STi > MS3. But, both are boy racers IMO. I like the suggestion above about the R32, but would include the current generation as well. It offers most of the performance but with a good deal more refinement.

Think about it, that might not be so important to you now, but where will you be in 5 years?

 

oh none taken, i agree i'm just happy that it looks way better than the interior of the IX...

 

You're just talking crazy talk... Scoobies are dead nuts reliable even modded.. The initial vehicles had some lean burn issues, but this has all been corrected...

 

Dude. Traded in my S2000 for an Evo regretted it big time. Traded in my Evo for a Volvo S60R, didn't regret that. Not sure what I'm saying but keep the S2000 and find an alternative.

 

I thought about the R32, but I need a 5-door for kids and hauling stuff.

I do think about where I"m gonna be in 5 yrs - 1-2 kids, 30-50 mile daily commute most likely. Additionally I'll be car camping, hauling outdoors stuff (bikes, climbing gear), in a single family home that I own (I got married 2 yrs ago, and own my own condo). For the next 5-8 yrs, I'll need a car that unfortunately 'does it all', which means something that is a compromise in many areas (not quite as fast, not quite as good handling, etc), but can do everything decently - including carrying stuff, and being fun to drive. Seems like the best choices for me right now are the MS3 and the STI. The sti I think is better overall, but there is the cost diff. I'm still leaning towards the sti though, for safety and just something I can see myself with for the long haul.

 

Get the STI.

One day, you'll be driving along happily in your MS3 and then an STI will pull up next to you. Next thing you''ll be banging your head against the steering wheel and saying "I should have just gotten an STI to begin with...".

However, if you can swing keeping the S and along with buying a MS3 then that's be the best option IMO.

 

I don't really think a MS3 is any slower than a STi. They both dyno around 240'ish to the wheels, I think the difference is in how the STi is geared that's all.

Anyway I can't deny that the STi is a better performer but more importantly I think they hold value much better than Speed3's.

 

I totally agree with both of your points!

Conservatively, assuming I get 16k for my S (I think I can get a bit more)
If I keep my S and get an MS3, I'll be out about 20k +ttl.
If I sell my S and get an MS3, I'll be out around 4k +ttl.
If I sell my S and get an STI, I'll be out around 12k + ttl.

Unless, of course, I get a used car, and knock off a few k. The differentials don't seem that huge to me on one hand, but then I think about closing costs, home inspections, property tax... then every dollar seems worthwhile to hold onto.

I'll drive an STI in the near future, then I'll likely wait till year end and see what happens to the STI's pricing.

 

Dude, WTF? You never said you were buying a house.. Don't buy any new car until your house deal is closed and you've had a few months to take care of the extra costs and changes associated with your new home.. I say this as I am about to close on my first house thanks to Obama. There are so many hidden costs it's not even funny. Especially if anything comes up on the inspection and the owner is unwilling to fix..

 

From owning an STi and driving an MS3 I would say the STi is hands down faster in all regards. Faster in low rpm and faster in high rpm. Faster around a track without a doubt. Not that I don't like the MS3. They're just very different cars.