Just a little background on myself:
I grew up with RWD/V8 cars, still love them, but need something that can also be used in the winter w/o dedicated snow tires. I've been using my 2000 crown vic as a winter car with the Goodyear Assurance TripleTreds - works great! The seats are horrible and I am in manual transmission withdrawal from not driving the 07 Mustang GT in over 4 months.
The last FWD car I drove in snow was over a decade ago, and the last FWD cars I drove were well-equipped rentals.
I am torn between going with a 2009 Mazdaspeed3 or a 2009 Cobalt SS Turbo. I see that the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 is coming out soon and that the 2009 Cobalt will be replaced by the Delta II Cruze.
The things that are making me lean toward the Cobalt SS:
Brembo 4-piston front calipers
0.92G on skidpad
260 hp LNF motor easily upgraded to 290 hp with a GMPP kit (2 MAP sensors, ECU reflash, 93 octane)
30 miles per gallon on the highway!
Great vehicle dynamics, no-lift shifts, launch control
Sunroof!
Wild and outrageous high mount spoiler
Adjustable performance display
USB port
2-door coupe
The things that attract me to the MS3:
-Projector HID headlights
-LED tail lights (why not LED turn signals as well?)
-Mazda ergonomics and quality
-Telescoping steering wheel
-Center console and armrest
What I don't understand is Mazda's choice for tire sizes. If I can figure out a way to use GOOD all-seasons on the MS3 for snow covered roads, it makes my decision easier.
BTW we have a few MS3s at work
I've spotted several black MS3s. I also noticed that all of the local dealerships only stock black or gray. What is it with the depressing colors? I want bright cherry red.
How comfortable is the MS3 for long drives? I have to frequently drive across SE MI for work and my Crown Vic is about as comfortable as sitting on a bench and is hurting my neck. The local GM dealer is pretty horrible - the salesperson couldn't care less about selling me a car and rushed my test drive. The "LOW COOLANT" message popped up after the cold start so he didn't want to risk taking it on the highway. Sigh.
I grew up with RWD/V8 cars, still love them, but need something that can also be used in the winter w/o dedicated snow tires. I've been using my 2000 crown vic as a winter car with the Goodyear Assurance TripleTreds - works great! The seats are horrible and I am in manual transmission withdrawal from not driving the 07 Mustang GT in over 4 months.
The last FWD car I drove in snow was over a decade ago, and the last FWD cars I drove were well-equipped rentals.
I am torn between going with a 2009 Mazdaspeed3 or a 2009 Cobalt SS Turbo. I see that the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 is coming out soon and that the 2009 Cobalt will be replaced by the Delta II Cruze.
The things that are making me lean toward the Cobalt SS:
Brembo 4-piston front calipers
0.92G on skidpad
260 hp LNF motor easily upgraded to 290 hp with a GMPP kit (2 MAP sensors, ECU reflash, 93 octane)
30 miles per gallon on the highway!
Great vehicle dynamics, no-lift shifts, launch control
Sunroof!
Wild and outrageous high mount spoiler
Adjustable performance display
USB port
2-door coupe
The things that attract me to the MS3:
-Projector HID headlights
-LED tail lights (why not LED turn signals as well?)
-Mazda ergonomics and quality
-Telescoping steering wheel
-Center console and armrest
What I don't understand is Mazda's choice for tire sizes. If I can figure out a way to use GOOD all-seasons on the MS3 for snow covered roads, it makes my decision easier.
BTW we have a few MS3s at work
I've spotted several black MS3s. I also noticed that all of the local dealerships only stock black or gray. What is it with the depressing colors? I want bright cherry red.
How comfortable is the MS3 for long drives? I have to frequently drive across SE MI for work and my Crown Vic is about as comfortable as sitting on a bench and is hurting my neck. The local GM dealer is pretty horrible - the salesperson couldn't care less about selling me a car and rushed my test drive. The "LOW COOLANT" message popped up after the cold start so he didn't want to risk taking it on the highway. Sigh.
