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I know there have been a lot of comparisons between the older model and newer one, but I figured I would add my own...
I own a R56, and important for this comparo, it lacks a LSD. I got the opportunity to drive a convertible S, R52, with a LSD back to back on the same autox course. I would have to say the results were very interesting to me. The tire differences were yokohama advans on mine and kuhmos on the convertible.
Overall the times were a wash, driving the R52 i realized how hinder my car is by not having the LSD. All the low end torque is useless and its slower out of the corners without. The braking is better due to the much larger brakes, and probably the most surprising bit its much more planted for the weight transfer sensitive things such and chicago boxes and slalom. With the LSD R56 would definately be a faster, but then this was against a convertible that may be suffering from less stiffness.
I just thought it was interesting. The engines which are normally a big topic of difference, are definatelly different but most of the gains are in the low end and arent very useful for a full race situation. Although for everyday driving it is convient not needing to down shift of course. I think the main thing with the new models is theyve really worked out making a good suspension better with good ride quality and performance blanace. So I think the big take away is that even though the suspension is decently soft (by my standards) they havent taken much away from performance. Might want to think twice before lowering for only performance reasons.
I own a R56, and important for this comparo, it lacks a LSD. I got the opportunity to drive a convertible S, R52, with a LSD back to back on the same autox course. I would have to say the results were very interesting to me. The tire differences were yokohama advans on mine and kuhmos on the convertible.
Overall the times were a wash, driving the R52 i realized how hinder my car is by not having the LSD. All the low end torque is useless and its slower out of the corners without. The braking is better due to the much larger brakes, and probably the most surprising bit its much more planted for the weight transfer sensitive things such and chicago boxes and slalom. With the LSD R56 would definately be a faster, but then this was against a convertible that may be suffering from less stiffness.
On the r56, was the DSC on or off. It should be off otherwise it will limit power to the drive wheels in fast power turns.
On the r56, was the DSC on or off. It should be off otherwise it will limit power to the drive wheels in fast power turns.
My car does even have DSC, but yeah no traction/stability control on either. I can put all the power I want down out of the turns, but without the LSD I just have an inside tire smoke machine
I agree with regards to the suspension, very little reason to upgrade unless you really want to lower, or are only using it as a track car. As is its a perfect everyday/weekend track compromise.
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2008 BRG/W MCS (retired 4/22/11)
2011 LW/B MCS CM ALL4 Ordered 3/5, Born 3/17, Bremerhaven 3/24, Loaded on the Faust 3/30, Port Newark 4/14, Delivered 4/22
2011 Mazda3 s Sport
I've autocrossed my other car with no LSD for years and just about a year ago installed aftermarket Torsen type LSD. What a difference for FWD... By transferring torque to the outer wheel in the turn not only it prevents the inner wheel from spinning too much but also does help steering similarly to Honda ATTS system.
So there was no question MCS R56 I was going to order would have LSD option Even though I have no plans on autocrossing one - LSD makes big diference not just at autocross course but in the plain rainy slippery day
Just FYI - installing stiffer rear sway bar will help to have some more traction in front and reduce front wheelspin to some extent... by the price of rear traction though.
Even though I have no plans on autocrossing one - LSD makes big diference not just at autocross course but in the plain rainy slippery day 
