autoxCLS

Well, let's start off with the fact that it comes in two bitchin' colors - a dark blue, and yellow. Then add on the MP3 features - Kenwood 280 watt system with 10" sub in the trunk, Kenwood MP3 player factory deck (pretty cool, but I forgot a CD. ), 3 spoke Nardi steering wheel, tokiko shocks, larger, stiffer front and rear sways, stiffer springs, body kit, REAL driving / fog lights (I never remember the difference), upper front strut tower bar, sweet Racing Hart 17x7 aluminum rims shod with Dunlop SP9000 205/45ZR17 wheels, cool aluminum pedals, sport exhaust, intake, etc, etc.

There's a LONG list of standard aftermarket-type add-ons.

But what it gets down to is that it's a 2700 lb car with only 140 hp in a class with the Civic Si, 2600 lbs and 160 hp.

Granted, the Civic Si is about a thousand more MSRP, but the Mazda dealer wanted to add 2k just for a "market adjustment". NOT! As Scottie said to me - "It's a MAZDA."

But man, the thing cornered like it was on RAILS. Granted, I haven't driven a CLS with springs and sways, but this thing stuck like glue in the few turns I took it into. (AW was next to me holding the hand brake like her life depended on it. )

Here's the low-down though.

For 18,5 plus 2k, it's a $21,000 car without ABS, cruise control, automatic climate control, side impact air bags, or decently adjustable seats.

So - if the 2001 Civic Si weren't so damn ugly, I would chose it over the MP3. But the stereo system was pretty sweet - from what I could tell. (I'm not much of a mobile stereo afficionado)

And I was REALLY missing the VTEC growl (and power for that matter). When I got back in my CLS, I just had to hit VTEC in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.

So, if I had a choice between the 2002 Civic Si and the MP3, I'd take the 2000 Civic Si.

davo-cls

They're slowwwwww, but I really dig the looks of the MP3 and the 5!

Speaking of slow, the Mitsu Lancer O-Z Racing Rally Edition for the US is a snail! What a joke to call this a Lancer.

120hp..step back!
0-60 : 8.9 seconds
1/4 mile : 16.9 @ 82 mph
top speed : 115 (drag limited)
and that's with the manual tranny! They should be ashamed, bring over the EVO!

z28typeSWRXkid

Why is that a joke...the Lancer is just a name for Mitsu's economy sedan. You are gettin it confused wit the Evo.

And the MP3 is 10x better lookin than the Civic. But its only a niche car, and im not too fond of OEM cars with aftermarket stuff on them...id rather pick my own out and have the fun of installin it.

autoxCLS

Agreed - the new $hitvic looks like... $hit!

The point of getting a car like the MP3 to me, is so that you can race in a SoloII STOCK class. IF it has parts on it from the factory, then it can be in a stock category as long as the production run is like 1000 or more.

And IMHO, an MP3 will out slalom a 2002 Si.

4thGSi

Last two days ago i raced a blue Protege MP3 on my modded 1990 civic Si.. The car had some nice body kits and nice exhaust note. Well that thing is all show no go. Here's the story if you dont mind. We where at the stop light i was behind at the semi, and this guy was right next to me eyeing my car. So i took a quick glance at his car, and it was nice body kits and 17" rims. So light turns green and this guys punched it while i was stock at the semi for at least good 7 sec. After i got around it was on, 2nd gear redline 3rd gear caught up to him fast i was right next to his front wheels and fourth just blew by him(2 car lenghts). This dude was in shocked liked this . I gave him a thumbs up and he gave me headlight flashed...

autoxCLS

Hey - 4thGSi - you have the same tires I do - got any pics of those rims? I've been looking for some good 17x7's that are lighter with the same offset...

4thGSi

Here are some pics of my car CL-S http://photos.yahoo.com/manyot

davo-cls

The EVO is a Lancer, the balls out version. It's a joke to call it the "O-Z Racing Rally Edition" when it can't even beat a Hyundai Elantra in 0-60 ,the skidpad or braking. The exterior says "go", the engine says "no". That's why.

nvpscore

why get a civic si or a mp3 when u already got a faster car

my motto faster is always better, not something cheap and slow

4thGSi

Hay nvpscore, I noticed on your sig that you got underbody spoilers, any pics of that bad boy? I'm really curious what it looks like...

autoxCLS

4 words - car seat, four doors.

And it's a helluva lot cheaper. I'd love a TLS.

1StGenCL

I think he might have a TLS which has a factory body kit. Yes? No?

Water-S

go with a 4-cylinder accord. There like one of the most reliable cars out there today. I've had 3(if you count the one i shared with my sister for 6 months cause mom's odyesee was on order and they sold my old car) plus with accords there 1000's of mods for those. body kits,CAI,i even think turbos.
get a 4 door in that and your in good shape man

Chris

haha i thought your final thought was supposed to be either a 2002 Si or the MP3. the MP3 does seem like a pretty cool car. mazda is getting somewhere, they are probably the first company to get a clue on how to attract the younger crowd and car enthusiasts. honestly, it is unfortunate that the engine is so weak, otherwise mazda would have themselves a winner. too bad for them

autoxCLS

Well, I was trying to compare the newest model from Honda and Mazda... but the new civic is just too ugly for me to compare. :-/

And I absolutely agree - if the MP3 had like 180 hp, it would sell like no one's busiess!

I would have gotten an MP3 or a 2000 Civic Si had they been out in '97, when I got my 3.0 CL-P. Would have saved me a LOT of money.