How does the Mazda3 compare to the Mazdaspeed3?

[LazerBlueP5]

The reason I'm looking at the MS3 is because its 4 door. I tend to have at least 2 people with me driving.

Bah- too much weight, slows the car down.

 

[757speed3]

I had a '08 3i before my '07 Speed3. Get the Speed. I have never regreted getting Speed.

 

[supervillain]

If your strapped for cash, pass up the Mazda and get a used 07 Si. It will be cheaper then the speed and about the same if not a little bit more then the 3. Great over all car, interior is great, decent sound system, pretty fast and has alot of fun factor.

I can garuntee you will be faster then a 3 but less amenitie options. And you know you wont have the uber leather which imo oppinion makes the 3 overpriced.

I know when i was searching for a ms3, there were plenty of regular 3's which costed more then a sport ms3 due to the crap they added.

So imho Ms3>3<Si

Dont flame because there is better, funner options out there then just a mazda. Now if its only between Mazda, then ignore my posts.

 

[skallen]

I went from an 09 3 GT to an 07 Speed.. I don't regret it one bit. Even though my payments went up $100 a month. The power, the sound...Amazing!!!! And the handling is a night & day difference. It's just something the regular 3 cannot duplicate. Just do some shopping, you will find a speed 3 for the price you want. And they are pretty darn good in the snow. I fully recommend it!!!

 

[MrDouble]

There are lot of fast cars out there, but Speed 3 combines speed and utility for cheap like no other.

Regular 3 is not bad either, I remember shopping for my cousin in 06 before Speeds were out and concluded 3 hatch was the best car for his budget. It'll be cheaper to run too.

But the power, better handling, braking feel, steering, exhaust, seats, 6sp, subtly aggressive body, all combine to make me smile every time I'm in it. That's well worth the extra $.

 

[J-Speed Inc.]

How does the 3 compare the the speed 3? Well, It's pretty similar except for the fact that it isn't fast. (drive2)

The regular 3 is a great car. It's just a matter of how much power you want. Go test drive them both and see. You'll have a good time.

I agree with the above statement. I feel that both cars are very nice and drive well, however, the Speed 3 is certainly more fun to drive. Boost is quite addicting!

 

[speed3 britz]

I feel that both cars are very nice and drive well, however, the Speed 3 is certainly more fun to drive. Boost is quite addicting!

Agreed! As a college student and this being my first "new car" or car payment, i was looking into a 3 hatch because of price. However, when i realized for not much more i could go with a speed, to me it was a no brainer. I paid around 15k for my 07 ms3 and i love it! No regrets and one of my favorite cars ive owned yet!