Are these two cars essentially the same?
How similar are they in terms of speed/power, handling, and overall value?

i think the mazda3 2.0 is a newer gen car than the lynx RS.

the new mazda 3 is based on the new focus... un lynx based ata on the old mazdas? tama ba?

pero sa hatawan masmabilis ang lynx RS cuz of the manual tranny.

the mazda has around 140-145hp. i dont know the hp rating of the lynx rs.

What i like bout the RS is the bucket seats and manual tranny. on the other hand, i like the mazda 3 cuz its damn good looking and its new.

that's right, the lynx RS is based on the old protege chasis while the Mazda3 is based on the new focus chasis. Mazda3's engine is also newer, it uses the new Mazda MZ3 engine series while the lynx RS old ford series engine. Mazda3's engine is entirely different from the lynxRS. Mazda3's engine is completely designed and built by Mazda in Hirsohima, Japan.
Power -- the Mazda3 2.0L has a rating of 141 peak HP, the lynx RS's peak HP is rated at 142hp. Torque though is slightly higher than the Mazda. Accelaration is probably better than the lynxRS because of the Manual tranny. But I think as fas as overall performance is concerned, the Mazda3 may not be too far behind. (maybe someone can actually do a head-to-head match between the mazda3 and the lynxRS).
Handling -- mazda3's handling has been improved from the old protege, though as most people say in this forum, the lynxRS has better handling (might be due to the stock strut bar in the lynx, among other things).

Hope this information helps.

the lynx RS is actually a rebadged MP3 from the US. if im not mistaken, its engine (fs-de) is the NA version of the mazdaspeed protege. it also shares the same suspension with the MSprotege which is stiffer that is why it has excellent handling. the M3 has a newer engine with variable valve timing. if you want sporty handling and loves to throw your car around corners, the RS is for you but if you want a Kick@$$ looking car with good performance, M3 na. not to mention additional fogi foints.

Quote from: impulse_101 on April 04, 2005, 08:07:31 PM
the lynx RS is actually a rebadged MP3 from the US. if im not mistaken, its engine (fs-de) is the NA version of the mazdaspeed protege. it also shares the same suspension with the MSprotege which is stiffer that is why it has excellent handling. the M3 has a newer engine with variable valve timing. if you want sporty handling and loves to throw your car around corners, the RS is for you but if you want a Kick@$$ looking car with good performance, M3 na. not to mention additional fogi foints.

The MazdaSpeed Protege initially came out N/A. MP3 first (Kenwood MP3), then N/A, then Turbo.

Rebadged to the point that,when I first saw the ads for the Lynx RS, I looked at the interior and said "this looks familiar...". later I saw the MSpeed on a magazine.badges,esp. the one on the steering wheel,is the only difference in the interior.

Meron bang Mazda3 2.0 na manual?

mazda3's released here in the Philippines only have auto transmissions with "manual (activematic) mode" (ala Invecs II). Btw, 2.0L version of the Mazda3 doesn't have variable-valve timing. Only the 1.6L and 2.3L versions have VVT. Read somewhere the reason why the 2.0L MZ3 engine didn't have vvt....just couldn't recall the exact explanation. in other markets (i.e. US), manual 5-speed version is available for the mazda3 -- not to mention a 2.3L (160HP variant).

mas pogi tlga mazda3, pro kung na drive nyo na yung both cars mas feel ko yung RS ganda ng handling tsaka lakas ng torque sobrang responsive ng engine, khit wlang valve timing matulin narin pero d parin mananalo sa sir sa straight line. peace!

Quote from: kuffs on April 04, 2005, 08:39:15 PM
mazda3's released here in the Philippines only have auto transmissions with "manual (activematic) mode" (ala Invecs II). Btw, 2.0L version of the Mazda3 doesn't have variable-valve timing. Only the 1.6L and 2.3L versions have VVT. Read somewhere the reason why the 2.0L MZ3 engine didn't have vvt....just couldn't recall the exact explanation. in other markets (i.e. US), manual 5-speed version is available for the mazda3 -- not to mention a 2.3L (160HP variant).

From mazda3forums, Ford makes the MZR I4 (2.3L), Z6(1.6L) that is S-VT VIS na rin made in Mexico (Same place they make the Focus engine)....  the 2.0R MZR is Mazda's engine made in Japan

the RS doesn't have bucket seats. it's just using the same lynx seats with a different upholstery.  as was stated, the RS is basically a rebadged mazda protege.  

for more sporting intentions, Lynx RS. for some pace with grace Mazda3 2.0R.