Mazda 3 vs. Nissan SE-R Spec V

[tkhawaii]

I've been looking for a new year for awhile now. I was leaning toward the SE-R Spec V (175HP 185torque) because they have a $2000 cash back promotion, which drop the price to $14,000 (My friend got $15,600 out the door price in US, California). Anyways, Since they lower the Cash back now ($1500 now), I've been looking around for other options. The Mazda 3 seems to be a good choice after reading through tons of reviews.

So what you guys think? How does the two compare(Pros/Cons)? If you were given a choice to own one of these car, which one would you go for?

So, now that this thread is starting to take on a life of it's own with VW, GM, Nismo products, Chrysler items, TRD toyotas... and all getting into the foray... UCD - did you buy your car yet? And if you did, what did you buy?
(wiggle)

 

[ProtegeES03]

Anyone have opinions on the ralliart lancer vs these cars?

 

[shaundarbie]

I had a comment or two on the handling differences between the Spec V and the 3. I've only driven a 3, and only sat in a Spec V, but I'm having a hard time seeing how the Spec V would be a better handler. I realize it's just magazine stats, but did you guys know that the 3s 5-door pulled the same MPH through the slalom as the RX-8, effectively trouncing the Spec V? Another impressive stat (if not more so) was the 25 ft. or so braking advantage from 60 mph that the 3 has over the Spec V (in fact, the 3 stops a foot shorter than the RX-8!!! All this for a $17k economical sedan!). My next car was supposed to be a 6, but the 3 just keeps looking better...

BTW, the highest sticker price I've seen on a 3 was a bit over $18k, as it had leather, ATX, and just about every option you can think of. Nowhere near that $24k someone quoted...

 

[cortez]

I had a comment or two on the handling differences between the Spec V and the 3. I've only driven a 3, and only sat in a Spec V, but I'm having a hard time seeing how the Spec V would be a better handler. I realize it's just magazine stats, but did you guys know that the 3s 5-door pulled the same MPH through the slalom as the RX-8, effectively trouncing the Spec V? Another impressive stat (if not more so) was the 25 ft. or so braking advantage from 60 mph that the 3 has over the Spec V (in fact, the 3 stops a foot shorter than the RX-8!!! All this for a $17k economical sedan!). My next car was supposed to be a 6, but the 3 just keeps looking better...

BTW, the highest sticker price I've seen on a 3 was a bit over $18k, as it had leather, ATX, and just about every option you can think of. Nowhere near that $24k someone quoted...

3 words about the Spec V: Limited Slip Differential.

 

[Kain]

It's interesting when people talk about the Spec V's braking that they need to clarify which package it has:

1) 4-wheel disc
2) 4-wheel disc with ABS
3) 4-wheel Brembo brakes with 12" rotors

There's a lot of debate in Spec circles about the value of the Brembo brake package, but the numbers are hard to argue: the non-Brembo with ABS stops shorter than the Brembos, though auto-x'ers say the Brembos show less fade lap after lap.

And yes, LSD.

 

[speedhawaii]

spec v and throw a body kit on