Latest Car and Driver Comparo

[///M Compact]

I just received my January issue, which contained a seven-car comparison test entitled, "Dirty Speed, Done Dirt Cheap". Here are the results:
1. Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring
2. GTI
3. Cobalt SS
4. WRX
5. Civic Si
6. Mini JCW Clubman
7. Lancer Ralliart
The fastest 1/4 mile was posted by the WRX(13.5), followed by the MS3(14.0s). The SS and Ralliart both posted a 14.2s quarter. The Mini and the SS pulled down the best handling numbers, while the MS3 and Mini had the best braking performance. Pretty impressive for a three year old sled. That said, the MS3 did drop off of CD's 10 Best list.

 

[Vord]

Its off the 10 best list because there is no 2009 model Mazdaspeed 3.

 

[ragindark]

Its off the 10 best list because there is no 2009 model Mazdaspeed 3.

You better let Yahoo know that.

http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/mode...tFCqFg28ATY1SJPYIqWgEc78F;_ylv=3?modelId=5964

 

[FrequentFlyer]

There are 2009's.

 

[bjjer]

Colbalt is faster than a 14.2 1/4

 

[stevessvt]

Heres the article if anyone wants to read it.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...other_sport_compacts_comparison_test/(page)/1

They didnt speed shift the SS, they have a no lift shift embargo. Although they could do it with all of them if the chose, it would help them all.

 

[tiagotiago]

...and a steering wheel that adjusts for rake and reach helped the car earn top marks for driver comfort. The GTI is even comfortable for your feet, with a giant dead pedal to rest the left hoof.

Hum.. and the other cars don't have this???

I think they could have come up with some less generic complements for the GTI

 

[Huligan]

Its off the 10 best list because there is no 2009 model Mazdaspeed 3.

hmmmmmmm.... wrong.

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=modelsMain&vehicleCode=MS3

 

[SHaW]

Yeah, of course there is a 2009 model. haha

 

[FrequentFlyer]

Colbalt is faster than a 14.2 1/4

And the MS3 can be faster than 14.0. Plenty of bone stock MS3's that have run 13.8's. All depends on the driver, weather, track conditions, the car, etc...

 

[Kindred]

Its off the 10 best list because there is no 2009 model Mazdaspeed 3.

s***, you better tell the members here that have bought them, that they've been hoodwinked.

 

[240ka]

Its off the 10 best list because there is no 2009 model Mazdaspeed 3.

i have a 09 MS3, not sure what you are talking about

 

[BSTD3]

Its off the 10 best list because there is no 2009 model Mazdaspeed 3.

Might want to let all the 09 owners know they got gypt'd

 

[bjjer]

Might want to let all the 09 owners know they got gypt'd

You got gyptd, your all buying left over 8.5's

 

[BSTD3]

You got gyptd, your all buying left over 8.5's

I have an 07 Speed3. Waiting for the '10 Speed3 to come out to upgrade

 

[60181]

nice artical. cool to see the MS3 continue to do so well. I also like when we see comparisons of the new WRX as it may be a tad quicker, but it is AWD and to get the numbers they show you gotta note it does involve some harsh behaviors. Given the other user here's findings on roll runs with an STi, I'd say the WRX is likely on par with us from a roll.

"Combine that with a clutch-abusing redline launch and the WRX will get to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, 1.1 seconds quicker than previously and three-tenths swifter than the quickest STI we tested."

 

[mazdaspeedster3]

LOL... People with 09's get so upset. 09's were over runs of the 08.5 refresh. Try and get one now, cant be done. There was a very small allocation to the US. Hence the reason it has fallen off the top 10, aside from the fact that nothing has changed on the car at all since 07 (as far as safety, powertrain and suspension is concerned) so they wont rate it again.

 

[tiagotiago]

...the fact that nothing has changed on the car at all since 07 (as far as safety, powertrain and suspension is concerned) so they wont rate it again.

Exactly, the car is pretty much the same since 07. What upgrades were done (save for trim or cabin electronics) where just to correct some problem area with the first ones.

The only reason Mazda would have to put something extra into the 09 cars, considering that for 2010 the car is going to be all new, is so that the remaining cars in inventory would move out; but with a successful car, it probably isn't necessary since they're probably going to hit the sales targets, or they consider it would cost more to implement those changes than to give some nice discounts to clear the lot out.

 

[SHaW]

Not getting upset at all here, cause we got a freaking sweet car. However, if your looking for major differences I am assuming we will have to wait for 2010 specs and the final look.

 

[martin_nj]

for everyone saying the 09s are the same, i'm curious about the cobb accessport issue. it works for the 07s and 08s but not the 09s....

my 09 has a build date of 08/08 ...