Before I purchased I did weeks of research and put together multiple spreadsheets to compare all of those cars you mentioned (plust the Volvo S40, Audi A3 and A4). When you look at the overall performance, options, insurance and price the Speed6 comes out on top every time. If you go with the GT trim you basically end up with a rally type car with full leather, nav, climate control, traction control, heated seats, power seats, auto-defrosting mirrors, keyless entry, etc, etc. The list goes on and on.