Mazdaspeed3 and WRX
Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008 8:53 pmSo today I had some time to test drive a few cars. I'm trying to find a car that is close to the Miata in the fun factor but it needs to be a good daily driver also.
First, I stopped by the Subaru dealer and drove the only WRX they had which was a base model sedan (I don't like the looks, hatch is better). Interior is better than the previous generation, but it just felt plain and economy car like, 3 still beats it here. On the drive, the steering didn't feel as precise as the 3, it did feel decently weighted though. Honestly, I could hardly hear the engine or exhaust which ruined the experience for me. I'm not sure, but I could swear a heard a few interior rattles while on the test drive. Honestly, I was let down. It just felt like a base Impreza with a turbo engine. Not appealing.
Next, I went and drove a Mazdaspeed3. My sister just bought an 08 Mazda 3 S and I have been driving it every once in awhile. Great car for the price but her car is auto. The roads were still a little icy so I didn't get to fully drive it, but the power was perfect. The engine sound was nice and the transmission was the same great one in my Miata. Only minus is no sunroof, which isn't a huge deal. Steering felt great around some back roads. I did not notice too much torque steer which amazed me. They come with an LSD but I was worried it would be too much HP for being FWD. Honestly, I loved everything about this car. I never thought I'd own a car that wasn't RWD or AWD. This car would make a good combination with my Miata, I think. I know there are the few upgrades for the 2008.5 model so I may just order one, or try to get a good price on the 2007 they have left over or one of their 08s. I think I'm still going to test drive the BMW 128i when it comes out in March. 230 hp, RWD, and over 30k vs. 263 hp, FWD, low 20s.
First, I stopped by the Subaru dealer and drove the only WRX they had which was a base model sedan (I don't like the looks, hatch is better). Interior is better than the previous generation, but it just felt plain and economy car like, 3 still beats it here. On the drive, the steering didn't feel as precise as the 3, it did feel decently weighted though. Honestly, I could hardly hear the engine or exhaust which ruined the experience for me. I'm not sure, but I could swear a heard a few interior rattles while on the test drive. Honestly, I was let down. It just felt like a base Impreza with a turbo engine. Not appealing.
Next, I went and drove a Mazdaspeed3. My sister just bought an 08 Mazda 3 S and I have been driving it every once in awhile. Great car for the price but her car is auto. The roads were still a little icy so I didn't get to fully drive it, but the power was perfect. The engine sound was nice and the transmission was the same great one in my Miata. Only minus is no sunroof, which isn't a huge deal. Steering felt great around some back roads. I did not notice too much torque steer which amazed me. They come with an LSD but I was worried it would be too much HP for being FWD. Honestly, I loved everything about this car. I never thought I'd own a car that wasn't RWD or AWD. This car would make a good combination with my Miata, I think. I know there are the few upgrades for the 2008.5 model so I may just order one, or try to get a good price on the 2007 they have left over or one of their 08s. I think I'm still going to test drive the BMW 128i when it comes out in March. 230 hp, RWD, and over 30k vs. 263 hp, FWD, low 20s.
I heard the Fit is pretty fun to drive though. I guess I'll find out about insurance costs this week and maybe make an offer on the Cosmic Blue Speed 3.