WRX stock vs Mazdaspeed Protege

[BlindOne]

I know the WRX is all wheel drive and the Mazdaspeed Protege (MSP) isnt, but I was wondering if anyone has driven both cars and if they can tell me which car handles better. I have been in a MSP before, but not a WRX and I think I am going to purchase a WRX very soon.

[WRXreX]

I would say Mazdaspeed handles way better than stock WRX.

[TurnWRX]

^What he said

[Griswold]

I test drove the WRX twice, before I bought my MSP. The MSP will fairly easily out handle a stock WRX, but you've got to figure out what you want.

You're not going to have a great 1/4 miler in the MSP, nor will you really ever be likely to push 300 whp on it. Engine management and weak(ish) internals will hold you back. Besides, who really wants a 300 whp front wheel drive car? That being said, there is extra power to be had.

If that's what you're looking for, however, you shouldn't really be looking at the MSP.

The WRX is definitely no slouch in the handling department, but the stock tires suck and the stock suspension is a little on the soft side.

They really are totally different driving experiences. MSP spools fast and seems like a mini v6. WRX has more lag with a bigger power hit higher in the RPM's.

You really need to drive the WRX.

[Integra96]

Word. The regular Protege handles better than a stock WRX, IMO. WRX handles fine, but doesn't have the crisp turn-in and relatively flat cornering of those Mazdas.

[Griswold]

Originally posted by Integra96
but doesn't have the crisp turn-in and relatively flat cornering of those Mazdas.

That's what sold me on the MSP, right there.

There are lots of cars that are plenty faster than the MSP, but I'm a handling guy first and a power guy second.

If I didn't need a 4 door car, I'd probably be driving a Miata right now. Though I REALLY would like to get a feel for the Evo's handling. I hear that its pretty tight.

[DTR rex]

MSP will outhandle the wrx pretty badly. but if you are considering between the 2 for purchase, you really need to test drive both. the wrx is a better all around car IMO, but it depends what you like

[eulerfx]

will MSP outhandle Evo or Sti?

[DTR rex]

Originally posted by eulerfx
will MSP outhandle Evo or Sti?

i dont have the numbers, but my guess is that it would outhandle the sti, not sure about the evo...

it was voted the best handling compact car

[Hipswnger2]

The car may handle great... but I've heard nothing good coming from the maintenance dept. I think they having more trouble with the MSP then they would have ever anticipated.

[ilivas]

^^^ I think it's spelled Imola Red.

I believe it couild outhandle the wrx, but outhandling the STi and evo is pushing it.

[Hipswnger2]

got me...

TY, its fixed

[ilivas]

I used to have a cosmo m-roadster before the rex.

[Hipswnger2]

Nice work! Traded a BMW M for a wrx. Kinda different worlds there.

[ilivas]

Yup, I miss the M. The M was so much more nimble than this land barge of a sedan, but turbo cars are soooo cool. I may buy an M coupe when the funds are right. I didn't like them at first, but I think they grew on me. Now every time I see one, I start to lust over them.