Mazdaspeed3 Vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata

[blingbling]

Mazdaspeed3

Price Range (estimated MSRP - CAD): $29,995 - $34,495
Body Type: 5-door hatchback
Layout: front-engine, FWD
Engine: 247-hp, 280 lb-ft of torque, DOHC, direct injection, turbocharged 2.3L I-4
Transmission: 6-spd manual
Performance (0-100 km/h): 6.1 seconds
Top Speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, BA
Tires: 225/40 ZR 18
Fuel Consumption (mixed): 9.7 L/100 km

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Price (estimated base MSRP): $27,995 - $34,495
Body Type: 2-door convertible
Layout: front engine, RWD
Engine: 170 hp, 140 lb-ft of torque, 2.0L, 16-valve, DOHC I-4
Transmission: 5-spd manual (GX) or 6-spd manual (GS, GT)
Optional Transmission: 6-spd auto
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 8.0 seconds (GX) 7.5 seconds (GS, GT)
Top speed (GX/GS, GT): 205/206 km/h (128 mph)
Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 3,990 / 1,720 / 1,245 / 2,330 mm (156.8 / 67.7 / 49.0 / 91.7 in)
Curb Weight (min-max): 1,108 - 1,147 kg (2,659-2753 lbs)
Seating Capacity: 2




Which would you rather have... now...? Knowing what they deliver (some practicality vs. pure performance); Knowing your economic status now; Make any necesary assumptions.

[NuclearCrap]

MX-5, because that's just me.

I would take a Mk2 MX-5 over any of these though, for the purer characteristic and what a MX-5 really is. The Mk3 may be a better product, but it isn't a better MX-5.

[Ferrer]

Despite the fact that I like a hot hatch that can do 155mph and is cheap, I still prefer the MX-5 because going round corners is more fun than going in straight line.

This should be in the comparison forum, though.

[motorsportnerd]

Simple - I can fit in the Mazdaspeed3 whereas with my 6 foot plus height and long legs the MX5 poses a challenge. Also, I prefer a roof over my head. I have no doubt the the MX5 is the more enjoyable car through a tight twisty section though.

[2ndclasscitizen]

MX-5 + 2litre version of the MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo =

[The_Canuck]

Depends if i have another car or not, if i did then the MX-5.

[blingbling]

wow everyone wants a toy as opposed to a transporter i see O__O

[Ferrer]

Originally Posted by blingbling

wow everyone wants a toy as opposed to a transporter i see O__O

And you say that because you've driven one, don't you?

[Quiggs]

A kid I go to school with has a 3 hatch with a Cosworth intake manifold and some aftermarket exhaust. It's the craziest sounding Mazda I've ever seen. It goes from typical 4 banger bwaaaaa at low RPM, to an almost VR6-like growl in the midrange, and then up top screams like a street bike.

I guess I'll take the 3.

[NuclearCrap]

Originally Posted by blingbling

wow everyone wants a toy as opposed to a transporter i see O__O

I don't see how the MX-5's a toy, some people do prefer to drive cars with smaller interior and trunk space on a daily basis. When I get my first car, I'm gonna be happy as long as the boot is big enough for a backpack.

[clutch-monkey]

mx-5, RWD, great balance, and i don't need practicality.

[Gtek-i]

not a very fair comparison...one is a sport tuned 5-door hatchback...and one is a 2-seater roadster...but I'd take the 3 cause its faster

[blingbling]

Originally Posted by Ferrer

And you say that because you've driven one, don't you?

Hmmm, I can't say that but you don't have to have been to England to know they speak English there.

[Ferrer]

Originally Posted by blingbling

Hmmm, I can't say that but you don't have to have been to England to know they speak English there.

And so what?...

[IWantAnAudiRS6]

I can fit a few guitars and an amp or 2 in the 3. So the 3 it is.