Mazda 3 MPS
July 11, 2006 by Alborz Fallah
July 2009 Update: Read our Review of the new Mada3 MPS.
The Mazda 6 MPS came to Australia earlier this year with a price tag of around $49,000 and caused little to no drama. Sure it was powered by a 2.3 Litre Turbocharged engine producing 190kw of power and 380Nm of torque, and sure it could give a Subaru WRX a run for its money, but it was boring. It seemed almost like Mazda had gone out of their way to make the Mazda 6 MPS seem less of a sports car than the normal Mazda 6! The spoiler was reduced in size, the wheels looked like they came out of a old Ford’s “do not use” parts bin and essentially the car failed to inspire.
Understandably, the car is aimed at the executive types who love to watch Rally cars and Formula 1, the ones who would also consider buying a Subaru WRX STi if the bonnet scoop wasn’t so massive and if the spoiler could be smaller, so infact Mazda had thought it through, they wanted a car they could sell to middle aged men who wanted a fast turbo with AWD while having no need to let everyone know about it.
The Mazda 3 MPS is another story, no longer aimed at middle aged businessmen the new 3 is set to put the hot hatch market on fire as the new Mazda 3 range prepares to make its return. The Mazda 3 MPS starts from $39,990 for the standard which Mazda claims will represent 70 per cent of Mazda 3 MPS sales (expected to start at 130 cars a month). For those who really want to spend, an extra $3,700 will get you the Mazda 3 MPS Sports Pack Model at $43,690.
“With class leading power and dynamics, the Mazda3 MPS is the ideal flagship for the hugely successful Mazda3 range and a great addition to our MPS stable,” Mazda Australia managing director Doug Dickson
The Full list of standard features for the Mazda 3 MPS can be found at the end of this article, however the highlights of the standard Mazda 3 MPS package include:
- climate control
- cruise control
- dynamic stability control
- six airbags (dual front, side and curtain)
- 18 inch alloy wheels
- fog lamps
Optional extras include the half-leather trim for the sports seating and xenon headlights. If you are willing to, you can also get the BOSE sound system upgrade which I wouldn’t recommend as you can get an after market system with better sound, installed, for less!
The Mazda 3 MPS uses the same 190KW 2.3 Litre Turbo-charged engine from the Mazda 6 MPS, however given that it weighs nearly 200kgs less than the Mazda 6 MPS, the 3 is slightly faster to 100km/hour at 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 250km/hour. However it gains this weight advantage not just because of its size, but due to the fact that Mazda 3 MPS is still.. front wheel drive. Yes, shock horror. If the 2.5 Litre Turbo charged Ford XR5 wasn’t scary in a front wheel drive platform, this one is sure to scare a few drivers. Or maybe not?
The good people at Mazda noticed that strapping a turbo charged engine to a Front Wheel Drive car isn’t the smartest idea in the world if you don’t have all the gadgets that will insure the car’s safety. So they strapped the gadgets along as well, so you get limited slip differential and electronic control of engine torque, as well as stability and traction control. You also get steering angle sensors to reduce torque steer in tight cornering, alongside the torque-sensing limited slip differential (also found in the Mazda RX8 and Mazda MX5) to send power to the inside wheel while cornering.
The interior of the Mazda 3 gets a dark trim with red stitching in the sports seats and the leather-wrapped steering wheel and the gearshift. Plus the addition of the aluminium pedals and stainless-steel scuff plates. And in case you forgot what you were driving, there are MPS logos on the seats.
Full Specs
Mazda 3 MPS
Price: $39,990; With sports pack $43,650
Engine: 2.3-litre turbo-charged four cylinder
Power: 190kW at 5500rpm
Torque: 380Nm at 3000rpm
Performance: 0-100km/h 6.1 seconds, top speed 250km/h
Fuel usage: ADR 81/01 – 10 litres per 100km (city and highway)
Fuel tank: 55 litres
Weight: 1415kg
Wheels: 18″ MPS alloys
Full list of Standard equipement found on the Mazda 3 MPS:
- 18″ Alloy Wheels
- 6 Speaker Stereo
- ABS (Antilock Brakes)
- Adjustable Steering Col. – Tilt & Reach
- Air Cond. – Climate Control
- Air Conditioning – Pollen Filter
- Airbags – Driver & Passenger (Dual)
- Airbags – Head for 1st Row Seats (Front)
- Airbags – Head for 2nd Row Seats
- Airbags – Side for 1st Row Occupants (Front)
- Armrest – Front Centre (Shared)
- Armrest – Rear Centre (Shared)
- Body Colour – Bumpers
- Body Colour – Door Handles
- Body Colour – Exterior Mirrors Partial
- Body Kit – F&R Spoilers
- Skirts
- Rear Apron
- Body Side Mouldings – Colour Coded
- Bottle Holders – 1st Row
- Bottle Holders – 2nd Row
- Brake Assist
- CD Stacker – 6 disc In Dash/Cabin
- Central Locking – Remote/Keyless
- Chrome Door Handles – Interior
- Chrome Exhaust Tip
- Clock – Digital
- Control – Dynamic Stability
- Control – Traction
- Cruise Control
- Cup Holders – 1st Row
- Disc Brakes Front Ventilated
- Disc Brakes Rear Solid
- Door Pockets – 1st row (Front)
- Drive By Wire (Electronic Throttle Control)
- EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution)
- Engine Immobiliser
- Fog Lamps – Front
- Footrest – Drivers
- Headrests – Active 1st Row (Front)
- Headrests – Adjustable 1st Row (Front)
- Illuminated – Entry/Exit with Fade
- Illuminated – Key Ignition Barrel/Surround
- Illuminated – Switch Panel (Window/ Locking)
- Intermittent Wipers – Variable
- Leather Gear Knob
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Limited Slip Diff
- Map/Reading Lamps – for 1st Row
- Metallic Finish Inserts
- MP3 Player
- Multi-function Steering Wheel
- Pedals – Sports
- Power Steering – Electro-Hydraulic
- Power Windows – Front & Rear
- Rear View Mirror – Manual Anti-Glare
- Rear Wiper/Washer
- Remote Fuel Lid Release
- Scuff Plates (on door sills)
- Seat – Height Adjustable Driver
- Seatback Pocket – Front Passenger Seat
- Seatbelt – Adjustable Height 1st Row
- Seatbelt – Load Limiters 1st Row (Front)
- Seatbelt – Pretensioners 1st Row (Front)
- Seatbelts – Lap/Sash for 5 seats
- Seats – 2nd Row Split Fold
- Spare Wheel – Space Saver/Temporary
- Spoiler – Rear Roof Mounted
- Sports Instruments
- Sports Seats – 1st Row (Front)
- Stereo – Aux Input socket (MP3/CD/Cassette)
- Strut Brace – Front
- Sunvisor – Vanity Mirror for Driver
- Sunvisor – Vanity Mirror for Passenger
- Tacho
- Tail Lamps – LED
- Tinted Windows
- Trim – Cloth
Print it: 
1 
0 
………………. said
We can’t all afford to run a bit v8, mate. And personally, i hate big cars and have no reason to own one. It’s only myself and my girlfriend, and i can’t see any need for having such a large car (for myself, that is). As for a chicks car, well, thats an opinion. Mine is that i think the majority of v8 drivers are bogan knuckle draggers. Each to their own.
hey guys, i left a comment couple of weeks ago about my nissan pulsar ST. someone complained about somethin i said so i ll make it clear. stock car is 92kws , and costs 22 000 brand new , however it still comes with sports suspension, but i bought it when it was 4 years old, its a 2001 model, i bought it in 2005, with all the mods done to it, its 245 kws and it cost me no more then $8000. so 15000 + 8= 23000 all up. the car is really quick and it does beat Rexies and i also beat a skyline r 33 GTR once but thats beacuse the driver was probably shit, mazda 3 mps is a good car and 190kws of power is a lot for a stock car. it does beat rexys on a straight line but in rain it has no chance against any AWD thats turbocharged and over 150kws like nissan GTiR. AWD adds extra 40 kws to your car when u race with someone who has the same power but is front wheel drive. my car is really fast and I dont plan to sell it yet, but if i do i ll sure buy mazda 3 mps and do some mods to it. one final point , we cant compare mazda 3 mps with an STI or mazda 6 with an STI, STI is a car made for track, all the money u pay for STI is the money thats put in the engine and suspension. same goes for evo ix. when i tested MPS i thought it did really well and handled well, but as a car enthusiast with a broad knowledge of any performance car i am more then certain that this car is worth its money. if it was four wheel drive it would slow with down in dry weather because of the extra weight.
………………. said, you’re a champ mate. Nevermind, where I live, everyone has a HSV or a Rex (both of which I’ve had in recent years), in fact I’m sure they’re more common than wheelie bins. I’ve got the only MPS 3 in town. And the really cool thing….I’m 200cm tall, fit easily into the MPS but have a real squeeze in the HSV and Rex….oh well, so much for spacious!
I’m trying to decide whether to get one or not. Not so much THIS car in particular, but parting with the $$. There’s one in my area, used, with only 6700ks, immaculate… for $33500. I have a 2003 323 at the moment… what to do, what to do!
C’mon mps owners…. convince me! =)
GOT THE MPS AND THE SECOND NIGHT I COPPED A BACK SEAT BLOWIE FROM THE TOWN BIKE….
how come no one mentioned about comparing the following
1. unwanted attraction (imagine urself at at set of traffic lights)
2. theft risk (REX higher or 3MPS? you tell me!)
3. fuel cost (AWD vs FWD)
4. use of space (hatch vs sedan)
5. actual use of vehicle (daily vs race track)
when you start taking consideration these factors (and more) you’ll probably have a better view of which vehicle is truely what ur after coz at the end of the day, both these cars are amazing value for money i reckon.
Hey guys – what’s all this car talk stuff ? Can we get back to the more important subject of tropical fish ? So, has anyone ever had danios (say zebra’s) and Black Ranchu’s in the same tank – oooh it’s messy !!!
Hey all,
I have the 3MPS now for 1.5weeks and its acceleration in 3rd realy does scare. Been raining heaps in sydney so have not had a chance to realy drive but so far its a dream :)
Cant wait till my track day!
My brother owns a Mazda 3 MPS and yes it has a nice interior and yes the straight line performance is pretty brutal for the size of the car and engine. The reason I would never own one is because it is too plain – it looks like a girly shopping trolley – if I am going to spent that much money on a small car you would at least want it to look hot. Personal preference I guess but that is probably why many people overlook it for a rex which wether or not you think it looks good, at least it looks aggressive.
There is a reason why there are so many WRX’s on the road, the reason is because for the money NOTHING comes close in terms of handling and straight line performance combined!
I have owned a Clio sport 182 that I know would out handle a MPS easily, and I still went out and bought a WRX for the fact the handling is soooo damn good!
Besides from that the WRX is so amazing in ALL types of weather including the pouring rain !! I can LAUNCH the same in the wet as I can in the dry and that is a great feeling.
Good luck doing that in a FWD hatch.
Phfft the Mazda 3 MPS is a fantastic handling car, yes your right its not an AWD and wet conditions when launching aint its strong point,how many times do you have to do hard launches anyway, but once your going it handles far better than most would think, it has a fantastic chasis, awsome brakes good supsension setup.
Drive it like a FWD is meant to be driven and not like an AWD or RWD than you I assure you, it will impress.
This arguement about AWD vs FWD is getting old, driver skill is way more important as proven by the Mazda guys at Targa this year, who bty had their best stage place in the wet (5th).
I dont want to it look hot, i already am :) so i DO NOT NEED a car to improve my appearance, prove my manliness etc. External appearance, ‘looking’ hot, what does it matter? We are talking performance road cars not luxury cars. Wait, you ‘want’ to ‘look’ hot…. riiiigght I understand.
Next, i keep hearing about launch and straight line speed, it sounds like your daily drive is round a race track. Is it? A simple yes-no will suffice.
At the end of the day it is personal preference, I personally love technically challenging things. The 3MPS is this. Combine its more understated looks with the clientele of other hot hatches and it leaves us sensible people with nice cheap insurance and a nice fast ride :)
I have a mazda mps. It is quick.
WRX are outdated. So what for more power.
Even insurance companies wont touch them anymore.
And very bad for re sale.
You can buy and 01/02 for $20k.
Thats if it isnt a half cut or a rebirth.
Go the MPS, you little beast.
LOL at WRX’s having bad resale – mate they have one of the best (if not the best) resale values of any car on the whole Aussie market. And insurance is easy to get and not THAT expensive – mine is $1300 a year which is nothing for a car of this nature. Not here to bag out the Mazda, just to clear up some BS about the Subie.
The Mazda is nice in fact, I just would never get one due to the hatchback styling – cmon mazda why no MPS Sedan??
I own a 05 Impreza and it goes like the wind!!
However when i drove the MPS, it was something that i had never experienced before from a turbo 4… I was worried as well about the FWD as i come from a AWD car, but the handling was really responsive and have to admit that it did drive better than my WRX!!
I would recommend that before you bag this car out, take it for a drive and then you will realise how good this car really is…
I guess that every car does have it’s bad points but that’s formed by your own opinions… For me, i really like the trip computer in the WRX and unforntually the MPS does not provide this…
Other than that, I could not fault this car…
Dan you’ve got to be the only wrx owner I have ever come across that can agree that the MPS3 isn’t a bad car… Thank you for your honesty!
I have a MPS3 for one year now, done 45,000km. I still get a big smile on my face every time I driven it.
I have to agree with Fred, I got a great trade on my MY05 rex when I bought the 3MPS which I’ve had for a year (any really love). Hope the same applies when I get the next great thing in 12 months time!
Just like to throw my 5cents in ;)
Firstly i’m not going to argue whether the WRX is better than the MPS3 or vice versa. Both are great cars when compared to Holdens and Fords ;)
Personally im an MY05 EVO 8 WRX owner. Had to get a car with a sunroof hehe. Preferred this shape to any other WRX at the end of the day.
I test drove both cars before making my purchase and yes the MPS3 seemed quicker however preferred the total package and feel of the WRX. In my optionion I think the WRX is a better package overall. I just love driving it in the rain and extra hard into corners.
It was a hard choice to make but not one i regret.
Both cars rock!!! At the end of the day its your choice.
Safe driving….
Interesting exchange. Has anyone looked at this from the other angle, which is that the 3 MPS looking like a (admittedly slightly edgy) ’sensible’ car is actually a GOOD thing? I’ve removed the MPS badge for precisely this reason. It goes like buggery, steers well enough for me, thank you, and doesn’t attract police attention. Oh, and you should see the look on those Porsche drivers’ faces when they find themselves unable to overtake a shopping car. Priceless.
I love mine to bits.
This goes to Fred and other subie drivers that wont buy a MPS3 for its so called girlie hatch stying…Aren’t the new 08-09 wrx’s (STi) comming out as a hatch only..? Would you still consider buying it..?
My toyota mx73 would blow the doors of all of youse except maybe that guy’s pulsar.
but the mazda is better than the subz too
actually some bloke up the street has bought the mps and now i think it looks gay
Everyone keeps on saying how good the WRX impreza handling is and i can’t stand driving FWD cars!!!
Check this website out and see for yourself!!
It’s the new 2008 WRX Impreza being tested for it’s handling. The competition is the MPS 3…
Even though the short video is in another language, it’s easy understand exactly what their saying…
Subaru should be very embarressed…
http://www.caradvice.com.au/4697/impreza-vs-mps/
My Mum has an SP23 and it looks almost identical to the MPS! The MPS has a nice engine but the exterior is well…… yaaaawn. And I dont want to hear the old “but not everyone wants to be noticed crap”…. Thats what people who drive Camrys say!
I have owned two Golf GTI’s and having test driven the new Golf GTI Edition 30 on a race track I have just chosen (and bought, 3 days ago!) the Mazda 3 MPS. It is significantly cheaper and a little faster than the Edition 30. The 3MPS is also firmer with more feel in the corners. Didn’t even consider the WRX because I don’t like the boy racer image of the thing and it’s horrible looks + we wanted a hatch for more practicality. During our test drive my fiancée was pushing it behind a Mercedes Benz SLK55 AMG on a windy road and the guy couldn’t get away from us. He was definately trying (wouldn’t you in such a car if a hot blonde in a Mazda was on your tail!?), because on one corner he actually lost his back end – he fishtailed a bit and only just recovered! I tell you this car can go round corners (even with a blonde chick driving it!). BTW here’s an interesting web site for comparing fast cars on test tracks (just select which cars you want to compare in top right box)… http://www.fastestlaps.com/ind.....e53f9d5a83
you can keep your rice burners.I have a 1987 corvette convertible;which is putting out around 400kw.all the hat backwards boys have had a go but to no avail.all they see is my tailpipes dissapearing into the distance
Congratulations on your corvette Ian. I would love to talk about my VL turbo that would give you a very good run but I believe this blog is about the 3 MPS which would also give you a very good run through the hills at least. Now let me find a corvette blog and start raving about how great my MPS is – not.
I finally took my WRX in to mazda to get it valued for a trade in for a MPS3. The Salesman said that i could take the car for a test drive while we value your car. I took the MPS for a trip around the streets and was very impressed again with the power and stability of the vehicle.
However, when i arrived back at Mazda, i was confronted by a lady which i now know was the sales manager and she ripped shreds off me for taking without having the salesman with me!!!
The saying goes “once bitten, twice shy”…
I like the car but i’m not buying a car from a bitch face woman that is 5ft tall and has tickets on her shoulders..
Don’t buy at Central Coast Mazda!!!
I took the MPS out for a test drive yesterday…the thing is lightning quick and it handles extremely well considering the torque and fwd…I have now ordered one. zoom-zoom!
jason again here, looks like we got so many MPS lovers, screw my pulsar i am gonna sell it lol and get somethin good, might get a wolswagen jetta FSI turbo they look oright and are quick lol
Well guys I had my first go with the Mazda 3 mps… he came flying up on me as I was driving on the highway so I pulled in behind him, back to 3rd gear at 110 kph and gave her a squirt (her being my old 93 GTiR Pulsar). I would say that he was doing 130-140 when he went past, we struck traffic and waited… the car changed into the slow lane and we both took off (me behind). There was a slight whisp of black smoke (a tad rich) from the larger than stock exhaust on the Mazda that continued for the duration of him flogging it. By 140 kph I had matched speed, by 160 kph I was catching so fast I could have given him a push, I backed off, then put the foot down again… he was still up it for all it was worth (not much). For a car with that much power it was a sad sight… Is my car modded I hear you ask, I have a pod filter and a sports muffler, on a recent dyno tune my car made 112.5 kw at all 4 wheels. she was said to make 170 kw stock at the fly… sure the Mazda was fast but come on… a stock 2L turbo from 93 can beat her… too much hype in my opinion
Proud owner of a Mazda 3 MPS here. It got Gut’s baby!! This is a wild animal, as a stock standard car, I have not had more pleasure in planting my foot and letting this rocket rip through the pavment in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and onwored to 6th. Is it faster than a WRX EVO or HSV… maybe… it be close. But who’s gona have more fun proving it! GO MAZDA! they are on to a winner here!
Torque steer of course! that is the nature of the beast.
Do I hear rumors of a 215kw verson coming out soon? I’ll be first in line.
Ian and Sean ……….get a room…….87 Vet…..geez thats a rare breed!!!!!!!!! Left hand hook is it?
400kws?????? Whats your mods?????
I would have a Mazda 3MPS over a 87 Vet!!!!!!
Why don’t you all stop dreaming. By an $19000 motorcycle that puts out 147kw, does the standing 1/4 in around 9.6 sec and 0-100 in 2.8sec. Top speed (limited) of 186mph. I know, I know, you’ll probably all go on about safety, but what are you mice or men?? I forgot to mention that fitting a turbo can take it up to around 400HP and still be ridden on the road. You guys aren’t even in the running!!
Not happy. I went to buy a 3 MPS over the weekend only to find out that Mazda have stopped making them. The only way you can buy one of these little beauties is to buy second hand or ex demo (usually thrashed). I would like to know what their thinking was behind this decision considering they are still making the 6 MPS lemon!!!!!!!!!!!
Did you know that mazdas cost alot to repair, fix and find parts for the vechile!
I have had my Mazda3 MPS for two years now… and I would not swap it for anything else in the world. Yes – when you first drive it it is a very different beast, but after owning it for a few months you become able to tame this monster and learn completely how to drive it.
GTiR Pulsar beating an MPS3? I highly doubt it dude! Come over to my hood and give me a go – if you win you get the car.
Work harder and buy an audi S3.
Hi Guys,
Based in Newport South Wales UK, Placed order for an MPS 3 Aero (Red) should arrive 1st March, I have driven most cars and was looking for a practical car with power and rare on the road (UK) for about £25k, Tried and tested all hot hatches, Including S3, but neded 5 doors, S3 is very good, but not practical, BMW 130i, quick but over priced @ £30k, R32, Good Quality, strong contender, but, too many on the road, Focus ST3, Nice, but seemed to have Turbo lag, again too many on the road and last but not least, the new WRX, love the power, seems very practical, but, very boring in side, So on the day MPS 3 Aero wins.
After reading all road reports, It appears that the MPS 3 is an understated hot hatch, If I was complaign prior to owning, I would have to say that Extras available is very poor, In the UK, you can have a Mazda 3 Sport with Sat Nav, but, MPS, No Sat Nav available. ?????
Cheers
Dean
Hi Dean from a fellow Pohmm. Yep a fairly exclusive car here, but I would have bought the Focus or Leon personally.
Hope you enjoy it with the 08 plate.
SHIRE BOY -
Mazda still show it on there website, still for sale…!
Cheers
F-0
Rather one of those bizzare looking Renault Megane 225/R26 jobs…
Cheers
F-0
how much did you guys pay fr your mps,im looking to buy 1 i got offered 43k drive away on a new 08 model after looking around this seemed pretty decent
I agree with most of the people on here about 3 MPS . its got a lot of potential and if it was all wheel drive it would add another 100 kilos to the car and therefore reduce performance, I mean just look at mazda 6mps awd. same power , 190kws same torque 190kws . but 6 is all wheel drive and does 0-100 in 6.6 seconds, which is pretty quick for a car of that size but 3 mps does it in 6.1 and some sources say it did 5.8 in perfect conditions. so thats half a second quicker then 6MPs, its the fastest mazda produced to date including Rx8, but ofcourse a bit slower then the old turbocharged Rx7. and its the fastest front wheel drive hatchback in the world. i own one and i love it, but i d still trade it in for the new RX-8 because you just cant beat it around corners,
Another satisfied 3MPS owner here, I just love this little Mazda. imo, it has the perfect blend of power and sensibility, where if you want to drive it nicely it’ll do it all day, but the minute you give it a boot – she’s off!
It may sound shallow too, but I’ve never had so many compliments on how nice my car looks (I have the True Red). I’ve had people stop and ask me all about it on several occasions, and when people find out it’s a 190kw turbo monster, they love it even more!
But that’s not the reason to buy this car. The reason is the DRIVE. To punt this rocket along your favourite road, or give it a quick squirt out of a round-a-bout and feel it bite into the road and do exactly what you ask of it never gets old….ever.
I own a 6MPS. Thats quite funny how they did get 6.6sec 0-100. I tested with G-tech PRO about 4000rpm easy launch 3 peoples onboard and i did 0-100 6.1sec. With only myself onboard i did 5.8sec with about 5000rpm launch and then i didnt have good traction and my clutch was quite dead at this time(60ft 2.0X, possible to do 1.7X ish times). I am sure that 3MPS cant compete 0-100 with 6MPS on street tires. I think that with good traction the stock 6MPS can do 0-100 5.5-5.6sec.
i own a 02 sti, and my ex owns a 3mps… b4 i bought my sti i was actually considering 6mps or 3mps. 6mps was too expensive and i didn’t like hatch.. i thought it was a bit girlie. but i got used to it and i think it actually looks better than the sedan. i can’t really compare these 2 as they are for different purposes. 3mps is cirtainly more stylish and comfortable. better fuel consumption. oh, one thing i really love about my sti, is the gearbox, it’s so smooth and precise. the heavy clutch could be a pain in the traffic, but you’ll get used to it and it makes u feel like you are driving a real performace car. 3mps is good everyday car with extra performance… which is fun.
it really depends what u r after.
i’ve driven my friends’ 04 standard wrx and a 02 heavily modified wrx hatch. and to be honest, i don’t really like them. they don’t feel as solid as the 3mps, i guess it’s because they were older models compared to the 3mps. the build quality of 3mps is very impressive.
wrx has a blokey, aggressive image, and, who doesn’t like the sound of a boxer engine??? the 3mps has a trendy image. but i would strongly recommend black if ur going to buy a 3mps. it looks a bit meaner..
a car says a lot about the owner, so image is also very important.
sven mazda claims that 6mps does 0-100 in 6.6, and this is a number they got from a number of tests not just one, and they claim 3mps does it in 6.1, either way less wait and same power means mazda 3 is faster and not tryin to put your car down but my mazda 3 sp 23 stock kept up with 6MPS up to 115km/h when i slowed then, 6 times offf traffic lights he was never infront of me, i happend to be half a car length infront in second gear, but once i raced a 3 MPS and it completely destroyed me, especially in second and third gear. not to say your 6mps is slow , its a great car but a bit overweight for the power its got