1. Prove it.
2. You are quoting C&D. You would know why that's totally useless if you read the magazine often. Unless both cars are tested the exact same time, results are not comparable. A temperature differential of 1 degree can change results, never mind altitude, humidity, barometric pressure, etc. More importantly, these people are professional drivers. They do not drive vehicles like normal people do.
3. Therefor, I can firmly repeat that the all wheel drive version is a better car in every way. I can firmly state that Mazda agrees, as does almost every other car manufacturer and buyer, because that is what is most commonly made and that is what is most commonly purchased. If your driving ability is as good as the professionals at Car and Driver, than you may match their numbers. But the vast majority of people never will and will never even want to think about trying.