themag

Ok guys I have a serious question. Which car is more worth it to mod? My current 03 Mp5 or a 99-01 Subaru 2.5rs? I love my Mp5 but my concerns are the fwd with to much power vs awd, and I asume the 2.5rs would handle better because of the awd. But I am not sure and thats why I ask you guys.

CustomsChris

I'd say the subie. I don't know about where you live, but around me you never see a 2.5 for sale. Why? because they are kick *** cars. I'd think you'd want AWD since you're in Boulder. I've also heard the 2.5 motor responds really well to mods.

phals

Everyone in Boulder Drives a Subie, EVERYONE. The P5 is where its at, my '02 sedan does amazing in the snow so long as there is ground clearence, the 2.5 RS is gunna be very similar you just wont have to feather it as much to get it moving to avoid spinning.

I've driven both, the Protege is much more precise in its handling and suprisingly responsive. The 2.5 feels a little sluggish(by comparison) but still is a great car to drive, plus I cant stand the brakes. The P5 also gets a little better gas mileage, which nowadays is a big thing.

From a purely modding perspective though, there is alot more bolt on parts available for the 2.5 RS, plus if you have the money, STI swaps are very very popular.

Some input from a fellow Coloradoan

eggynatey

IMO: Looks and handling: Mazda
Power potential/ safety in cold weather: Scooby

themag

Your right phals, there are way too many Subarus in Boulder and few Mp5s

phals

I'm from the Fort. . . we have our reasons for haten, no worries though. Both cars are great, so in all honesty no matter what you pick you will be happy for one reason or anouther.

Eggy is right though about the advantages, handling with a solid chassi is one without a dought advantage of the mazda, while power and power options is a definate with the subie.

In my fully thought out opinion, unless you plan turboing the 2.5 or doing an STI swap, stick with the mazda. At reasonably close to stock power levels (and by that I mean not more than an intake/exhaust and other simple bolt ons) the protege is going to be alot more fun to drive. But then again if you are looking for more power, the protege can put down some nice numbers for its weight (with a little more work on the motor and tranny), you just have to find the right people, ie. HIBOOST. . . I may have a slight bias towardes the Protege.

Good luck (and post pics when you get one) and remember, getting **** faced on weeknights isnt always the best of ideas, especially with 8 am classes involved.

KrayzieFox

It is nice when your car stands out from the crowd .. so my vote goes to (of course) the P5 as well.

themag

ok, I think I have finally decided to keep my MP5 and try to make it hang with the Subarus. So now, where to start? I have a CAI and I was thinking exhaust? Maybe HKS? Hopup racing has the HKS hi power on sale but I am not sure if it is a cat-back system or not. What do yo uguys think?

phals

Where to start is a no brainer with the protege, cams!!!!

themag

not a bad idea. SR Motorsport has a cam deal that includes intake and exhaust cam plus cam gears. If I go in this direction what else should I do while the motor is open? Change or upgrade gaskets? Also, does anyone have an mp5 that can hang with the Subarus?

phals

Definatly do a valve cover gasket, alot of people recommend valve springs too with the cams.