An R1 FD with 225bhp runs a low 13s quartermile. A MS3 runs a 14flat. Let's not even get into skidpad ratings.

FD is PURE SEX. MS3 is "settle girl" sex. She'll do for now but you always want something better.

 

Most tests of the MS3 I've seen, 14.5 at like 98.something mph

MS3.. is like 3300 pounds, yeah you can make it straight line fast but.. it's a 'big' car compared to things like the FD

and please, no one get up in my face saying that I'm trashing the 3 on a 3-oriented site.. it's a great car, but it isn't the pinnacle of japanese achievement :P

 

its also a family sedan/hatchback.
not really sport oriented to begin with.

the FD on the other hand....
i sat in my buddy's RHD '94 FD. it was like a cockpit. it was diffilcult to get in, and same getting out. but man, it felt like the seat was hugging you. (kinda like a racing seat)

 

magazines have also claimed the MS6 runs a 14 flat when people are posting stock timeslips of 13.77s. BIG difference.

 

I think that the big hype with the MS3s is that for alot of people, it's the fastest car they've ever driven. In most cases, it's also a huge leap from what they had last (most likely an NA compact).

It's no wonder it seems like a supercar, it's twice the horsepower of what some people are used to.

Too bad reality bites, when you compare it to what actually exists out there.

 

Is the MS3 the best car out there - NO! But is one of the best new cars under $25 grand - with four doors, seats five and can haul a bunch of stuff in the back, or maybe a bike or two and goes decently fast - then I would say YES. I agree - The R1 FD is a great "sports car" - light weight, rear drive, great suspension, torquey engine - but it doesn't seat five and can you can't buy them new and a host of other issues.

Heck I even thought about the new RX-8 but with a $30+ price tag, limited seating capacity with no room for "stuff" or bikes it got crossed off the list early.

The fact remains the MS3 is a four door economy car that has more than enough power to move you through the every day grind and put a smile on your face. For me the MS3 hit the target - for others it won't. Sure its no Miata (I've owned two) and those could eat most anything for lunch including some FD R1's - on or off the track but my kids don't fit. Most people thought I was crazy because they both had a hitch - I need some way to transport the mt bikes or tires.

Let's keep the comparisons real. Similar cars at similar money. And eggynatey - I'll be at the track on the 23rd "willow springs" - show me what a $15k FD can do - lunch is on me.

Cheers!

Peter

 

be VERY careful...Natey isn't some kid in daddys sportscar on the weekend. Although this would be hella fun to watch a video of the aftermath.

 

I hope no one read my statement as a challenge to eggnatey or to anyone else - it was intended and meant to coax more people to the track. Again, I would be delighted to buy eggnatey lunch (he’ll spend twice that much in gas getting to the track) the least I could do is buy him lunch.

I find it interesting to see what owners can do to get around an apex a little quicker either by modifying their cars or improving their skills.

This will be the first time that I can take my MS3 to the track– my other cars were a 92 miata and 96 miata. Different cars for different times in my life.

I like the Rx-8 so much I put those rims on my MS3.

Cheers!

Peter

 

those wheels look awsome on the ms3