All the tests are coming out now. If you think the RX8 is hard to launch, you've ain't seen nothing yet. Car & Driver had to consult with Mazda on best launch techniques, and after dozens of tries was able to get a 6 second 0-60. I think Motor Trend had the same result, loosing to a WRX early on but being way faster after 60mph. BTW, it was the preferred car in that test, nice job Mazda!

So it appears that it's no faster than a RX8 or a MS6 to 60, but certainly faster in any acceleration test after that. May be the faster than a FD too after 60.

And I can't help but notice, after yet another bunch of media tests, that not one bothered to mention that the MS3 was faster than the 8, yet so many are bothered here.

Otherwise, kudo's to Mazda for making the best MS car yet.

 

All I can say is that whether it will be faster or not. Its still FWD.

 

The reason the mags don't mention it is because its a different bracket. The MS3's competition is the GTI or maybe even the A3 S-Line and not the RX8. If you want really fast for really cheap you buy a mustang or gto.

 

the mustangs were more expencive then the 8's where I'm at. I got a fully loaded shinka for 31k, whereas the mustangs were about 34-36k.

 

With a '205hp' Cobalt SS lapping at VIR only about ONE SECOND slower than an RX8, I'm quite sure a well-driven MS3 would catch, or beat soundly, an even well-driven Rx8 - on that course.

 

I think they launched at 2000rpm in the end in order to avoid the boost cut by the ECU in first 2 gears.

I agree with you, it could even be faster than the FD.. not on paper, but remember Mazda underrated the MS6, MS3 has the same turbo, internals, basically identical engine, just a really restrictive exhaust to keep the power down.
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Avandia settlement info

 

With that logic, shouldn't the 300hp Mustang have beaten the 8?

I think the Cobalt is recognized as the best front driver handling wise right now. The MS3 is heavier than the Cobalt, so I doubt it'll outhandle it.

 

and they didn't lift throttle on shifts, as per Mazda recommendations, which surprised me. ...maybe to keep it on boost?

 

Define way faster. Since you've called me out when I've called cars that trap 5mph higher than the RX-8 a lot faster I'd love to hear your explanation of this one...

 

It's all about the context Ike. Probably went something like this...

Ike: car X will dust your precious widdle RX8 because it traps 5mph faster
Me: actually, its not 5mph, more like 3, 4mph max.
Ike: it'll still kill your pretty little car, unless its driven by a one armed baboon
Me: when it's that close it'll be driver dependent 80% of the time, a trip to your friendly local dragnight would show you that
Ike: you're such a $%$^ fanboi! Now my 900hp Evo...

 

lol

 

this is a stupid f-ing debate. The MS3 has more grunt, but it will by no means ***** and RX-8 around VIR.....

 

Didn't think I'd actually get an answer...