iamhelix I wasn't there for this part, but he said they sealed off the hood scoop, and did the mist test again and evidently air pushed in ONLY from the front bumper pushed more air over the engine and around the intercooler. He's now actually built some sort of tube that grabs air at the bumper and pushes it over the TMIC... And he's ditched his hood scoop for more than just obvious reasons. Maybe they perfected it in the newer WRXs... I dono.

[@Alexsered]

most people don't drive any car hard in the rain snow mud whatever, I usually don't drive my ms3 hard unless it is nice weather outside :) and I would have a friendly arguement as to why you think the impreza platform is a much better base to start modding? The chasis test show that the ms3 can handle alot more horsepower than the wrx can and the MZR engine in the MS3 is very mod friendly.

[@t5e2]

@kylesti13 totally different class - sti is about USD$12k pricier than the speed3, plus it's also all wheel drive. There's not exactly a fair comparison.

[@roastedtyres]

@Pre00 I just ordered a 2011 wrx premium 3 weeks ago, I cant wait to get it. I currently have a 2000 subaru outback with 230,000 miles on it. im the orginal owner and it still runs as good as the day it was driven off the lot. I couldnt agree more about mustangs and the so called muscle cars, not only are wrx's and sti's beating these cars in a straight lines, they are blowing them away when it comes to handling and reliability.

[@impreza22bbs]

Always love the comparison tests and video which brings out tons of debates. But one I see lacking is any in the last 3 years. Mainly since subaru went to a stiffer suspension, better tires, and currently with the 2011's where I believe they are the best all around performers out of stock wrx's.

[@kens97sto171]

@gumper1986 Sorry your wrong...look it up. They are close, but the STi stock is a little quicker. And the STI can easily be tuned to put 450+HP to the wheels on the stock drivleline. Look on U tube, there are plenty of 3 sec runs to watch. I am not bashing the new Stang.. it IS a sweet car for sure. Looks good and goes fast too, but on a track or twisty road it would get hammered.

[@MurphysLaww]

I'm going to guess the 09 Wrx is owning the MS3. Same HP, and AWD. I have an 08 and know that it does end up a tick behind the MS3 in Autocross in fully stock cars. I think it came with 225/40r17 summer tires as well, whereas my 08 came with 205/45r17 All seasons. Just based on the tires alone, it's not a fair comparison.

[@BulletproofMonk]

if the WRX was FWD would it make it up your driveway in the winter? Probably not... that's why there are AWD cars, like Audi's A4 QUATTRO as opposed to their regular FWD A4... and BMWs 335xi.... in this case the Mazdaspeed6 is the AWD bretheren for Mazda, not the Mazdaspeed3, you can't do a fair snow comparison on that.

[@Blakerey]

that's because a rally track typically has low traction conditions. generally a rwd car has higher cornering limits, but is less manageable when traction is lost.

[@No1SonofJorel]

I hired a 5.0 mustang a few years ago and could not believe how slow and boaty it was not sure about the new 1 but the 2006 model was weak. my old version 4 sti was a space ship in comparison. anyway MPS is a animal looking to get one soon

[@071086]

Not going to argue with that, but I think they were looking at a balance of all the features they named at the beginning of the video (Specifically, the price... STIs run 10k more than the Speed3). Personally, I'd go for the Speed3 and spend the extra 10K on bolt-ons and gas.

[@obionecoyote]

i had a wrx then traded to the speed 3. the vid quality is low so you miss alot, but the interior of the speed 3 is alot louder almost to the point of being gimmicky. Subys have always had tame interiors. I never called it boring just functional

[@getalife04]

I completely agree. I have an 03 and this new one is just a real let down. And only the wagon? EH! I have the sedan and it is perfect why would they do that? They kind of lost me with this now one.

[@Flabernat]

That Mazda is impressive, but I'd like to see how it compares to the new turbo 2008 Cobalt SS when it comes out.

[@ageagile1047]

Still ripping my speed 3 today 😇

[@dannukesem]

LOL, I just drove a regular WRX the other day. They uped the horsepower to 265, and the ride and handling is just perfect. Not only that, but the seating is the best I have seen. I fit right in. I drove it, and it pulls like a freight train. It's also fairly quiet, something I like. I may get one later in September or so. It's out of reach for me now :( I know some people hot-rod them up to 500 hp, but 265 is good enough for me. The STI version may ride too hard for my taste.

[@t5e2]

oh ya i won't disagree the nice torque @ low RPM on the GTI's. But you would wonder why MS3 is much harder to come by than a GTI, cuz it's HOT!

[@zeroflat24]

i like how they say "the only advantage of the WRX is the AWD" obviously. which is also well worth the $2500 extra for the WRX. living in a city that sees snow all winter long, i bought an STI. AWD makes a world of difference.

[@spikejnz]

actually, with the 2008 both the STI and the standard WRX come with the 2.5

[@AkinaGod]

Hmmm.. I don't know how reliable this info is. The Mazda Speed three is supposed to have 263 horses and is supposed to be 2 tenths of a second faster than the 2004-2008 WRX. Why does this say it has a 6.1 0-60? It should be closer to 5.4. I think Edmonds needs to do a bit more testing.

[@SuperAnimekid]

@Fratty124 And your point is they also do a lot for the environment as well plus they make some of the best rally cars to ever be created. On top of that they are the sponsor of the American Kayaking Team and everyone of them drive a Subaru.

[@Alexsered]

where is this section that is dedicated to engine blowing? There was a thread that some guy just started about how he over boosted without a tune and blew his engine, is that what you are talking about?

[@alexosen]

Previous Impreza? 224 HP 2.2 litre engine with huge turbo lag? Impreza is a nice car - but it's a different class. You are probobly thinking of STI? If so, then yes.

[@fatman13x]

alright for sure that will be tight let me know how it goes.

[@erealpe13]

@BCCHSMD thanks a lot for the info... one of the reason i d go with honda or mazda was the price but im going to wait a little longer and might go for the subaru if can get a good deal

[@erealpe13]

i like both cars but id go with the wrx since i ive in NY and get lots of snow ... i also like the mazda Rx8 any thought about this car i heard it not too reliable

[@ZaXo00]

Yeah, I know... :( I wish it wasn't that way, but oh well. Do you know of anything along the line of these types of cars that would be easy and cheap to find? What about Evos? When did they finally start coming out with Evos in America? I know a lot about the evo itself, but not it's past.

[@VXLBeast]

Oh yah, thats right! I remeber hearing the WRX was at 265 now. Sweet, thanks for the details.

[@gift3rs]

Need a follow up video with the 09 WRX

[@2R1V3R]

Your right odalV the only thing about the Zoom Zoom is that it has a top speed of 150 and the SI has a top speed of 133. I owned a SI myself and I love every moment of it. Zoom,Zoom is also a nice car too. Dont like the style car looks very heavy.

[@kevinho5322]

Because you rarely see old Mazdas around, there are a lot of high mileage Subarus still running around. Not to mention the MS3's turbo runs on high boost than the WRX. Most MS3 owners know they are generally reliable but not problem free.

[@TheReapersSon]

Slap on a set of four Blizzak tires and stop relying on an AWD crutch for every sloppy situation. Even AWD can't save you from certain situations, and a set of good snow tires is a great alternative.

[@ZaXo00]

Yeah, personally I want a '99 STi more than any other year. I like the '98 22b, and all the other years, but there is just something that attracts me to the '99. I can't find one anywhere though. A friend and I are planning on building a circuit car, and we want a Subie, even if we have to get a Legacy. We also wouldn't mind an '87 Nissan Silvia K or an '84 Datsun 200SX Turbo, but we can't find crap anywhere. Do you know where to find cheap old cars with no body damage?

[@MickandNick]

just cause it doesn't look better(but it really does) doesn't mean it's worse. they even said the engine was better. i'm sure they know more than you. and they made it a hatch back so it was more aero dynamic for rallies. so i only see improvements there.

[@chromebomb]

i have a gti but i mildly regret not getting the ms3

[@klampykixx]

i agree with ovastranzajegay. if your going to do a comparison, make it a fair one. in saying that, give the mazda four wheel drive, bet you cant for $2500. sounds biased to me. i might ad tho, the extra weight of the awd on the soob would hinder its accelleration as would the losses thru the driveline. which is why the mazda catches the rex.

[@teti2004]

@andrewjpx Not sure about that too... They forgot a lot of factors in this test that imo would put the WRX in first place.

[@0mega101]

@TheGavinch STI is in different class, cost 10k more than speed3.

[@Niteguy705]

awd makes a biggg difference in winters where i live.. i am a subie fan but i have a lot of respect for the mazda too.. subie for me please... infact i already have one..

[@jdfox37]

The evolution is with the WRX STI, this is just a stock Impreza WRX, I think they were going for the lower costs vs performance over the top performers. Subaru has honestly never been known for its feather soft shifting and such, but chances are it will not only hold its own on the road, it can hold its own off the road aswell. Anyone from a mountain town will tell you that. Its a practical car before a performer in my book, and my favorite. Not too sure about the new look though.

[@theelusive2.8]

I agree, definitely AWD or RWD for the speed3. And a sedan version too, not just the hatchback.

[@KFCstevie]

never had a problem with any of mine so ill continue to buy them and next up is the MPS! what do you drive out of interest?

[@MrBELLTO]

@t5e2 Its a servere disadvantage having awd in most of these tests. the extra drive train drag and weight doesnt help in on road straight line comparison, it is also extremly interesting that the subaru has 60 hp less, though it does an alright hob. subaru could easily boost the power to 260 hp which is same as the speed3, but then the mazda wouldnt stand a chance, regaurdless of awd or not.

[@Alexsered]

if you can get a talon gxr, that car is gold in good condition, has alot of potential, and has awd, I would get that car as a track car only, but if you are not looking to make your car as a track car, but want something very fast and has alot of potential, go with the mazdaspeed3.

[@S9staryu]

well in the city, the impreza definately felt a lot more fun to drive. it also felt faster, and felt better put together. c&d can put any numbers it wants, but i believe personal preference tops out in the end.

[@ksmuffin]

@RayDanger2020 So how are you liking the car so far? and how's the mileage treating you? I wanted one really badly, but it's just not very practical for me right now(and they're not available in my area). I settled for a 3i Touring which I've been having a lot of fun with.

[@RayDanger2020]

@davenow The problem with the RX-8s and all rotarys really is that all their power is at the top end of the revs...its not hard to boost power...just hard to get any low end grunt out of them

[@impreza22bbs]

You can get any subaru with a turbo or without a turbo now.

[@WRXNE1]

The speed3 is a better build car. I own one after owning a my04 wrx. Don't think I will buy a subaru again. I notice the speed3 or mps which we call them in aus doesn't die off at high speeds compared to the wrx.

[@Alexsered]

but there is also a good bit of power lost in the tranny, and the extra weight is something you will have to deal with. Don't get me wrong, it is alot easier to have a fast launch in AWD, but if it was at the track, and I had drag tires, than that wont be that big of a difference.

[@eclipsetuner99]

Compare the 2009-up WRX next

[@albertkc2007]

I got a -6 rating for that comment. Its alright, I currently drive a Mazda5. Its not as fuel efficient and as comfy as the 1990 Pontiac Grand Am but it gets me my daily Zoom-Zoom fix when I blast off from the stop light, leaving most everyone behind. I donated the Pontiac to a foster home. Strangely, I still miss my Grand Am though.

[@kens97sto171]

@Trucoco 2011 Mustang V6 0-60 5.3 sec, 1/4 mile 13.8 -- Mustang GT 0-60 4.5 1/4 mile 13 sec. 2011 STI 0-60 4.8 sec 1/4 mile in 13.5 thats stock. The stock powertain can be tuned to 550HP at the wheels. I have driven both the MS3 and an STI there is no comparison that much power in s FWD car makes them handle like shit., put them on a track, and see what happens, then add some snow to the mix.

[@BillyWalsh82]

damn, I suppose. the awd has so many more components and more needed power to keep it doing its thing... a little bit more complicated. I am a diehard subaru guy, so its hard to see a FWD car dominate at all. mods are mods, and will definitely change things, but with raw hp numbers, stock to stock, its crazy to see the upset sometimes.

[@Alexsered]

The new CP-E reflash for the Mazda gives me full throttle to redline now ;)No more peak horsepower cutting off at 5500 RPMS.

[@boricuaboxing1213]

@loh343 of course.... but you would end up payin at least another 10 grand, you can put half of that into a speed3 and kill stis

[@BillyWalsh82]

yeah, in my opinion, its off the line that really matters...and on the track. I prefer traction, the sound of subarus, and a quick race off the line. there aren't many instances above 70mph or after a 1/4 mile that you will end up racing someone... I guess thats just my opinion. yep, traction and tires can make a huge difference.

[@knechtel]

Now try testing the sti vs the speed3 and tell me the out come of that one

[@S9staryu]

if its the normal ones, get the subaru. its faster and more comfortable. only problem is the some base models dont come with mp3 aux plug. 170 hp is plenty for its type of car.

[@nova12332]

@430nate oh what was i thinking when i wrote that? i shoulda put the wrx had 224hp while the s3 had 263hp. but yes i know its not all about the hp but i guess in this case it is. but the new wrx have 265 so it should be an interesting match.

[@RICHARDSCHALIJ]

Has Subaru ever fixed the brittle gears of the WRX transaxle yet ? My transaxle in my '06 WRX that I purchased new in Dallas broke TWICE in less than 18K miles and one year old before I traded it for another make of performance car, and I am on my third new car(BMW 3series coupe)since then. Subaru would not cover it under warranty($6K cost), so they lost a customer for life, or at least several new car purchases.

[@nyguesswho]

oh, stop about the awd vs fwd vs rwd...we all know that awd has better traction, rwd is better for the track and fwd is more of the family sedan/mini van drivetrain, but it depends on how much fun you want to have. I have pleanty of fun powersliding fwd cars around, or would love to do burn outs all day and drifts with a rwd car. No drivetrain is better, its just up to your preference.

[@nyguesswho]

Yeah, forgive my vauge use of the work track, i meant track as in like just an oval nascar track, which fwd with a front or mid engine placement would be ideal with balance of the car, ect...im sure fwd on a rally track would be fun as hell...never seen it though, only heard of it, probably a bit more interesting than awd. I gotta take my taurus on a firt road one day and see how I do :-) lol...NOT

[@Mike-rq1pt]

I work for Mazda, and the '11 Speed3 looks pretty nice and is pretty fast, I don't like it because of the front wheel drive; you can easily lose control.

[@sgtGrif]

@knduong probably because the newer sti's are quite sad compared to their older verisons...

[@TheLonelyMister]

honeslty i had this problem deciding to root for the wrx or the ms3. At first I was going for the ms3, but on the track and in terms of taking a beating, I assume it wouldnt hold up as good as the wrx. Im just assuming based on looks and specs, but any insight on this?

[@Nihil0s]

i'm saying that it's shallow to say these 2 cars look alike. The only similarity in concept of the two is that they are both compact sport hatchbacks. The lines and features of their exteriors are completely different.

[@drkangel1134]

if they did an sti vs ms3 comparison, the ms3 wouldn't be given this title to me they're comparing apples and oranges. the ms3 is the "top of the line" version of that model where as the wrx isn't, the wrx sti is. so they can't really make the comparisons they did just because they both did the same quarter mile time.

[@EnzoFirrari2k6]

The new one IS heavier. Maybe on a track the new suspension will prove superior, but they have dumbed down a lot of aspects about the new wrx. Now...the 2009 is a whole different story. Made to combat the Lancer Ralliart it will have around 265 hp, 244 torque. Big improvement

[@BosnaBoii]

That's because some people don't know how to use them, i've seen videos of speed6's totally killing speed3's and opposite, stock and modded. It's just knowing how to use them man.

[@BulletproofMonk]

Sounds like Ford sold some of their share/stock in it. I do recall at one point they had enough hold in stock that in Japan, considered to be the "parent company" which related into a LOT of their crossovers, with mazdas looking like a ford or vice versa.