Hey guys, just wanted to share my experience with people who actually care about handling and braking as well as speed.

Let me preface this by saying that I've driven WRX's, Spec V's, RSX's, SI's, MKIV VW's, and, the SVT focus. And with the exception of the SVT, none of the above cars come EVEN CLOSE to the ITR's chassis dynamics. This may offend some, but sometimes the truth hurts.

Drove a new 2003.5 Mazdaspeed Pro in the silver which is also available in radaint yellow which looks exactly like PY. ('03s were black or orange) The only notable changes are a slightly more agressive front fascia, more ricey wing (I like the 3 post MP3 wing better), oval exhaust tip, and, RH 17's in hyper black instead of silver. Otherwise the car is identical, but according to my friend (Mazda salesman that lent me the car for 2 hours) he says the 03.5 has a better ecu program, as where the 03 had a few glitches. Giving the newer car better gas mileage, crisper throttle response, and, lower emmisions. Obviously Mazda won't announce this publicly since there are still a few 03's sitting on dealer lots.

The fun part was blasting around NYC metro area yesterday in this little econo rocket. Handling is unf*ckingreal! The car is dead planted, no body roll, tons of grip, razor sharp steering (a bit lighter than ITR), the gearbox is very friendly, it has heavy detents and shifts smootly (a little less smooth than ITR but you'll never miss a gear with the Mazda, it simply wont let you) clutch feels like a base protege but with lots more bite.

Around horseshoe on-ramps the car sticks as if it were a touring car! The LSD works wonders in the car! But make sure you don't lift, cuz you will end up in the grass. Brakes are from the Eurospec protege sport which is basically a euro MP3 and they are a big improvement over the brakes in my wagon (MP5). Nice pedal feel, and great braking under high speed deceleration, no fade/no mushiness. I got caught out in a downpour yesterday and the cars wet weather performance is unreal! Totally glued to the road in the rain, it almost feels AWD when driving fast in the rain.

The motivating mill in this little car is the standard 2.0 Mazda I4 with a T25 ball bearing snail on it. The car is a night and day difference between the n/a version of the car. Acceleration is snappy with little or no turbo lag, 4th gear will get you way into triple digit speed if you don't watch it, so you have to practice restraint in that aspect. The fun all comes to an end at the cars electronically governed 130 mph top speed.

 

So how does it compare to the ARRRR?

 

No wonder, lots of protege owners around here often give me a bad look (lloks like trying to race or something). hmm interesting...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ActiveAero &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So how does it compare to the ARRRR?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Definetly a higher level of grip than a stock R, no question about it. Wider tires, lower center of gravity, and slightly stiffer when stock are the reasons for that. It's not quite as fast as a stock R, but being a forced induction car I'm sure you can squeeze another 30-40hp out of it with mild mods.

Not saying I'd replace my R with one. But being a 4 dr sedan, with a much lower theft rate it's definetly way more practical as a daily driver than an R.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by H-PIMP &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm sure you can squeeze another 30-40hp out of it with mild mods.</TD></TR></TABLE>

If memory serves, some third party company made that package for mazda. They're boosting on the unmodified NA mp3 motor...so another 30-40hp isnt going to happen that easily (or safe).

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 337 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

If memory serves, some third party company made that package for mazda. They're boosting on the unmodified NA mp3 motor...so another 30-40hp isnt going to happen that easily (or safe).</TD></TR></TABLE>

Callaway did the turbo kit for Mazda, and you are correct. It is just a "bolt-on" kit, as far as the long block goes. But the cooling system, clutch, tranny, motor mounts, fuel system/ecu, and, exhaust system have all been upgraded. The car is a rolling billboard for Sparco, Racing Beat, Callaway, Racing Hart, and, Tokico.

Callaway found the cars base engine stout enough for what their goal was, so to keep costs down the internals were not changed. But remeber this is not the first time this engine architecture has been boosted. Remember the 88-89 Mazda 323 GTX's? Those were also boosted cars with tons of potential and AWD to boot.

The cars factory boost setting is 6psi, I'm sure that an Electronic Boost Controller set @ 8 psi plus maybe a K&N drop in will make the car a bit faster for starters.

 

I always love to see a review by Rob

Now, what do you suggest for a 4x4? Seriously... I may be in the line for a company car and am looking into the new Trailblazer. I want at least all wheel drive and it needs to be able to tow my R plus a full load. I already have 2 other cars so a truck is the next logical vehicle, and no thanks i don't like the astrovans,,, they were a past consideration.

It ain't my money but, the cap is somewhere $35,000.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 1GreyTeg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I always love to see a review by Rob

Now, what do you suggest for a 4x4? Seriously... I may be in the line for a company car and am looking into the new Trailblazer. I want at least all wheel drive and it needs to be able to tow my R plus a full load. I already have 2 other cars so a truck is the next logical vehicle, and no thanks i don't like the astrovans,,, they were a past consideration.

It ain't my money but, the cap is somewhere $35,000.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I have two words for you Anton.... SILVERADO SS

If you need I can get you a great deal on one, or any chevy for that matter.

 

cool, the car looks decent as well for a completely stock car. I liked the MP3 when it first came out and now thats its got a little ummpff, thats cool

I wouldnt get rid of the Hype R for one though

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RTW DC2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">cool, the car looks decent as well for a completely stock car. I liked the MP3 when it first came out and now thats its got a little ummpff, thats cool

I wouldnt get rid of the Hype R for one though </TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah, neither would I. But it's very close to ITR performance stock for stock plus more practical and you can actually drive it without the constant threat of theft. Especially in our area.(NY/NJ/CT)

 

One of the best ways to spend $20K out there, hands down. Puts many (more expensive) cars to shame in the handling/braking dept. Plus I'm sure the 170hp Turbo 2.0 is fun for daily driving.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by H-PIMP &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I have two words for you Anton.... SILVERADO SS

If you need I can get you a great deal on one, or any chevy for that matter.</TD></TR></TABLE>


I may need another truck also. My Tacoma is great (actually tows very well), but the back seat is way too small for people. I am thinking of a used truck with about 8,000 tow limit or I may keep the Tacoma and get some sort of sports sedan (E36 non-M or whatever).

 

Oh, good review by the way !!!!!

 

dave, i'm starting to look into late-90s chevy astro minivans as a tow vehicle. the vans have v6's and are rated to tow 5000lbs. they are plentiful and go for around $5000-6000.

i'd love to see the mazdaspeed's go fast goodies put into a protege5 wagon. the wagon has everything but power.

 

As for 4x4, I have a Trailblazer as daily driver alongside the R, good all-around truck. I use it to tow the R around long distances, does a good job at it, and I also do some light duty off-roading in trails and sand dunes with it too. Decent all-around mid-size SUV with some good strong truck underpinnings, not like those other wimpy unibody SUV's. And can get one at well under $35K too.

Cheers,

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 1GreyTeg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I always love to see a review by Rob

Now, what do you suggest for a 4x4? Seriously... I may be in the line for a company car and am looking into the new Trailblazer. I want at least all wheel drive and it needs to be able to tow my R plus a full load. I already have 2 other cars so a truck is the next logical vehicle, and no thanks i don't like the astrovans,,, they were a past consideration.

It ain't my money but, the cap is somewhere $35,000.</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Sleeper 4X4 F150 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">One of the best ways to spend $20K out there, hands down. Puts many (more expensive) cars to shame in the handling/braking dept. Plus I'm sure the 170hp Turbo 2.0 is fun for daily driving.</TD></TR></TABLE>

i must add neon into the mix.. (an opinion), but i find it a better car than protege for $20K

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by vtec.dc2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

i must add neon into the mix.. (an opinion), but i find it a better car than protege for $20K</TD></TR></TABLE>

Please tell me you've sat in both.... the neon feels like, well, ***. The protege actually feels like some quality behind it - and its driving dynamic is just awesome.

 

Actually, I rather prefer an Exursion.....
I rented one for a Snowboarding trip to WV two years ago. Let's just say that I don't like trucks... period! But this was different. Something about shuttling 8 people around a bend as the rear end is stepping out in a 2nd gear hairpin is just cool! (this never happened, nor would I condone driving like this on the street)
-blake

 

Good review, That make me want to drive one.. Too bad, I dont know how to drive manual. How much is the Mazdaspeed Protege?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CrazyHondaBoy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Good review, That make me want to drive one.. Too bad, I dont know how to drive manual. How much is the Mazdaspeed Protege? </TD></TR></TABLE>

Check out http://www.mazdausa.com for ll the info you could want on the car.

As far as the Srt-4 dispute goes, well I do agree that the neon is much faster and is definetly ripe with potential, but the Mazda has a fit and finish and chassis that is second to none in the segment. Call me elitist, but I could see owning a Mazdaspeed long term, but the Neon doesn't inspire confidence when it comes to long term reliability and resale value. Just look at all the 86-93 Turbo FWD Dodges, where are they all at? In turn I still see plenty of ten+ year old Honda's, Mazda's, and, Toyota's on the road every single day.

The srt4 is a hell of a dragster for $20K, but not much else. And yes I know the car is auto-x able, but the Protege is still a superior chassis and overall package.

 

yoink: https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=553449

msp =

 

great review. I've always liked them. Seem to be very hard to get since I never see any on the road.

 

Nice review

Frosty who test drove an evo 2mo ago and nearly bought one .

&lt;------------- Owned by $13k in school loans

 

Excellent review. Thanks for sharing!!

 

great review
but i have disagree about the handling of the ITR vs WRX.

the WRX is the best handling car EVER

ill take a mazdaspeed protege anyday over the SRT4