03 vs. 03.5 MSP
 

Just checking up on the differences between the two models, cuz I might be getting one here pretty soon and wanna know which one I'm lookin at. Off the top of my head, I know the 03.5 doesn't have fogs and has a different lip and a different spoiler but that's all I know. What else is different?

Also, do any of the MSPs have sunroof as an option or were they all made without them?

Nope, no sunroofs ever.
'03.5's came in Blazing Yellow Mica, Titanium, Blue Mica and silver, and had a different rear spoiler and lip as well as the new front bumper/lip. Also, the rims have a kinda gunmetal trim to them.
I dunno if they changed the tires, but I have a feeling they did. :dunno:

They had different shift knobs and 03.5 had a more oval exhaust tip, too.

Excellent. A buddy of mine told me he saw one at a dealership about 30 mins outta town, and from what he described it sounds like it's the 03.5 model. I just hope it's in good condition, doesn't have too many miles (less than or around 50K would be nice) and isn't priced too high. I'm guessing 11K or so would be a fair price for a MSP.

Then I'd just have to figure out what to do with the P5 :tear:

my shift knob sux ('03), stupid wrap falls down... been meaning to get mad and rip it off ;)

Decided not to go with the P5 Turbo? May be more cost effective, maybe not...
So, does:
$(New MSP - P5) > $(P5 Turbo)
or other way around?

I'd go with whatever will cost you less, because I like both cars pretty much equally.

It's not more cost effective, but it's a lot less hassle and worry for me. The MSP will cost me about $4K-$5K more than turboing the P5, but I'm afraid of blowing somethin up with having the P5 boosted. If it was a manual, I'd just throw in the MSP ECU and be set .. but tuning up the fuel management using the P5 ECU is not something I'm prepared for. Plus, I'd just like something different but don't wanna stray too far from the trusty P5 .. I love both cars just as much too (actually I think I like the P5 even better cuz of the kickass yellow, sunroof, hatchback, 6CD changer, etc) but getting a car that's turbo from factory would just make me feel a lot safer about driving it. I can't have a daily driver take a crap on me for weeks until I get it fixed, so that's why the P5 turbo project is on hold still.

What about some mods to prevent the zoom-zoom-boom effect?

Should be much safer to drive with forged rods, high compression pistons, etc.

As far as stories go, the MSP seems to have some reliability issues as well though... That's really the biggest thing keeping me away from turbo'd cars.

My Protege was very close to being a 2000 Millenia S instead, but decided I wanted reliability over power.

Good call on the Millenia. From what I've been hearing, those Miller Cycle Yamaha engines aren't too reliable at all.

Oh yeah, JoshP5's right. The pedals and shift knob no longer say "sparco". On the '03.5s they say "mazdaspeed".

The design of the knob is a little different, too. The 2003 is tapered, while the 03.5 is more cylindrical:

I'm worried more about the auto tranny than the engine to be honest, cuz I dunno how long it'll be able to last under boost. I won't be pushing more than 7psi but from what I know the auto tranny in the P5 is kinda shit :(

So is the sedan one, trust me :D

I want/need the 03.5 knob...

I have the 03.5 shift knob, got it off ebay from Nelson Mazda Parts. The first one arrived slightly damaged, I had to RMA it. If you put it on a P5, it doesnt lock with the logo straight up and down.

Are you still looking for a 03 MSP?
I have a Black Mica, just hit 50K, and that I will be selling.
Make me an offer