Pictures of a 2007 Mazdaspeed 6 and 2011 WRX

[Zap]

Nice day Sunday, so I got my car washed to get all the crap off it from recent snows. Was cleaning out the garage so had both cars parked outside. Both vehicles are still sporting snow tires on cheap alloys. Enjoy!

The WRX is in Dark Grey Metallic, while the 'Speed 6 is Black Mica. WRX is a "Limited" hatchback (highest end before STI). 'Speed 6 is a Sport (I think that's what they called base model, versus a GT with leather seats + moonroof).

Here's some engine pr0n. Wow, that WRX engine bay is packed! Smaller intercooler than the Mazdaspeed 6, but has a big scoop feeding it. Interesting that it has kind of a ram-air setup for the air box.

Big looking intercooler, but is only being fed by a thin snorkel from just over the radiator area. Big aluminum pipe on the right side is the CAI, with the exposed filter right next to some slits in front of the drivers side front wheel well, sucking in water every time it rains or I get it washed. I'm almost thinking it more trouble than it is worth.

 

[xSkyDrAx]

:thumbsup:

 

[CraigRT]

6 looks great. I love the old Speed3 too.
Too bad most new cars just keep getting uglier. (Don't like any of the new models as much)

 

[yhelothar]

How do they compare on the road? Does the Subie's rally spirit really shine in the corners?

 

[Kroze]

Yea how do they compare?

Also, clean your engine bay :/

 

[Sid59]

how's the reliability on the Mazdaspeed6?

 

[Zap]

How do they compare on the road? Does the Subie's rally spirit really shine in the corners?

On paper they are really similar, within 5bhp of each other and with AWD.

On the road they are indeed quite different.

The Subaru feels really light and nimble, and corners like the proverbial "on rails." Of course it is lighter and comes with 235 cross section tires versus 215 on the Mazda, plus the wheelbase might be shorter (car is shorter but that doesn't mean anything). Ride is a bit firmer on the Subaru, and it is noisier in the cabin. Exhaust note is ever present, and is actually a bit nice. Mazda has an intake whoosh which the Subaru doesn't, probably from the CAI. Seats on the Subaru are much more supportive. Subaru motor also seems to pull to redline, while the Mazdaspeed runs out of steam around 500-1000RPM before redline.

All that just means the Subaru is a much better performer. The Mazdaspeed 6 is still a nice car.

The Mazda has a big midrange hump in power which makes it easy to drive, though the clutch take-up is finicky. I've been driving manual transmission vehicles since I was 10 years old (off road back then) and I don't think I've stalled any other vehicle as much as my own Mazdaspeed 6. I do love the transmission, probably the slickest shifting manual I've had the pleasure to use. The Subaru, in comparison, is notchy. Actually it is fine because I've driven much worse, but the Mazda shifts so slick that anything else in comparison is notchy. The Mazda is, of course, a bigger mid-sized sedan. It is quieter inside, and the ride is comfortable for being so firm. The stereo also sound better even though it is hampered by being "Bose." :twisted: The Mazda has a ton more trunk space. Seriously, probably has 3 times what the Subaru has if we're just measuring the space behind the rear seats (not folded down) and underneath the retractable cover.

Something else is that the Mazda is a real Q ship. I've only had some dude in an Altima want to race me once. My wife's always commenting on getting that kind of unwanted attention.

how's the reliability on the Mazdaspeed6?

See this thread. Otherwise, just routine maintenance. I get all the oil/filter changes done at the dealer (web coupons for $25, plus every fifth change is free so ends up $20 each) at around 5000 mile intervals (upper end of range) and I did all the recommended "big" services at 30k and 60k. Bought it new in June 2007, and I think I have around 70k miles on it right now.

 

[xSkyDrAx]

How long did the stock WRX tires last you? I hear they go up to about 15k miles or so?

 

[ballmode]

Michelin Pilot sports can go about 35-40k Right now I got about 30 on them.

 

[xSkyDrAx]

Are those summer or all season tires? That's pretty good.

 

[Zap]

How long did the stock WRX tires last you? I hear they go up to about 15k miles or so?

IDK how many miles on the tires, but they still look pretty new. WRX has just under 20k miles. We got it December 2010 and put the snow tires/wheels on it at the dealer. Swapped to stock tires/wheels maybe in March/April (don't remember) and swapped back to snow tires beginning of December.

 

[Aaviel]

How long did the stock WRX tires last you? I hear they go up to about 15k miles or so?

I just hit 20k miles and will be needing new tires soon if that helps. At least 8000 of the miles have been highway for various trips and interviews though.