Mazda3 Speed
 

My buddy has a Mazda dealership. He is getting (2) Mazda3 Speeds, the last week of October, and has promised me first crack. I was trying not to act too excited, but I am DYING to drive one of these things. Even though I have known him for over 15 years, I don't expect to get much of a price break. I do think he will give me a little extra on my trade in.:). I will report back after I get to test drive one.

RE: Mazda3 Speed
 

A car that will be as fast as the Mustang GT, gets better mileage, has a far better interior, better stereo, 4 wheel independent suspension, options that are not even available on the stang such as rain sensing wipers and zenon headlamps and all for thousands less then your average Mustang GT. What's not to like? I hope you can arrange a deal bud. I'm loving my Mazda 3, but the dealer didn't know when he was going to get the Speed 3. His best guess was mid November. Oh well.

RE: Mazda3 Speed
 

Sorry...Mustang GT stock is 0-60 in ~5.1 sec. The Mazdaspeed3 has a little bit more to go before it's that fast.

I'm not cutting on the MS3 in any way, in fact I intend to buy one next year.

RE: Mazda3 Speed
 

Mustang GT is 5.1 stick, 5.5 AT. The speed 3 is 5.5. When you start talking 4 tenths of a second, that's so close its going to come down to driver most of the time. Heck when it's that close, it could come down to something as simple as the lane the Mustang was in had a few bumps and yours didn't or visa versa and that makes the difference. But no matter, the Speed 3 still has far more options and a far better interior and can actually carry 4 people. lol Trust me on the interior thing, I just traded out of an 06 Mustang GT. The interiors are nothing to write home about which is really sad in a car that costs 30 grand.

RE: Mazda3 Speed
 

Speed3 is 5.8 sec 0-60 (I work for Ford/Mazda and deal with some of the Mazdaspeed engineers frequently)

0.7 sec (5.1 to 5.8) is approximately 12% decrease in 0-60 performance. That is significant.

I agree that it can come down to the driver.

The Speed3 is definitely a more practical performance car (Mustang is a 2+2, not a 4 person car....there is a difference. Within it's segment, the Mustang is actually quite roomy. Try getting in the back seat of an Audi TT sometime.)

RE: Mazda3 Speed
 

I am sure my buddy will do me the best possible deal. I didn't even ask any details about the cars, but I would prefer black or red, and just the base model.

As far as the 0-60 times go, is it fair to compare a 23,000 dollar car to a $41,000? I want a car that handles well, is fun to drive, and won't break me owning and feeding it.

RE: Mazda3 Speed
 

Base price on a Mustang GT is $25,000. 300 hp.

They are different classes of cars, and I think overall the Mazdaspeed3 is the more well-rounded vehicle. The mileage would be better, and the hatchback configuration will be a ton more practical on a daily driver. Not to mention RWD and V8 is a terrible combination for the snowbelt where I live.

If my intentions were only to go fast, I'd definitely start with a V8 and RWD.

RE: Mazda3 Speed
 

Does the $25,000 Mustang GT have 5.1 sec, 0-60 mph times? That is why I thought the $40,000 Stang was being referenced.

RE: Mazda3 Speed
 

Indeed it does...The base GT Mustang comes equipped with the 300 hp 4.6L 3V V8 capable of 0-60 in ~5.1 with a capable driver....

Now if you want to go really fast, you can pick up the $45-$50,000 Mustang Shelby GT500, with a screaming 500+ hp and 0-60 times in the mid to low 4 second range.

RE: Mazda3 Speed
 

thanks! I must admit I am not much of a Stang fan, and so don't know much about them. I had a 98 C5 Corvette convertible (6 speed), that had a cold air induction and free flow stainless exhaust. It was pretty quick. But it just wasn't a good everyday driver.