Which is better?

 

What's the cost difference, warranty, etc?

 

well the Mazdaspeed has more goodies then just a turbocharger. I suppose turbocharing a stock 3 may be cheaper. But not by much. It has a modified suspension. So it should handle better.

 

MS3 also has limited slip differential, forged engine internals, reinforced suspension points, bigger sway-bars, 18" wheels,etc.....It's not just a turbo Mazda3.

The Mazdaspeed3 is clearly better than a turbo3. I plan on getting a MS3 next year, then once the warranty runs out, going even bigger with the power.

 

i was thinking about trading my 2006 hatch for the speed3. should i wait to trade it in or should i sell it and get a speed3

 

You get boned on trade-in....I'd try to sell it. You can still get good money for an 06 with low miles.

 

Not only does the MS3 have forged internals, but it also has 9.5:1 compression ratio, they were able to do this by using direct port injection (kinda like a diesel) The fuel pressure is over 1000 psi which allows the fuel to be atomized under high cylinder pressures, which reduces the chance of detonation. It also has a torque management sytem (which at times kinda sucks) in 1st gear it allows you 70-90% of the torque and in 2nd gear it allows you 75-95% of the torque, 3rd and after is 100%. My friend has recently purchased a MS3 after i conviced him too, hehe. He is starting to add some modifications, if anyone is interested I would be more than happy to post the mods he has added (when they get added) and the power/performace gains. No worries about warranty for him, I work for Mazda :P

FYI:
Drag Strip Stock:
.7346 reaction (i know it sucks)
2.3211 60FT
14.76 @ 96.84 1/4

 

must be a new driver.