Random thoughts thread

[Allch Chcar]

Originally Posted by Snoopyalien24

Whatcha majoring in?

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

Yeah that's what I thought...I hope you have a STEM degree to be making an assertion like that.

Engineering Physics. And if I contract with ROTC, I'll have most of my tuition and loans paid for.

Originally Posted by Porsche

Sorry to hear that. May I ask why? Was the financing too big of a hurdle?

How much were you putting down, and how much was the selling price? If one has enough down, I'd think the car itself would serve as collateral; the equity you have in it should cover the lender's costs should you default on the loan and they then repossess the car.

I offered a higher down payment but it wasn't enough. They wouldn't sign a deal with me being new credit and low income without a co-signer having excellent credit. Everyone I know has bad credit. I had to find a place offering a program for a first time buyer that ignores credit and income but w/o a co-signer. I'm waiting on the salesman to call me back on approval. The good thing is after 13 payments I'll have some credit so I can think about getting a BRZ.

[trd_kid]

at the end of the day though awd > fwd . I've owned a fwd car , driven a sti quite a few times , and now own the fr-s . And hands down the awd is way more fun than a fwd car

[Giccin]

Originally Posted by Porsche

This link will allow you to compare various Subaru models with competitors:

http://www.subaru.com/tools/compare-...13&trim=4-Door

Note that the price difference appears to be closer to $5,000 more for the WRX Limited vs. the MS3, making the MS3 that much more attractive. (Ignoring local discounts, which may be greater for the Mazda.)

Read what the major auto mags have to say about these two cars. I'd say they tend to favor the MS3 for value and fun, but they're both good cars.




The WRX has a 2 hp (two) advantage, 265 hp vs. 263 for the MS3. Insignificant.

The MS3 has 280 ft-lb torque vs. a "mere" 244 for the WRX. Significant.

The MS3 has more grunt; the boost comes in at 3000 rpm and the thing "will get your attention." It's fun, and quick. It has so much torque that Mazda has a limiter on it in first gear, and I think second, too. One cannot exploit all that power and torque in those gears anyway because you'll just spin the front wheels.

You'll learn to respect the throttle in the wet.



I don't understand. Could you explain, please?



Perhaps, but I decided for our purposes that AWD would be a benefit we'd rarely benefit from. I might like it, but I'm unwilling to spend an additional $4k-$5k for it. YMMV, of course.



Forty pounds difference according to the Subaru website, I believe.

The MS3 is quicker.

One may be able to find a much greater discount on the Mazda than on the Subaru. That was the case here, recently. Your area may be different.



Insurance may be equally TOO HIGH. Be certain to confirm the cost before buying the car, since it might be more than is worthwhile on these cars, especially if you're young and just starting out. You face many expenses as you get your start in life. This would be a particular concern were you to opt for the STi.




You cannot tell the difference from behind the wheel?

In that case, that extra 40 hp is hardly worth the $10,000+ premium on the STi. There are a few other improvements as well, as noted in another post.

The STi looks attractive, but many auto mag reviewers question whether it's worth the hefty premium for the STi vs. the WRX, never mind the MS3, just as I do.

The Mazdaspeed 3 is a real bargain.



Your money, of course, but I would't do that. The costs and risks outweigh the benefits. These cars are plenty quick enough for most anyone, especially a "beginner."

I'd recommend spending the money upgrading the driver. Go to a racing school up at Laguna Seca or Sears Point (or whatever it's called these days.)

What I meant about the torque kicking (I'm trying to relate it to someone who has a MS3. It has that little... umph in it I can't really explain) I've been in the Impreza WRX and I couldn't feel that little umph from what I remember. That's my fault though. hah.

And thanks for the clarification on the weight and power. I was switching from the subaru website to the Mazda website comparing the two.


And dangit... Lol Its just something about the subaru hatch and that exhaust note that just catches me.

Mazda does have that bargain though. I definitely agree with you on that.

[Porsche]

Originally Posted by Giccin

I'm still curious if that 6th gear is really necessary. Lol

On most cars, 6th gear is a tall overdrive gear that markedly lowers the rpms at highway cruising speeds, thus significantly improving fuel economy.

It is often deemed "necessary" to meet USA mandated CAFE ratings, not for any technical advantage. Think of it as a bonus.

[Giccin]

Oh, I forgot to mention you'd get 2k off the subaru if you're with SoA. Lol

[Porsche]

Originally Posted by Giccin

What I meant about the torque kicking (I'm trying to relate it to someone who has a MS3. It has that little... umph in it I can't really explain) I've been in the Impreza WRX and I couldn't feel that little umph from what I remember. That's my fault though. hah.

I assure you, you'll FEEL the boost come on in the MS3 as the turbo spools up at 3000 rpm.

You really need to go test drive an MS3.

Then come talk to me.

[Giccin]

Originally Posted by Porsche

I assure you, you'll FEEL the boost come on in the MS3 as the turbo spools up at 3000 rpm.

You really need to go test drive an MS3.

Then come talk to me.

I did! Lol

I've driven both. I'm still.. stuck in between. Its not like I'm getting another car soon. I just want to set myself on something so when I am ready I'll just head over and get it. :P haha
:happy0180:

[Porsche]

Originally Posted by Allch Chcar

Engineering Physics. And if I contract with ROTC, I'll have most of my tuition and loans paid for.

THEN all you need to do ... is survive your tour(s) of duty in The Sand Box. You'll be going there; count on it.

But should you choose that route, then thank you for your service.

I offered a higher down payment but it wasn't enough. They wouldn't sign a deal with me being new credit and low income without a co-signer having excellent credit. Everyone I know has bad credit.

Bummer.

I'll bet you could find a Ford dealer who'd finance you for a Focus ST. That looks like a really fun car.

Then again, if you can afford that, then get the BRZ/FR-S.

[Porsche]

Originally Posted by Giccin

I did! Lol

You didn't floor it in first gear though, did you?!

Tell the truth, now, Giccin!

Go back there ... and do it RIGHT this time.

Full throttle in first gear to 6000 rpm, shift to second and full throttle immediately to 6000 rpm. Check for Enforcers in the vicinity, first of course.

I'll bet the MS3 actually gives you a fright!

:happy0180:

[OrbitalEllipses]

MS3 vs WRX: AWD vs FWD. I'd rather have AWD, the torque steer on the Mazda isn't something I want to deal with. The only reason it's manageable is because they limit boost-per-gear in 1st, 2nd, and possibly 3rd.

And a 265hp WRX is really a 300whp/300wtq with just a tune and turboback exhaust. I'm a WRX fanboy, I admit. @Porsche and I have to disagree on the MS3 vs. WRX here.

Again, STI vs WRX: tranmission and brakes. That's a $4000-5000 transmission from the dealer new, with a driver controlled center diff (trick diff!) and TWO limited slip diffs. The only more advanced AWD system in that price range is the Evo with it's crazy electronics.

[Porsche]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

@Porsche and I have to disagree on the MS3 vs. WRX here.

Again, STI vs WRX: tranmission and brakes. That's a $4000-5000 transmission from the dealer new, with a driver controlled center diff (trick diff!) and TWO limited slip diffs. The only more advanced AWD system in that price range is the Evo with it's crazy electronics.

Again...

Originally Posted by Porsche

In that case, that extra 40 hp is hardly worth the $10,000+ premium on the STi. There are a few other improvements as well, as noted in another post.

Meaning YOUR post, Orb.

She said she couldn't discern any difference. In which case I stand by my statement that the STi does not appear to be worth $10,000+ extra FOR HER.

You and I might find the differences worthwhile.

What is there to disagree about? Her and my PREFERENCES?

[kanundrum]

Ill take my Haldex any day of the week. Got to love AWD

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by Porsche

stuff

You're a little up in arms ain't ya? I skimmed, sorry. I assumed you like the MS3 since you own one, but that not have been clear in my post. Are you here just to argue? You're a knowledgeable guy...don't jump down my throat first chance you get.

[Porsche]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

You're a little up in arms ain't ya? I skimmed, sorry. I assumed you like the MS3 since you own one, but that not have been clear in my post. Are you here just to argue? You're a knowledgeable guy...don't jump down my throat first chance you get.

You "skimmed," "assumed," and failed to read carefully. And now you're here to "jump down my throat?"

I'm here to promote clarity.

You seem interested in illustrating the characteristics of the testosterone-addled Angry Young Male.

Now, why don't you "have the last word," young man, and run along.

Thanks.

I have nothing further to say to you.