2 weeks ago I traded in my tc for a mazdaspeed 3 and I have not looked back or regretted my decision. I've averaged 22-24mpg for mileage. Very fun car to drive. Details and pics: https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=220887

Have you gone and test drove the cars listed?

 

I've said it before on these forums and I will say it again...
If it is a Mazdaspeed vehicle or it has a rotary engine Ford does not touch it!

 

If I had to choose between the Chevrolet Cobalt SS Turbocharged and the 2008 MazdaSpeed 3. I think I will pick the Chevrolet Cobalt SS Turbocharged over the mazdaspeed 3. I know GPP will have better upgrades for the coblat ss then mazda will have for the mazdaspeed 3.

 

I need to go drive both of them.

 

I don't know much about the Cobalt SS, but I know how awesome the Mazdaspeed 3s sound when they are running. I am also one to prefer a Japanese import to a USDM vehicle. To be honest though I wouldn't but either one of them until they have been on the road for at least 7 years. I don't know about any of you and where you all live, but around here SRT-4s were bought, drove, and the engines would give out before the warranties were up.

 

Isn't that a good thing cause warranty will cover them right?

 

MS3 offers so much more than the Cobalt, in terms of performance, quality, comfort and convenience.

 

Mazdaspeed3
Peak horsepower: 263 @ 5500 RPM
Torque (lb.-ft.): 280 @ 3000 RPM
Curb weight (lbs): 3,153
Weight distribution: 60/40
Coefficient of drag (Cd): 0.32

Nismo Z
Peak horsepower: 306 hp @ 6,800 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.): 268 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
Curb weight (lbs): 3,353
Weight distribution: 53/47
Drag coefficient (Cd): 0.30

Yep definitely going to be tight in a rolling drag race. But, the Nismo is a track car. Has a front splitter, a rear diffuser, body dampers, body reinforcements, a beefed up suspension, and bigger wheels & tires. It would spank a mazdaspeed3 on the track. Even a regular Z would out perform the mazdasspeed3 on the track. Apples and oranges. Sporty hatches and sport coupes.

 

I have no clue why you are comparing a $38,290 MSRP car to another car that MSRPs for only $23,090

 

Because the MS3 is easily comparable to the Z. You're paying 15k more for better handling and less space. At that point, the Z is the worst choice for a track car, considering you could pick up an Elise for $40,000.

 

The comparison was performance not price.
Including price, the 10 grand cheaper base Z would still outperform the Mazdaspeed3 on the track. And, yes, I agree that the Nismo is a rip off compared to an Elise as a track car. Course you can't drive more than an hour or two on surface streets in an Elise without going crazy.
Like I said before, Apples and Oranges.

 

why not compare it to mazda rx8 instead? Same price range, same car category and can give the 350 more of a challenge on the track.

 

$38k for Nismo Z....attemping but, if I can afford $38k for a car. I'm going to spend the extra and go with American Muscle like Challenger, Camaro, or Mustang GT. If I making that much money I'll probably can afford two cars so my daily driver would probably be Camry.

Then on the other hand...why not go for some more "original" like '68 Jet Black SS Camaro or '65 Cherry red GT Mustang or '70-'71 Plum Crazy Challenger with V8 Hemi. Cars that scream miles away. The same cars when I was little girl that I was scared of almost peeing my pants to stand near as the owner revved that big block.

 

Not usually...the dealership would find any reason not to warranty them. I was talking more about reliability than anything anyway...not about warranty issues.

 

Or he can wait for the Toyota / Subaru Coupe. lol

 

I'll be picking up my addition to my stable today. It can run high 12's and I'm getting a deal on it. I'll start my own thread. /threadjack

 

they are all good

 

both are garbage but i'd take the mazda over the chevy anyday

 

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....rticle_id=6702

Hmmm. Makes you wonder. This is the second time I've posted this link today.

Oh, and...

http://forums.motortrend.com/70/6433...-ef/index.html

Love my tC but we are being left in the dust performance-wise by our competitors. Its ridiculous if not pathetic.