View Full Version : Mazda 6 MPS vs Liberty GT
Dare I start this one again.....? Oh what the heck, here goes, I'm gonna use that "M" word again :lol:
drive.com.au have compared the Mazda 6 MPS (that's MazdaSpeed if you live in North America). This time the votes were split, 1 for Subaru, 1 for Mazda. Neither one perfect but both outstanding in their own way
http://www.drive.com.au/editorial/article.aspx?id=10682&vf=1
Cant wait for the GT STi vs Mazda 6 comparo.... surely a clear win to Subaru on a pure performance basis? (despite the Mazda being cheaper and getting xenons, full leather, memory seats, stability control, sunroof etc etc )
dmcgowan
01-17-2006, 01:16 AM
Adam,
Can we lock this thread before we get the benefit of some other's input... oops, too late
I'd be blown away if anyone did choose the MPS over the STi though!
i reckon leave it open...its always fun to watch
*Jedimaster*
01-17-2006, 03:12 PM
Hay guys- let's talk about the Mazda Homomachine!
PhilT
01-17-2006, 03:31 PM
Hay guys- let's talk about the Mazda Homomachine!
Again........and again..............and again...........:lol:
dmcgowan
01-17-2006, 04:08 PM
Let me get some beer and chips...
little bit of help for my bretheren from down under.
Dont post things like:
Adam,
Can we lock this thread before we get the benefit of some other's input...
or:
i reckon leave it open...its always fun to watch
Not posting this stuff will keep the vultures out.
Back on topic...
drive.com.au have compared the Mazda 6 MPS (that's MazdaSpeed if you live in North America).
its called the MS6 by those "in the know" in america. I had a Mazdaspeed Protege
(not sure if it ever made its way to you) and we called it the MSP.
dmcgowan
01-17-2006, 04:24 PM
Bulldog,
I don't think we ever got the MazdaSpeed Protege - that's the name they used for the Mazda 323 / 3 down here (I think). They did have a SP23 model for the 3 - think the yellow paint was worth about 5 kw atw...
You guy definately get alot of nice cars that we never see.
the MSP:
2003-2004 MazdaSpeed Protege
The successor 2001's MP3 has the performance to match it's handling prowess, with more suspension tweaks by tuner Racing Beat and power using a Garett turbocharger. The 2003.5 model gets a facelift.
Base price : $21,000 (http://www.qksrv.net/click-1117943-5684914)http://www.qksrv.net/image-1117943-5684914
Engine : 4 cylinder, turbocharged, DOHC, front engine FWD
Displacement : 1,991 cc
Valve : 16 valves, 4 valves per cylinder
Transmission : 5-spd manual
Fuel economy : city - unknown
highway - unknown
Suspension : F - Independent MacPherson strut
R - Independent twin trapezoidal link
Brakes : F - Vented discs
R - Solid discs
Horsepower : 170 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque : 155 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Redline : 6500 rpm
Top speed : 130 mph(estimated)
0-60 mph : 6.9 sec.
0-¼ mile : 15.4 sec @ 91.0 mph
60-0 braking distance : 135 ft
200 ft skidpad : 0.89 g
Curb Weight : 2844 lbs
Overall length : 174.6 in.
Wheelbase : 102.8 in.
Overall Width : 67.1 in.
Height : 55.3 in.
http://www.modernracer.com/thumbnails/mazdaspeedprotegefront1thum.jpg (http://www.modernracer.com/images/mazdaspeedprotegefront1.html)
we got this POS, very unmoddable, it takes at least 7k to get to 300hp
Not sure why, but Mazda have never officially used the "Mazdaspeed" brand downunder. Maybe because in todays safety conscious world it is politically incorrect to market vehicles on the basis of "speed". (even if you are selling "homomachines"!:lol: )
Instead Mazda uses the more subtle "MPS", Mazda Performance Series, its rumoured we'll soon be seeing a few more models with the MPS badge, including a "3".
I have heard speculation, that the 5000 MSP's that were built were shipped the states as stock protege LX models. they were then shipped off to a company that added the parts, making the mazdaspeed name brand strictly american. that may be why you never saw the mazdaspeed brand.
dmcgowan
01-17-2006, 05:24 PM
Sure we never got this Mazda 3 variant - although ours was this colour...
Mazda seem to have a bit of a heritage of country specific mods maybe? Allan Horsley (?) the ex RX7 race team manager has built a couple of Mazda approved specials. There have been two (I think) RX7 specials and they also did a turbo MX5 variant (was it called the SP?). Both seemed to get lots of cred in the local motoring press - he's a good operator in motor sport so the mods should have been sensible and good.
I wonder if there will be any mod industry springing up around the MPS here? Given how it is generally winning over the motoring press, it will be interesting to see if punters vote with their feet over the next 8 months whilst there is no Liberty GT...
elarbee
01-17-2006, 07:58 PM
Not sure why, but Mazda have never officially used the "Mazdaspeed" brand downunder. Maybe because in todays safety conscious world it is politically incorrect to market vehicles on the basis of "speed". (even if you are selling "homomachines"!:lol: )
Instead Mazda uses the more subtle "MPS", Mazda Performance Series, its rumoured we'll soon be seeing a few more models with the MPS badge, including a "3".
close.. they aren't allowed to use mazdaspeed. all of the manufactures in australia have agreed ( cause government forced them ) to not promote excess speed in their advertising..
btw.. the legacy is called the liberty here in australia because we have an ANZAC organization here called legacy for war vetrans ( a jap car named legacy wouldn't go down too well )
sorry, back to topic
liberty > mazda6 imo
dmcgowan
01-18-2006, 06:21 AM
Wow - finally read the Motor review tonight (hmmm subscribe and get it a week late....!) - that doesn't even sound close - clear decision for the MPS...
I hope SA get off their proverbial and get a GT STi in for review!
I bought a copy of Motor from the servo on the way home last night. Read most of the article... (it got too depressing). They certainly didnt have a lot of praise for the standard Liberty GT. As you say a very clear win to the MPS. Interestingly I couldnt see any mention of Subaru's release of the tuned by STi GT.
I'd say that the PR department at SA are seriously letting the team down. Come on Subaru Australia, when will the record be set straight? I keep sensing that nice little old ladies in their Mazda 3s are thumbing their noses at me :lol:
dmcgowan
01-18-2006, 04:13 PM
Yeah, especially as they had a sidebar on the GT STi two editions ago and it made their "desirable cars of 2006" feature last month.
Get off your proverbial SA and sort it out!
agctr
01-18-2006, 05:10 PM
When Mr. Taylor put into the Ford Forum that the STi GT was soft etc, Im 100% sure that he was talking about the GT stocker. I wouldnt be reading too much into the comparos to be honest. Imagine what Mazda and Subaru Execs think if we are this passionate about it.
U could always turn up at a Mazda Dealer and say u are looking at a Subaru and just see what the feedback is, could be pretty funny especailly if they mention the writeups in Motor and Wheels. Its all about Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday and at the moment Mazda are going for gold while the GT is out of service till Oct 06, then again who can blame them. At the end of the day, we have put our money where our mouth is and that is all that counts. For mine, Im not sure that a STi Vs MPS will ever happen but if it does, I will be the first to get a copy.
Ada///M.