SP23 Vs SP20

[JEB83]

Gonna post some pics of my fiances' new ride as soon as I figure out how to post pics....(uhm)

[twilightprotege]

a fam of sp20 and sp23?? woot woot!!!

is it white? i've only seen a few white sp23's around in bris

[JEB83]

How do i post pics....haven't used the forum all year

[twilightprotege]

pictures :

[twilightprotege]

picture part 2 :

[vindication]

*whisper* pssst..hey...your steering wheel is on the wrong side twilight**/whisper*

[JEB83]

Thanks for postin pics twilight

[twilightprotege]

no problemo.

they are good pics :D

[Critter]

Nice!!
The 3 DOES look better as a sedan.

You need to drop that thing tho' :)
35mm be nice.....

[Dexter]

whoa, the 3 is called the SP23? thats awesome!

[twilightprotege]

well the 2.3L is. the full name would be Mazda 3 SP23 (carrying on from the P5 being called the SP20)

[twilightprotege]

well the 2.3L is. the full name would be Mazda 3 SP23 (carrying on from the P5 being called the SP20)

and yeah, i much prefer the sedan 3

[JEB83]

It drives/handles/looks (interior wise) much better than my car (The Black One)...doh!...I have so much respect for our new car that I don't have any respect left to give to mine...Personally I still think the SP20 looks more sleek and sporty than the SP23 but thats about all I like better on the SP20 over the SP23

[wiredone]

dont reckon itd drive nicer (power wise) than my sp20, or twilights... =p

never handing my sp20 over... just spent another fortune on parts for the bugger

[twilightprotege]

yep feel the same, spent too much money (nothing compaired to you doug) on my 20 to hand it over.

anyway, i'd have to spend almost as much as i already have to get the same power and handling results

[wiredone]

and i get ht strong feeling that our sp20s are much more of a solid car, as apposed to the plastic looking exterior of the new 3

[2K3 MSP]

*whisper* pssst..hey...your steering wheel is on the wrong side twilight**/whisper*Speaking of which...Excuse my ignorance on the subject, but does Australia get cars with left hand drive as well? Just wondering if you guys see a LHD car and thinks it's as cool as us U.S. guys think about all the RHD cars.

[Tunnel_Rat]

Speaking of which...Excuse my ignorance on the subject, but does Australia get cars with left hand drive as well? Just wondering if you guys see a LHD car and thinks it's as cool as us U.S. guys think about all the RHD cars.
No only RHD.
Test drove the 3 was thinking of a up grade but not after the drive.
I think it would be a down grade seat does not go back as far as the SP20
(I got long legs) boot lid is so small i like the interior better in the SP20.Well i only really like the front end and the 2.3 motor about the 3.
will be keeping the SP20.
The SP20 handles better well mine does anyway (rockon)

[twilightprotege]

good to hear you're not upgrading rat :D

if only the sp20 came with 86mm bore and 86mm stroke (2.0L as well) i'd be much much happier (ie i could easily rev my NA monster out to 10000rpm)

[malebastard]

and i get ht strong feeling that our sp20s are much more of a solid car, as apposed to the plastic looking exterior of the new 3

Much more of a solid car??? The mazda3 has a triple H structure that minimises alot of body roll, making it very solid..

How can you justify that the mz3's exterior is plastic looking???
http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/1/web/541000-541999/541341_1_full.jpg http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/1/web/541000-541999/541341_2_full.jpg http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/1/web/541000-541999/541341_3_full.jpg

Those that look like plastic to you?

Sorry if i'm coming across strongly, i jus dun like it when ppl talk shit about things they don't know.

btw... What are the specs on the sp20???

[twilightprotege]

well welcome to the forum!

pls introduce yourself in the aussie section!

btw, all BJ onwards 323's have the tripple H contruction

what specs of the sp20 are you after?

[malebastard]

Nice pics Twilight...

Jus specs on engine performance and weight.

i.e. Kw's, Nm, kerb weight.

[twilightprotege]

the sp20 (manual) astina is 1175kg kerb, the protege 1214kg kerb.

both engines are 98kw @ 6000rpm at the engine (about 98hp at the wheels) and 174Nm of torque @4500rpm

apparently they are supposed to do 0-100 in 9.7seconds.

[malebastard]

The sp23 manual sedan is 1.232kg, 115kw @ 6,500rpm at the engine (105kw @ the wheels dyno tested.) and 203Nm of torque @ 4,500rpm. As well as SVT.

Someone said earlier that they don't think that engine performance is better and see is more as a "down grade"...

How can they justify that with these stats?

[twilightprotege]

i think they were referring to spending the money to get an sp23 wouldnt be worth the money, money would be better spent on their current sp20.

105kw at the wheels is a bit dodgy. almost all fwd cars are like this. whatever kw the engine produces is very close to the same figure in hp at the wheels. so 115kw at the engine is around 115hp atw....115hp atw is around 85kw atw.

also, power is only a small part of the performance of the car. gear ratios have a real lot to do with accelaration. ie an sp20 could be making full power at 50kph and about to change gears when the sp23 hasnt made full power til 65kph. the sp20 would be quicker even though the sp23 has more power.

[malebastard]

The sp20 does the 0-100 in 9.7secs you quoted.

The sp23 does the 0-100 in 8.5secs.

So wouldn't that conclude that the mz3 is indeed faster?

The 105kw at the wheels was dyno tested in America, so i have no reason to lie about that.

[twilightprotege]

yes, but i was just making a point that power isnt everything

[malebastard]

yes, but i was just making a point that power isnt everything

I understand that, other factors like handling, rear ratios etc...

But you stated that the sp20 would be faster than the sp23 when indeed it is not.

Please don't think i'm having a go at you, i'm just getting the facts straight, and understandable sticking up for my pride and joy mz3.

btw.. Is that blue mz3 yours?

[wiredone]

all i can say is... without this being turned into a flame these are our personal opinions... no reason to get hot under the colar. I still believe that it looks plasticy. I have diriven an sp23 and it does not compare, im not simply saying "thats gay my car is cooler" i have actually compared the two... and seeing within two weeks i will hopefully be putting down over 200kw at the wheels (dyno tested...lol) i dont think the sp23 CAN be compared, i have handling, i have power, and most of all, I have a front mount... the sp23 doesnt =p

nuf said in my eyes

[twilightprotege]

yeah no worries, i had no idea what power nor speed the sp23 had until you told me.

the sp23 in the pics is JEB83's fiances. i just posted the pics for him

btw - glad you got the sedan. not many people like the look of the hatch

[malebastard]

all i can say is... without this being turned into a flame these are our personal opinions... no reason to get hot under the colar. I still believe that it looks plasticy. I have diriven an sp23 and it does not compare, im not simply saying "thats gay my car is cooler" i have actually compared the two... and seeing within two weeks i will hopefully be putting down over 200kw at the wheels (dyno tested...lol) i dont think the sp23 CAN be compared, i have handling, i have power, and most of all, I have a front mount... the sp23 doesnt =p

nuf said in my eyes

How can you be soo ignorant and compare a boosted car to a stock n/a car?

go compare your car to a modded s15 and have a chat with them about power and handling.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. But if your opinions aren't positive or constructive, keep em to yourself.

[malebastard]

yeah no worries, i had no idea what power nor speed the sp23 had until you told me.

the sp23 in the pics is JEB83's fiances. i just posted the pics for him

btw - glad you got the sedan. not many people like the look of the hatch


That's cool twilightprotege..

That's why i was saying all i said about ppl not knowing what they're comparing with..

The sp23 is a very nice car to drive, alot of torque for a 4 cylinder. And very smooth, and quiet... Almost too quiet!!! :D

But yeah, i'm happy with the sedan too... the hatch reminds me too much of my mates corolla...

[wiredone]

How can you be soo ignorant and compare a boosted car to a stock n/a car?

go compare your car to a modded s15 and have a chat with them about power and handling.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. But if your opinions aren't positive or constructive, keep em to yourself.
malebastard:
as this originally started as all the sp20 users stating why they wouldnt want to upgrade... I am not comparing a NA car with a boosted car i am comparing MY car with the sp23. its that simple, not being ignorant, not being foolish. As you said yourself i was just stating the facts, and the fact remains. I have better handling and better power than an sp23. faid enough i have to unfair advantage that i have the magical power of the dark side to help me along in the form of a turbo but that is besides the point, the point i was making was there is no comparison between my car and an sp23...

This was not meant to be a flame, simply an opinions thread. SP23's are nice cars... i am in love with the tail lights, thats about all i would prefer over my sp20 though.

I hope you are able to recover from falling off the chair over my comments as they were not intented to have the affect on you that they oviously have.

:cool:

[malebastard]

malebastard:
as this originally started as all the sp20 users stating why they wouldnt want to upgrade... I am not comparing a NA car with a boosted car i am comparing MY car with the sp23. its that simple, not being ignorant, not being foolish. As you said yourself i was just stating the facts, and the fact remains. I have better handling and better power than an sp23. faid enough i have to unfair advantage that i have the magical power of the dark side to help me along in the form of a turbo but that is besides the point, the point i was making was there is no comparison between my car and an sp23...

This was not meant to be a flame, simply an opinions thread. SP23's are nice cars... i am in love with the tail lights, thats about all i would prefer over my sp20 though.

I hope you are able to recover from falling off the chair over my comments as they were not intented to have the affect on you that they oviously have.

:cool:

Thanks for clearing that up wiredone.

But this is by no means a flaring arguement, just a simple healthy dicussion/debate, nothing wrong with that.

Ofcourse the sp20 owners are going to be biased to their cars as the sp23 owners will be to theirs.

But my points were related to the title of the thread : sp20 Vs sp23.
And my points were to just validate and clear up any false facts that were stated here.

Your car is now forced inducted and has been modified, and comparing it to a stock n/a car is not a comparison at all. I have no doubt that you car has more power, and better handling than the sp23, with the money that you've probably spent on doing that, you may have bought a car that was built for real performance in the first place. :D

The simple agruement is STOCK sp20 Vs STOCK sp23. The sp23 comes up on top with performance/engine, handling, nicer interior, 17" wheels stock, and better styling.

[Zed]

Agreed, in stock form, the SP23 has a better engine than the SP20.

Handling - without having driven a SP23 I can't comment, but I presume you have and decided the SP23 handles better. On what criteria did you make this judgement?

17" wheels - definitely a plus for the SP23. The SP20 certainly could have used the bigger rims.

Interior and styling - this is entirely subjective. I like the SP23 sedan styling much better than the SP23 hatch, but not more than the SP20. I prefer the SP20 interior especially with the Nardi steering wheel. Blue lights and binnacles just don't do it for me. White face dials and amber lighting give the SP20 a classier look IMO. And upgrading the stereo in the SP23 looks like a PITA job to do yourself.

The question I had to ask myself was, is the SP23 worth the extra $4-5000 (on road prices) compared to the SP20?

[twilightprotege]

yeah if only the sp20 came with a more rev happy engine it would be one of the best cars mazda has made....the 92mm stroke really sucks

87mm bore x 84mm stroke would be very very very nice (1997cc)

[JEB83]

I justed wanted to show off our new car...didn't expect to hit a few nerves.

I drive the Black SP20 every 2nd day...and drive the blue SP23 every other day I don't drive the SP20...The only difference for me now...is that I tend to thrash my car a wee bit more...and drive like miss daisy in the SP23...23 not being my car and all...

[malebastard]

Agreed, in stock form, the SP23 has a better engine than the SP20.

Handling - without having driven a SP23 I can't comment, but I presume you have and decided the SP23 handles better. On what criteria did you make this judgement?

17" wheels - definitely a plus for the SP23. The SP20 certainly could have used the bigger rims.

Interior and styling - this is entirely subjective. I like the SP23 sedan styling much better than the SP23 hatch, but not more than the SP20. I prefer the SP20 interior especially with the Nardi steering wheel. Blue lights and binnacles just don't do it for me. White face dials and amber lighting give the SP20 a classier look IMO. And upgrading the stereo in the SP23 looks like a PITA job to do yourself.

The question I had to ask myself was, is the SP23 worth the extra $4-5000 (on road prices) compared to the SP20?

How does the steering wheel in the sp20 look like??? I'm curious...

I have not personally driven the sp20, but my friend owned one previously, and has driven my sp23. He commented that handling is very nice and better than the sp20.

The sp23 has electric assisted steering, making it a dream to drive. It also has multi link rear suspension - much like the mazda6.

Overall, the complete handling of the mazda3 is excellent!

You would be doing 90km and it would only seem you are doing 60km.

Thats why on other mazda3 forums, ppl have been talking about a speed limiter/alert.

[twilightprotege]

i think you can find a picture of the steering wheel on the mazda website...here's a small pic :

http://www.mazda.com.au/articles/images/323_sp20_feat.gif

the sp20 has speed sensitive steering as well, but once the car is lowered the feedback from the road is much better. some people dont like it, but i love feedback. i cant stand vague steering.

the sp20 has Independent McPherson strut with twin trapezoidal links and double acting shock absorbers ar the rear. there is no difference in performance between the two

[SFC01v2]

the sp20 has Independent McPherson strut with twin trapezoidal links and double acting shock absorbers ar the rear. there is no difference in performance between the two
The only way there is no difference in performance is if they are the same! Small changes in suspension geometry can have profound effects on suspension performance, good and bad.
You would have to assume that given the market for the SP23 that the Mazda engineers wouldn't be making a backwards step in terms of handling, however they may gauge it.
For me in my Astina and extra 500cc wouldn't go astray regardless of the chassis dynamics - I think that you would all agree :)

[Wasp]

I am like most people and will have an opinion as to what I do and don't like as for the SP23 I like it but not as much as my SP20. for no other reason than I think the 20 looks better than the 23. Also for all of you that need facts and figures get onto www.carpoint.com.au and do a comparison of the two there might be some people that are suprised as to the diffirences.

Cheers Wasp.

[twilightprotege]

The only way there is no difference in performance is if they are the same! Small changes in suspension geometry can have profound effects on suspension performance, good and bad.
You would have to assume that given the market for the SP23 that the Mazda engineers wouldn't be making a backwards step in terms of handling, however they may gauge it.
For me in my Astina and extra 500cc wouldn't go astray regardless of the chassis dynamics - I think that you would all agree :)

not sure sure the susp on the sp23 is better...think of honda. they used to have twin wishbone setups in all of their cars...but no more...they changed because it was too good of a ride (F1 has been using twin wishbones for how many years now???) and they wanted to make the ride a little smoother. maybe mazda did the same? who knows. car manufactures usually stuff up things like this.

[malebastard]

not sure sure the susp on the sp23 is better...think of honda. they used to have twin wishbone setups in all of their cars...but no more...they changed because it was too good of a ride (F1 has been using twin wishbones for how many years now???) and they wanted to make the ride a little smoother. maybe mazda did the same? who knows. car manufactures usually stuff up things like this.

Mazda spent alot of money trying to improve their already excellent handling record. I agree with SFC01v2 stating the quality will not deteriorate, it would only get better or stay the same!

I guess you've got to drive one to really find how good the handling really is.

[Critter]

For me the emphasis in the SP23 is a little different than the SP20.

Having driven a SP23 now, it is a smoother, sweeter car than the SP20. IMO the SP20 is a more alive, "fun" car.
The SP23 also has the new problem of making a serious sound system upgrade an absolute nightmare, which amounts to a BIG issue for me.

Like many I find the SP23 hatch has too many shapes and the SP20 creams it for looks IMO. You can make a 20 look "phat" in a way that the 23 just won't. The sedan 23 is much better tho'. Still has "phat" limitations.....

After over 60k in my SP20 since new, I still enjoy EVERY k I drive and can't imagine changing it. Gotta be happy with that. I hope/trust every SP23 driver will be able to say that.

[twilightprotege]

my biggest dislike of the 3 is it's height. unfortunately all of the car manufacturers are going that way now :(

[tidy protege]

firstly dont get me wrong i am a fan of the new sp23 however i must say i believe that the sp20 is a better car by going of driving my mother mazda 6 (which is a great car) firstly the sp23 is a car that would not be as enjoyable to drive, it is a car that lacks the character of the sp20 which is a joy to drive.
secondly the current sp23 has identity problems it drives like a european tourer rather then a small sporty japanese car and looks more european than japanese the sp20 looks aggresive the sp23 looks soft also another fault in the sp23 is the ride height its way too high and i was buying a sport model i wouldnt want to feel like im driving a 4wheel drive contrasting to this the sp20 looks relatively low mostly thanks to the side skirts but the whole range of 323s look low.

Thirdly mazda has tried to do to much at once with new sp23 (much like for did with the ba falcon) they have put substandard parts in the car the first thig that i noticed when i hoped in the sp23 were the crap seats they look sporty but dont offer the support on the sp20 also mazda have made the car in a way that you cant do much to it at all with the stereo and climate control incorperated into one meaning that the only ways you can have a decent sound system is by cutting up the controls or puting a head unit somewhere else which is pretty dodgy, also the car has cheap part like a plastic exhaust manifold and a very restrictive exhaust system with a crap exhaust note (but a sweet engine note) also the car is so computerised that modifiying the car wont be a cheap operation a complete contrast to the sp20 which is a tunners dream as there are a unlimited number aftermarket mods avaible

lastly the sp20 is a car that is the result of years of r&d the reason why it is such a great car is because mazda have had time to develope a premium model which has all the best stuff mazda have to offer on the other hand the sp23 is a last thought by mazda as they were trying to fill the gap between the mazda 2 and the mazda 6 and had replace the hugely popular but dating 323
the mazda sp23 will be a great car after mazda have time to learn the car like they had to do with sp20. from experiance with my family who are always buying new cars you never buy the first of the model because the will be teething problems and design floors and if posible you buy the last of the model like the sp20 beacuse it has a proven track record and it is the best manufacturer

Besides the sp20 is a classic shape that will never age because of its aggressive shape and classy interior which other models and companies will stuggle to better at a simular price

[twilightprotege]

wow, that's a review alright! i do agree the sp20 is a nicer looking car, but that's my opinion....and i'm a little biased ;)

[malebastard]

firstly dont get me wrong i am a fan of the new sp23 however i must say i believe that the sp20 is a better car by going of driving my mother mazda 6 (which is a great car) firstly the sp23 is a car that would not be as enjoyable to drive, it is a car that lacks the character of the sp20 which is a joy to drive.
secondly the current sp23 has identity problems it drives like a european tourer rather then a small sporty japanese car and looks more european than japanese the sp20 looks aggresive the sp23 looks soft also another fault in the sp23 is the ride height its way too high and i was buying a sport model i wouldnt want to feel like im driving a 4wheel drive contrasting to this the sp20 looks relatively low mostly thanks to the side skirts but the whole range of 323s look low.

Thirdly mazda has tried to do to much at once with new sp23 (much like for did with the ba falcon) they have put substandard parts in the car the first thig that i noticed when i hoped in the sp23 were the crap seats they look sporty but dont offer the support on the sp20 also mazda have made the car in a way that you cant do much to it at all with the stereo and climate control incorperated into one meaning that the only ways you can have a decent sound system is by cutting up the controls or puting a head unit somewhere else which is pretty dodgy, also the car has cheap part like a plastic exhaust manifold and a very restrictive exhaust system with a crap exhaust note (but a sweet engine note) also the car is so computerised that modifiying the car wont be a cheap operation a complete contrast to the sp20 which is a tunners dream as there are a unlimited number aftermarket mods avaible

lastly the sp20 is a car that is the result of years of r&d the reason why it is such a great car is because mazda have had time to develope a premium model which has all the best stuff mazda have to offer on the other hand the sp23 is a last thought by mazda as they were trying to fill the gap between the mazda 2 and the mazda 6 and had replace the hugely popular but dating 323
the mazda sp23 will be a great car after mazda have time to learn the car like they had to do with sp20. from experiance with my family who are always buying new cars you never buy the first of the model because the will be teething problems and design floors and if posible you buy the last of the model like the sp20 beacuse it has a proven track record and it is the best manufacturer

Besides the sp20 is a classic shape that will never age because of its aggressive shape and classy interior which other models and companies will stuggle to better at a simular price

I agree that the mz3 is too high for a sports model - the syling?? European styling was mazda's objective! mazda is a japanese manufactured vehicle, but the interior isn't dull like typical jap interiors..

IMO the seats are fine.. they offer sufficient support and are very comfortable for those long drives.. The system upgrade yet challenging and limiting is still very do-able...

I have a 15" JL sub, 16cm midrange pioneer front spilts powered by a blaukplunkt 4 channel amp... All i need now is a EQ/SQL tuner which can be installed in our huge glove box... which is good in a way... cos potential thieves would never know that i have this equipment installed... Here's a link to my cardomain site...
http://members.cardomain.com/malebastard

The exhaust note sounds crap??? What do you expect from the stock system??? have you heard sound clips of the mz3 with an autoexe exhaust and air filter? Heres the link (http://www.sydneymazdaclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=125) for the airfilter and here's the link (http://www.sydneymazdaclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=126) for the exhaust...

And plastic exhaust manifold???? Where did you get that from???

How can you computerise a car to make it hard to modify?? The car has a learning ECU that will modify itself to the way you drive and additional add ons..

The aftermarket mods avail for a 04' production car is quite impressive, the parts avail now are exhaust, air intakes - SRI/CAI, lowering springs, body kits.. What more do you need for now??

It looks like you've driven the mz6 and not the mz3 so how can you be in the position to judge?? So far there have been no flaws at all!!! and i have already done 5000kms on it..

You may like the sp20 better than the sp23, and thats fine... But like i said... I'm just clearing up the incorrect facts stated here...

[Tunnel_Rat]

Hey guys my brother just got a new sp23 sadan for his wife (blue front looks good)we went for a cruise down south to Nowra via the Highlands Kangroo Valley,Moss Vale,Berrima.
The Highland roads are a blust to drive on we swopped cars for the return trip.
I new my brother was a good driver he raced cars for years club level but no the way down i had to stop and wait for him a couple of times as the roads in the Highlands are so tight and some turns are almost 390 degrees make a mistake and its a long way down.
Well he disappeared in my car i could not keep up this 3 handled like shit at times it felt like the tyres rolling of the rims.2hr later he is waiting for me and said I did not stop and wait because i new you would take your ride back so i just keep on going was having to much fun.
I was shocked at the handling of the 3 i thought they were a focus with a mazda body and the focus is said to handle good ? or maybe the SP20 is just too good.
At the end of the day my brother said he wished he had got a SP20 for he's wife so he could have had some fun in it on weekends(he has a ford ute for work)he did ask if i would swop cars and he was serious.

[tidy protege]

I didnt mean for it sound like i hate sp23s they are a cool car but i was trying to say that for a new car they arnt a huge step foward because they should handle and perform better than they do. A new model is meant to outstripe its predesesor in all areas unfortunatly the sp23 doesnt totally this what tunnel rat said is proof enough that sp23 in some ways isnt a step forward

[tidy protege]

so male bastard what have got plannned for your sp23

[Roywhitep5]

The sp23 manual sedan is 1.232kg, 115kw @ 6,500rpm at the engine (105kw @ the wheels dyno tested.) and 203Nm of torque @ 4,500rpm. As well as SVT.

Someone said earlier that they don't think that engine performance is better and see is more as a "down grade"...

How can they justify that with these stats?
wow....... i really need to finger out the metric system. :confused:

[tidy protege]

how does it go

[malebastard]

i understand that cos most users on this forum are sp20/protege owners, its gonna be biased.... and thats fine with me...

[malebastard]

So far i've got the stereo upgrade...

will be lowering next month with king springs...

then CAI - looking very closely at the AEM and injen intake systems to see which is best...

then a cat back exhaust system...

lastly will be 18" rims , HID's etc...

[twilightprotege]

hid's are goooooood

[JEB83]

Oh yeah one thing I absolutely hate on our SP23 is the damn gay ass horn...It just sounds so gay....

[BigStarS]

all u sp23 ppl can bite my sp20 butt!! JK :) ...my frd just got his sp23...i duno...mixed feelings...ive driven mz3 a few times...it's feels a bit girly for my taste...just a bit too sensible...and u know guys...it's not all about power...it's the look!! and my frd boasts about the extra power...so it's kinda pissing me off...cos i think it's just figures and i can whoop his ass if i wanted to!! just need abt $3k.. excuse the language~~ :P

[twilightprotege]

just take him out to the mountains. general feeling is the 20 will beat the 23 anyday (assuming similar mods or both stock)

[malebastard]

but if we go to the mountains, you might get sick of seeing my mz3's butt!!!

ahhahaha....jk..

[twilightprotege]

hahahaha....coz we cant overtake you? hehehe LOL jk

[malebastard]

yeah...lol...

you've done quite a bit to ur car tp....

How much have you spent on it all up???

[twilightprotege]

car all up enhancement wise - about $8k i guess. only about $3.5k engine wise

[malebastard]

wow!!!

Thats quite a bit!!!

I'm trying to source eibach springs in Sydney... Or Australia..

Would you know where???

[twilightprotege]

yeah that's why i try not to add it up often ;) hehehehe

eibach springs in oz? they'd be cheaper from america - try looking in the auth vendor section on this board for a group buy or sale prices.

[malebastard]

Cheers...

Thanks TP....

[Zed]

Try sending Eibach Australia an email - eibach@eibach.com.au for distributors in Sydney. But I agree with twilightprotege in that sourcing them from the US will be the cheapest option.

[malebastard]

Thanks for that email address Zed...

Will find out from them and see how much it is...

If its too pricy, i'll look at getting them from the USA.

Cheers guys..

[malebastard]

Need opinions guys...

$400 for king springs installed with wheel alignment.

OR

$740 for Eibach springs installed with wheel alignment. (5 yr warranty 1million km)

**BOTH ARE 30mm DROPS**

Please let me know what you think...

I'm planning on keeping the car for 3-5 years, and want something reliable and comfortable to last that long....

[Zed]

I'd say go the Eibachs. I've got Kings in my car and while I love the way the car looks and handles with them, the ride is a bit too rough for my liking. The Eibachs are progressive so ride comfort will be a lot better.

I'm actually changing over to K-macs in the next couple of weeks as they're progressive too and they custom make springs to whatever height you want (factory is in Sydney). Might be another option worth considering.

[malebastard]

I'd say go the Eibachs. I've got Kings in my car and while I love the way the car looks and handles with them, the ride is a bit too rough for my liking. The Eibachs are progressive so ride comfort will be a lot better.

I'm actually changing over to K-macs in the next couple of weeks as they're progressive too and they custom make springs to whatever height you want (factory is in Sydney). Might be another option worth considering.

Thanks Zed... I haven't heard very good things about kmac... I had customised Jumbos springs for my previous ride, and never again will i custimise...

Customised spring rates are not tested and are basically manufactured to the height you are requiring... so i don't see ride comfort being any much better..

I'm just trying to justify wether its worth spending the extra 350 bucks for the Eibachs..

[Zed]

What bad things have you heard about k-mac, coz I've only heard good things.

[malebastard]

I don't remember exactly....

But it was on the hot4's forum a while back....

about the reliability and service, may have been a once off situation...

But the general concensus is that they aren't the springs of choice..

[twilightprotege]

^ probably ALL because the shocks werent matched to the spring rate....

[malebastard]

Hey TP...

have you used kings before u purchased ur eibachs???

I understand Eibachs are really stiff and therefore, little bumps in the road will be very noticable....

How's the cornering???

Please give me ur insight on the Eibachs..

[twilightprotege]

i've only ever had eibachs. they are simply the best of the best. the kings are noticably stiffer than the eibachs, and therefore your shocks will wear out much quicker

cornering with my eibachs is great because of the progressive rate. once the springs get past the softer section and onto the hard section, the eibachs are one of the stiffest springs available...obviously great for handling, but because they are only slightly stiffer than the stock sp20 on their softer section, ride quality is only slightly harder than stock.

i highly recommend eibachs

[malebastard]

Thanks TP...

Did you bring your springs over from the US or did you source them from Australia?

[twilightprotege]

yeah, had them shipped over to me

[malebastard]

do you remember approximately how much you paid???

US dollars??

[SURGE]

G'day Guys,
my name is Dan, I live in Bendigo, Victoria (up the road from Melbourne a bit...). I've been sititng in the background for a bit watching life go by - great community you all have going here!!!
Basically I am awaiting the arrival of my SP23, my first new car and first Mazda. (My fiance's got a stock '03 Astina, got me on the Mazda train!) Its been a month already, about 2 weeks to go. (Is it here yet? Is it here yet?! IS IT HERE YET!??!!?) Best description of it would be similar to malebastard's - less the pedals and stereo. I guess you actually need to posses a car before you can start upgrading it huh...
Anyway, I look forward to discussing the world of Mazda's with you all in the future. Are there any cruises in Vic?
Cheers,
Dan

[malebastard]

G'day Guys,
my name is Dan, I live in Bendigo, Victoria (up the road from Melbourne a bit...). I've been sititng in the background for a bit watching life go by - great community you all have going here!!!
Basically I am awaiting the arrival of my SP23, my first new car and first Mazda. (My fiance's got a stock '03 Astina, got me on the Mazda train!) Its been a month already, about 2 weeks to go. (Is it here yet? Is it here yet?! IS IT HERE YET!??!!?) Best description of it would be similar to malebastard's - less the pedals and stereo. I guess you actually need to posses a car before you can start upgrading it huh...
Anyway, I look forward to discussing the world of Mazda's with you all in the future. Are there any cruises in Vic?
Cheers,
Dan

Hi surge...

Welcome and congrats on the purchase...

Just thought i'd let you know there are other mazda3 specific forums too..

www.sydneymazdaclub.com and **********************.

Lots of info there...

[twilightprotege]

maleb - i think i paid about $260usd inc shipping in total or something like that...

well welcome surge!!!! there is heaps to learn here, i'm sure you'll enjoy yourself.

in terms of cruises, most are arranged on www.astinagt.com - an australian 323 forum. this is the technical board

[malebastard]

Thanks TP...

Will look into bringing it over from the US...

Do you know much about custom/import charges???

or where to get info on that????

[twilightprotege]

i didnt get charged any duties on them...but you can find out on www.customs.gov.au . that'll atleast give you an idea, or you can always call them.

best way to ship is via USPS Air Mail Parcel Post.

[shankmesh]

Hi there. Im probably going to be getting a mazda3.

Im trying to figure out weather or not to get the maxx sport or the sp23 and would apreciate any help i could get.

1/ Are there any major differences between the 2, other than the engine.

2/ Does the different engine really make much of a speed/power difference? Like $3000 exta cost worth?

3/ If i wanted to get the mp3 player, do i have to pay extra, or do they just put that in instead of the 6 stack?

4/ Everywhere i see mazda3s noone has the wing spoiler. I cant even really find many picture comparisons. Is this because they look silly on this car?

5/ Everyone seems to have metalic gray colour. How does the blue look. Is it too showy?

6/ Does the maxx sport come with those cool seats that have the blue and black ripply texture the sp23s have. (not a massive car person sorry, dont know all the terms)

7/ How is climate control different to normal air conditioning, and how in general is the air conditioning on a sport?



Thankyou very much for any help.

[tidy protege]

the only major differences between the two are the interior, engine and the 17" wheels apart from that the two are comparable

Concerning the Mp3 from memory that is a 500+ option but worth it as you will save that in not having to buy cds for shops

The two cars are great cars equally as good in all areas, personally i would go the sp23 because they are a just a more complete package

No matter what you will have trouble free motoring