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HOW DO WE COMPARE

1150 Views 35 Replies 18 Participants Last post by  InfraRedline
how does the svt compare to the mazada speep? I am not to familiar with this car but i have seen a few nice ones.
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SVT - Better Interior - Better Brakes

Mazdaspeed - Better everything else


The MSP has more torque than the SVT and the same horsepower. Although I have heard that the MSP feels a bit lethargic in stock form, you can't beat an OEM turbo setup. So in stock form, the power is probably equal to the SVT, but the MSP has a pretty big upside as for as upgradeability. And it can handle as well or better than the SVT. Just the SVT (in my opinion) is just nicer on the eyes. But I do love the MSP. And if anyone would like to trade a new MSP for my SVT, I'm up for it
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you should read this article

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedan/112_0306_3way/index.html


I love my SVT. I still prefer it to a Protoge. Even a Turbocharged one. I just wish we could shoe-horn that MOPAR engine into our Foci
I would still take the SVT first.

Mazada needs a turbo to put out 170 HP and did nothing to strengthen the internals of the engine.

The 170 HP SVT engine on the other hand, has bolstered internals and is just begging for more power.

They are both sweet though.
If the SVT came with OEM FI, then I think it would be hands down decsion in the SVTs favor. I love my car to death, and even more as more aftermarket options become available...I do get kinda jealous when I read up on the MSPs numbers verus ours...heres a cool side by side comparo...

MSP vs. SVT

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Ford Focus currently is the BEST handling front wheel drive car in the world.
SVT tuned focus is even better. The new MAZDA 3 (Should be available for sale any day now to replace the PROTEGE model) and the new 2005 FORD FOCUS will be the same cars. I guess we will know in advance how good is the upcoming replacement for our Focus will be by test driving the new mazda 3
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Ford Focus currently is the BEST handling front wheel drive car in the world.
SVT tuned focus is even better. The new MAZDA 3 (Should be available for sale any day now to replace the PROTEGE model) and the new 2005 FORD FOCUS will be the same cars. I guess we will know in advance how good is the upcoming replacement for our Focus will be by test driving the new mazda 3
Ummm the Mazdaspeed protoge can probably outhandle the SVT. It posted the fastest Slalom speed of any car in the SCC testing ever. (not sure if this is all cars or in it's class). But the SVT slalom speed was 67mph and the MSP broke 70mph through the slalom! Which mean this car can haul arse while turning. I think the MSP beats the SVT in handling.
Ahhhh...but give us an LSD and I definitely think we can compete...cause I know they have one!!!


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Ummm the Mazdaspeed protoge can probably outhandle the SVT. It posted the fastest Slalom speed of any car in the SCC testing ever. (not sure if this is all cars or in it's class). But the SVT slalom speed was 67mph and the MSP broke 70mph through the slalom! Which mean this car can haul arse while turning. I think the MSP beats the SVT in handling.

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British Top Gear had Mazda beat by FOCUS RS by almost 6 seconds. The same RS beat euro spec 200Hp Civic SI by only 4 seconds. The CIVIC Si was faster than Subaru WRX by almost 2 seconds. Euro spec Civic Si is Acura RSX type S that you can buy in US. You do the math. SVT is no RS but we all know that it is faster than RSX type S on the track. I do not want to take anything away from Mazda but it NOT FOCUS SVT and it will never be even with LSD and Colin Mcrae at the wheel.
I wish I could get Neon SRT's engine in mine....
How hard will it be to take the engine and trany from wracked Neon SRT and mate it with our SVT????
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Do you have any pulished proof the SVT (not RS) is faster than the RSX?? That would help me out tremendously right now. My buddy just bought a Type S--it would make my day to show him that.
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The Civic Type R has the same engine, but is LIGHTER than the RSX. You're drawing comparisons where there are none to be drawn. The SVT can NOT outhandle the protege. I love my car, and I DO have an LSD, and I've pit my car against many other cars on the track, but it wouldn't be a fair comparison because the driver is a huge part. The only comparisons you can fairly make are direct car to car comparisons. I mean sure you can sav the SVT with Colin vs the MSP with Boy George, the SVT will win.. but what kind of crap is that?

Fact: SCC tested both cars through the slalom.
MSP 70+ Mph
SVT 67ish MPH

I'm sorry but your just wrong. The Protege outhandles the SVT in stock form. I truly believe that with an LSD, you might see a bit of difference and it might even things up, but we'll never know will we, because SVT didn't put an LSD in the stock SVT. So the MSP wins.

Fit and finish are objective, but you cant' argue with the numbers of a direct car comparison. I can't even see how you are compariing an RS to an SVT! They are not even close to the same. The RS comes with a wider wheel base, and STOCK LSD and a TURBO. I mean it's not even close.
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I can't even see how you are compariing an RS to an SVT! They are not even close to the same. The RS comes with a wider wheel base, and STOCK LSD and a TURBO. I mean it's not even close.

Yep...it sucks that they're not the same though!!!


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I know.. we get the big screw over here in the US hehe.. oh well. Oh yea, I also forgot, the RS is running 225 tires!! hehe
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...The RS comes with a wider wheel base...
I know what you meant but the RS has a wider track


I agree that the Mazdaspeed handles better, the numbers don't lie, but when the road is anything put perfect I'd give the edge to the SVT
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Why? What makes the SVT better on bad roads? Are the springs stiffer on the Protege? Do you know the spring rates of both? Do you know the sway bar sizes?

If you don't know that, then how could you make that assumption?

Sorry I don't mean to offend, because I know the general reaction is to defend our beloved cars, but the fact is, there are cars out there that are better than the SVT. Yes there are even cars out there that are better for the money, than the SVT. The MSP and SRT-4 are just two of those cars.
Maybe I'll just have to challenge the guy that live in my apt complex to an automobile duel and find out!!!


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There should be no argument - Mazda Protege is history, and the New Mazda 3 is a preview of what the New Focus is going to be like. I will go for a test drive as soon as I see it on the lot. It might even turn out to be a step back
- good for us.
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Not to get too off topic...Mazda is kicking ass, MSP, Mazda 6 and that damn RX-8 is disgusting!!! Have you guys heard that thing!!! I love rotarys now...down with pistons!!! So...is there anyway to transplant something like that into a focus...



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No offense but for those who are "magazine racing", the initial question need not apply. I've raced my car (with coilovers) as well as a Mazdaspeed Protege on a tight autocross before, as well as driving around on some twisty roads. Mazdaspeed > SVT Focus for sure. I consistantly posted better times with my friend's Mazdaspeed than my SVT. Even on long sweepers, the Mazdaspeed feels more planted because of the lower CG & just as sticky, if not stickier rubber. The Protege just simply sticks & at the onset of slip, it is very predictable & neutral. The only drawback I can think of is the ride of the MSProtege is stiffer than a stock SVT.
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Let it go.
There is no Mazda Speed made anymore. The production has ended. Mazda 3 now = Ford Focus next year. You all people bitch about Focus problems - multiply it by 2 and you have Mazda Protege - Mazda has the worst quality and reliability ratings in the industry in the last 5 years, even behind KIA if it is possible. From the initial reviews it looks like Mazda people designed an excellent chassis for the new 3. I'm sure SVT people will make it even better once they get their hands on it down the road
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