Absolutely! No contest there!

 

I'm leaving the 3 stock, but the xB will get suspension goodies, I'm hoping it'll help but really, it's not a slot car! lol
The sound system is where I'm placing most of my emphasis in the xB.

 

Dropped, coil-overs, sway bars, strut bar, the right tires and wheels; and yeh, it is a slot car!

 

Yeah, but this is true for most cars. Drop $20k on a yugo and it will out-handle a vette.

 

The Mazda 3 is a great car. Hatch floor space is comparable to the xB but the rear seat is very tight. Seats down, the xB jumps way above. If you don't need the extra space and you want something that, in stock form, handles better, the 3 is a very good choice. (I would buy a 02-03 Protege 5 before a base 3. Way cooler car, same room, and better mileage.)

 

hmmm back on topic i looked at the chevy hhr, ford edge, ford fusion, and ford escape. but for price and the toyota name attached i went with the xb cause i was pretty certain it would not leave me stranded.....

 

Bigfieroman, I'm talking $3k, not $20k... I'm thinking cheap slot car for the $$ invested.