Should I go with a WRX or a Mazda 3?

Question

This will be my first car. And I'm really leaning towards the WRX.

My friends and I are all into imports and tuning. So I'm thinking the performance of the WRX will suit my needs.

My friends drive:

2 have heavily modded Lancers, one has a brand new GTI, and another has a Civic Si (we make fun of him a lot)

We're not ricers, so don't go off on a tangent, please.

Which car should I go with??

Answer 1

Mazda 3s are junk and WRXs aren't anything special and they look ugly.

Spend a bit less money and get an older car. If you are so into tuning you'll be replacing pretty much everything anyway so no need to pay for warranties and brand new engines.

A Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo would blow any of those cars away. They have variable valve timing, 300hp and can make 425hp with bolt ons (I've actually heard 500 but the Nissan Master Technician John Paul says anything over 425 is bound to ruin the stock pistons).

Answer 2

WRX by far. Fairly bulletproof by now, great resale, AWD, easily tunable, traction in the snow.

Mazda 3. Good looking, better interior materials, less power.

Mazdaspeed3. Strange Bird, fun to drive, traction control shuts down power on launch to prevent torque steer.

Drive 'em both. Make your best deal. May the better car win.

Answer 3

Mazda3. Why? Because thats what I drive.