MS3 in winter...

[FlashEngineer]

Thinking about getting MS3 for a second car, how can it handle in winter compared to my 08 STI?

[MRT_MS3]

FWD are way better in winter than AWD!!! :loco

[alhope34]

This car is great in the snow, I've been through a few huge storms in northern quebec last year, also through 10" of snow, never been stuck. Just get a set of 17's and snow tires and you'll be perfectly fine. In deep snow, 2nd gear starts are much better than 1st.

[ptfire]

Don't get a MS3 for a winter car, you may never want to drive the STi again. LOL

[MSMitch]

With a good set of winter tires they are great. Truthfully, it's no subie, and it doesn't come close to quattro - but lets put it this way, I COULD get the new STi, but right now I'm having too much fun in the Speed 3 (even in winter). :)

[mazdas3sporte]

if u dont want speed 3 cause its FWD and u obviously have the money to get the car check out the evo 10, personally i like speed 3 much better then the new evo,

[ptfire]

If you want AWD and something unique why don't you import an Evolution VIII of IX from the US now that they are allowed here. You could pick one up fairly inexpensive. I prefer the looks of the EVO 8 and 9 to the EVo X.

[FlashEngineer]

Didn't know EVO exists in Canada, never saw one before ever...

I rather spend less and get something cheaper like MS3, compared to EVO or whatever it's good price for the power but just worried in winter how will it handle... also have to see how much more it'll cost for a 3rd parking spot at my condo...

[Wild Weasel]

It's not going to be as good as AWD, but I had no issues at all with my MS3 last winter.

Obviously you need winter tires as the car comes with summer rubber which can't be used safely at all in freezing temperatures.

[kevcol74]

Ever consider the Mazdaspeed6? Or is it the hatch you want? (Nothing against the MS3 guys... just the MS6 has the AWD....)

Just throwing somthing different out there! :pop

[Wild Weasel]

If you're talking strictly about performance, it's a bit of a tradeoff. The MS3 is a faster car, but the AWD will give you better handling if you push it to the extremes. I think for an everyday driver, the MS3 would actually be more fun to drive.

That aside... the fact that the MS6 was the sedan clinched it for me. If not for the MS3, I'd have bought a 6 hatch. If they MS6 was the hatch, I'd have probably got that instead.

[FlashEngineer]

ms6 too expensive

[Unoriginalusername]

why get an ms3 if you have an 08 sti?

[alhope34]

Two cars are better than one. Maybe someone else in his family needs to drive, too.

[Unoriginalusername]

Two cars are better than one. Maybe someone else in his family needs to drive, too.

if your a subby family already doesn't make sense to get an ms3, why not get the 09 wrx... its quicker than the sti and a ton cheaper according to car and driver - http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/evo_wrx_zone/2009_subaru_impreza_wrx_short_take_road_test

[alhope34]

Isn't the 09 WRX only 265hp? The STi has been 300hp/300tq for years.

[cy88]

Apparently the 09 WRX can do 0-100 in 4.8sec....

Combined with their AWD system, it'll probably be a better "all year car" for a few k more than a MSP3.

[Garu]

They should seriously do something about on 2009 STIs. Because it just does not make sense to be slower and costs 10000 more then its lower trim.

[Unoriginalusername]

Isn't the 09 WRX only 265hp? The STi has been 300hp/300tq for years.

the sti needs another gear change to hit 60mph than the wrx 5 speed box so that is why it trails 0.3seconds, but it still traps the same and is still behind at the quarter a tenth so not really a compelling value proposition to buy an sti for the money vs. an 09 wrx.

agree that they need to step up the game on the 09 sti otherwise whats the point