So i recently had a wreck, and now I'm waiting on the adjuster to make the decision to total it, I have been thinking of a GTI at first, then decided insurance would be too high, so i got to thinking about the 5dr Mazdaspeed 3 vs. the Lancer GTS. Obviously power is a HUGE diff. The lancer is half of the power the mazda has, not to mention the mazda has a turbo. My question is: based on the other things - which car would you go with if you had the make the decision, and by the way, SURPRISINGLY, the lancer costs MORE to insure than mazdaspeed 3, according to my insurance agent's rates. The color of the GTS is white with the navigation/technology package for $22k (only 152miles), and the mazdaspeed is silver, SPORT edition, so (no navi) for $22k (ONLY 142 miles) / chris

 

The MS3 is a great car. There are some quirks to it. The stock Bypass valve is designed to leak. That is an easy fix with a new bypass valve. This somewhat eliminates the boost limit in 1st and 2nd gear. The narrow 7 inch tires can't handle the power. I have upgraded to a 8 inch wide tire which is about as wide as you can go. It does get semi good gas milage. I average 25mpg. The car has a nice exhaust note from the factory.

I looked at the Lancer GTS also, but I felt the MS3 is a better deal for the money. I too was surprised by the insurance rate for the MS3. Mine went up $10/month over what I was paying for my OZ.

I am a bit bias, but go with the MazdaSpeed 3. I am glad that I did.

 

MS3 = "felonious power" according to some publications. I'd go for it.

 

MAZDA SPEED 3 is the way t go. It offers good value for money. I found the drive to be entertaining.. to say the least.

You won't regret it!

 

Yeah man, I don't think it's a contest. MS3 all the way.

 

mazdaspeed 3 goes 0-60 in 5 second range.... GTS will most likely hit 7-8 seconds....

 

its not the same class !!! compare it with another car lol

 

MS3 all the way. I sold my '03 Evo , and got the Speed and have been very happy. I too, upgraded to 8" wide wheels. We test drove the GTS, and it was just too slow coming from an Evo. Plus, with the Speed, we will soon have the Cobb AccessPort and much more aftermarket support. It's just a really good, quick daily driver.

 

This is a no brainer. If you're only spending 22, you'd be retarded not to go with the MS3.

 

I drive my good friend's Speed3 often - it is a great car for sure - and definitely the pick over the Lancer IMHO.

There are Bypass valve and EGR issues with the Speed3, but those issues and the 7" tires are all easily resolved.

Take them both for a drive and your questions will be answered!

Speed3 FTW

Sick Speed

 

mazdaspeed3 ftw!

 

Ms3.

 

I would wait a couple months for the Ralliart because AWD > FWD anytime/anywhere/any weather hahaha

In the mean time, buy a $1000 beater lol.

 

IF it was in class and MSpeed 3 vs a RalliArt the n iwould pick the rally art. But vs. a GTS even the updated 4b12 version , I would go for the MazdaS3. bang for buck

 

+100 But I hate Mazda more than I hate Mitsubishi, which is saying quite a lot... If it were me, I'd save up a bit more and buy a 5 door WRX.