Hello all. I have a small problem. I can get either the Lancer GTS w CVT and sound and sun pkg for the same price as a Mazdaspeed3. The mazda has 263 HP with turbo and is a fastback. Now my heart is telling me Mazda and my head is telling me Lancer. I drove the Lancer and like it. Thought it was quick enough. Tomorrow I will drive the Mazda, and am afraid that my heart is going to take over once the turbo kicks in. What would you guys do? I am longing for some thing fun to drivee to and from work. Looking at exact same price both 2009 both 22,000. I have 2 weeks to decide. Thanks for any help.

 

dont get CVT get MT....thats my advice =P u'd have way more fun with each car if u got MT.

 

The Mazdaspeed would blow the lancer away....Not to mention if you mod it how much more power you'll get with the mazda

 

Fastback, do you mean hatchback? If you want speed, get the Mazda, if you want toys, get the Lancer.

 

if you want a lancer get a lancer. if you want a fast car get the mazdaspeed3 because it will completely destroy the lancer....

 

Personally, I drove a subaru, mazda 3, civic SI and the lancer GTS before I bought my lancer and the lancer was by far the best. That's just me though. Go with what you like the most because you don't want to regret it later.

 

hes talkin bout the MazdaSPEED 3 not just the mazda3.. id go with the Mazda over the Lancer.. unless u want to turbo ur lancer down the road because the Lancer looks better..

 

I actually like the looks of both cars. I like the lancer styling a bit more though. I think that extra 100 or so hp would make up your mind. Especially if you plan to mod the car. Last I heard, the mazda has a bit of a power drop in the upper rpms, but that can be easily fixed with a little $$$. I would go for the speed 3. I usually don't like hatches but I fell in love with the ms3. It is pretty practical and I like the flares on the rear. Ultimately, it is going to come down to what you like more on each car. I would shoot for a black speed 3 if I had the choice between the two. I'm guessing the cobalt ss never came across your mind.....

 

I'm going to test drive the Mazdaspeed3 today. i will let you guys know how it goes. Thanks for the replies.

 

By the way, I fell in love with the rotor glow color. It looks awesome in the Florida sun!

 

Quick question... Why were you looking at the lancer with the CVT over the M/T? Can you drive a manual well?

 

I can, my wife cannot. Be honest I am probably going to go with a manual. I am looking for a fun car to drive. If I end up with the Mazda it's a 6 speed manual.

 

Just got back from driving the Mazdaspeed3. I think I am going to go with the Mazda. Someday I may be able to afford the Ralliart. Tried to get the salesman to take 24,000 OTD. He laughed. I guess I don't blame him. There are guys getting it for that. Wish I could. 22,000 for Mazda w/ 263 HP turbo will work for me though. thanks for your help guys.

 

what year MS3?? i think its being upgraded soon in 2009..

 

ms3 >>>> lancer gts!!!!

my neighbor has one and it does a decent job keeping up with my evo. for the money the choice for me would be simple: mazdaspeed 3, for sure.