Read what the BRZ / FR-S Toyobaru said about our car.

Originally Posted by Lug

The Speed3 is on the same platform as the older Focus, 2011 Focus updated to new. I'd expect the MS3 in the next year or so. The MS3 will probably just inch out the ST in performance (10 extra HP, 10 ft/lb extra tq, very close curb weight) but the Ford is a much nicer DD, better suspension and probably nicer interier (depends on taste). The big dif is the Ford is rated at 32 MPG hwy, the MS3 at only 25 MPG hwy. To me the big reason to go MS3 is if you are gonna mod out of the gate. There are a lot of gotyas with these turbo'ed engines but the MS3 crowd has worked out the kinks (they've been on this motor/tranny combo for 6 years and they have a very specific order of mods to do it right, you don't "guess" on this platform). I have no plans to mode for at least 2 years so the Ford makes more sense for me. Overall, either are great picks for DD's in my book.

Originally Posted by kenchan

thanks for the info lug. but ive pretty much decided which hatch to get. i will use the ST as leverage to get a better price. lol

Originally Posted by Lug

Join MazdaSpeed Forums and read your *** off before doing any mods. There a cases of zoom-zoom-boom (their cute little saying for blown engines) with just bolt-ons if you don't address a known fuel weakness (you need to upgrage fuel pump internals or you lean out really quick , about $300 I think). the best thing about this site is that they actually map out the upgrade order to do this safely and you can get a TON of power out of these little beasts if you do it right for a whole lot less money than a NA car. The COBB tuner stuff is amazing. There are a few threads on current prices people are getting as well. I've seen non-tech MS3's going for around only 22K recently.

Originally Posted by kenchan

i will only be doing springs, spacers, and splitter. that's all. no engine mods, maybe an axle-back if one exists.

Originally Posted by Lug

got ya...

2010 MS3 - Suspension & Brakes - Mazdaspeed Forums