Face-Off Tournament: Mazdaspeed3 versus Subaru WRX
Welcome to the first round of the Face-Off Tournament featuring the hot hatches of 2009.
In weekend action, the Chevrolet Cobalt SS defeated the Dodge Caliber SRT-4 because nobody wanted to defend the Dodge. Believe us, we tried to find someone, anyone. The Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V didn't earn any support either, so that was a cake-walk for the Honda Civic Si in the Non-Turbo Japanese Conference. Sorry, but battles from now on won't be so easy.
Today's Face-Off Tournament round comes from the Eastern Division and specifically the Turbo Japanese Conference. Both cars are indeed hatches and both have turbochargers, but one is all-wheel-drive and the other shunts its ample power to only the front axle. Vice Admiral of Vehicle Testing Mike Magrath carries the flag for the 2009 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 by Mazda, a car that has beaten its competitor in two-straight Inside Line comparison tests (Round 1 and Round 2). Nevertheless, the Subaru Impreza WRX found a fan in Associate Editor Mark Takahashi, who will seek to find favor with you, the judges on this Tournament jury.
Remember, your votes determine who moves on to the Eastern Division final to take on the Honda Civic Si. Now, let's get it on!
Opening Statements
Mike Magrath for the Mazdaspeed3
Are you kidding? What is this Burlington, Vermont? Do you see maple trees? Covered bridges? A Coat Factory?
The base Subaru WRX wagon is a fine grocery getter for states sick with snow and too poor for paved roads, but if you live in an area -- or have the skillz -- to live with fewer driven wheels, the Mazdaspeed3 is the best hot hatch on the market.
It's not that the WRX is too soft (it is); or that it's ugly (it is in spades); or even that the shifter, clutch and steering are eerily rubbery (they are); it's that the Subaru wussed-out and civilized the car in order to appeal to a wider audience. To anyone who cares about driving, or supported Subaru for what they did just two years ago, that move sucks. It was so bad they had to make significant changes for '09, just a year after the new car debuted.
The Mazda Mazdaspeed3 has made no such concessions. It's got massive torque-steer when the boost spikes -- if you're not smart enough to anticipate this, or if you don't have arms, get a WRX. The Mazdaspeed rides like a shopping cart. Try to carry a case of eggs and a gallon of milk home and when you finally open the hatch they'll be whipped into a smooth batter. There's road noise, engine noise and there's exhaust noise. It's not a Camry and that's cool.
My grandmother who lives in Vermont would not be impressed.
Mark Takahashi for the Subaru Impreza WRX
Mikemagrath Mike3. Sounds like a fledgling DJ trying to transmit missile launch codes to a nuclear submarine. Well, Mazda Mazdaspeed3 is just as ridiculous, yet fitting for said car. As you pointed out, my beloved Subaru WRX debuted in rather disappointing fashion, but kudos to Subaru for identifying a problem and fixing it for the next model year. Many class acts have made odd departures, only to return stronger and cooler for the experience -- think U2 in their ZooTV days. For this Face-Off, let's focus on the current, Mazdablahblahblah3-eating WRX, shall we?
The '09 WRX is faster, easier to live with, looks better, handles better and well, is just plain better. As our very own Josh Jacquot said, "the WRX has it." While you're spinning your front tires at the green light, I'll be enjoying the merits of all-wheel drive. While you're being jostled around like a Chihuahua in a paint shaker, I'll be enjoying a sporty yet compliant ride. The Subie booty can hold more than your Mazblob with the rear seats in position, and a whole lot more with them down - almost enough space to contain your shame for defending the MMS3. Sorry to say, Nana Magrath just said, "Mike? Mike who?"
Rebuttals
Magrath:
Enjoying the merits of all-wheel-drive during a launch? Do you mean replacing your clutch?
I was going to leave this alone, but you brought up straight-line races, so here we go. You know what it takes to launch the new WRX? Hate. Hate for the machine and a complete lack of mechanical sympathy. The old WRX used to launch like a Porsche, pin the gas and dump the clutch; the car would squat, spin the tires about half a rotation, hook up and take off. That method doesn't work anymore, try it and you'll lurch and bog. You've got to bring up the revs and then slip the clutch out slowly while increasing the revs -- it hurts to do, there should be a clutch-life monitor. Real owners won't do that.
Like the torque-steer issue, if you don't have the skill to handle the Mazdaspeed3's launch without cooking the tires, keep the training wheels on and go with the WRX.
And while we're Jacquoting I'll use this one, "The Speed3 is a hatchback with dramatic styling, excellent build quality and top-notch interior materials. Plus, you can have one like our test car with leather seats, a Bose audio system with satellite radio and a navigation system for $26,640." A base WRX 5-door has none of that stuff and stickers for $26,190 -- $2,780 more than a base Mazdaspeed3. But at least you've got power-sapping, steering-feel numbing, weight-adding all-wheel-drive! I'll keep my pile of money to roll around in. Thanks
Takahashi:
Hate? Well, perhaps it does require quite a lot of abuse to get the most from the WRX off the line, but the seething hatred is reversed in the Mazda. In this case the car seems to have it in for the occupants with its unrefined ride. All of those little perks like leather, sound and sat nav can't hide that, nor can any amount of money.
Oh, but if it only ended there. Hit a bump midway through an aggressive corner and the 3's hatred turns to pure unbridled evil as the smallest road imperfections will upset the car enough to make it want to kill you. Sure, you may try to save it with a quick flick of the steering wheel, but then there's the torque steer.
While you contend that the MazdaPlopPlopBingClick 3 requires a driver with more advanced skills, I say, "Why?" If a car was properly sorted-out, the driver would be freed-up to get to the task at hand, rather than trying to bargain with a certain Mr. Death who's come to ask about the reaping. The WRX is sorted out, and has evolved to catch and pass the Mazda.
So which car moves onto the next round?
The European Conference final will publish Thursday along with voting results from this round.
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX < Mazda MAZDASPEED3 < 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX
I see many more WRXs at my local track day than MS3s. It's easy to identify which is the preferred choice of enthusiasts.
Plus, the WRX is easier to mod and has more aftermarket items available for it.
Btw, I'm still on the original clutch of my 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan at 114k miles. :o)
I've driven both and like the Mazdaspeed3 more. I'm not too sure what it is, but I just had a lot more fun in the Mazda!
Mazda all the way. Subie is too soft. Then again I do own a MS3 :-)
I'm going Mazda3. The car looks, feels and drives like one that costs thousands more. It is a great car - one that makes the prospect of owning and driving a compact acceptable and maybe even desirable.
Mazda.
It's hard to complain the the WRX is softer and more compromised when it beats the MS3 in the slalom, accelerates faster and stops shorter. For 2009, friends, Subaru *fixed* it.
IL's last test of the MS3:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=128908/pageId=143124
IL's lat test of the 2009 WRX:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=128908/pageId=143124
I'm going to back up Magrath on the value/cost perspective.
I'm an owner of an MS3 sport and considered both. Despite the 09 WRX's improvements, the cost is still a big factor. My 08 MS3's MSRP was $22,9 and well under my target of under $25k. The hatch wrx (does the sedan even sell?) already was pushing $26k base and exceeded my limit. Just saying that psychologically 25k is also a barrier, just as the $30k point has and is still a barrier for many.
I do see subytrojan's aftermarket support argument. But, the WRX enthusiasts have been around since 2001 (2002 MY). Here's hoping that the next-gen MS3 and future gens will continue to build out support.
For me, who will keep my car mostly stock (with minor bolt-ons), the car was perfect for me. The performance is already big, and the raw fun factor had sealed the deal.
Whichever wins this "turbo face-off" it's clear the Civic Si has no chance ("n/a face-off") to win the Eastern division.
I prefer and would choose the Mazda, but I'm guessing the WRX is the overall choice of enthusiasts out there. I can count on one hand the number of times I've ever seen a Mazdaspeed3 - anecdotal evidence, sure, but I'm guessing its fairly indicative of the overall sales of the vehicle.
I've actually counted far more MS3s on the Socal freeways (10, 110, 405) that I drive on daily than the current 08+ WRX.
In fact, I actually see more 08+ STIs than WRXs. I believe it was the other way around for the GD-style 02-07 wrx-to-sti ratio.
Just my observations; i make no claim as to actual sales numbers.
Gimme the WRX
I love how the Ralliart Lancer isn't included in this face-off tournament. It came out just in time to be almost competitive with the about-to-be-replaced 2008 model WRX. The 2009 WRX made the Ralliart useless. And, priced from $27k to $30k, are people really buying these Ralliarts?
Interested to see if the upcoming lancer ralliart sportback "hatch" will come with any other improvements
Ralliart/Evo Sportback isn't here = F41L
All of you wanting to go slower can have MS3s. :o)
Inside Line's comparison of the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX vs. 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=138347
The aftermarket is a big decider for a few people. The MS3 community drove some big time aftermarket manufacturers and R&D companies away with their childish attitudes on the MS3 forums. Yes, I'm referring to COBB tuning not developing the AccessPort for the MS3.
Then there is Direct Injection. It makes tuning a car a headache. Expect to see a lot of MS3's with all kinds of aftermarket parts on all of the car, except for the engine. I think that means, if you want to get more out of your purchase, the MS3 is a straight up loss. At least you can get a Protune for a WRX for $500 + $700 for the AccessPort or UTEC or just $500 for an opensource protune. Want to make 650 FWHP on a MS3? Is it possible? I don't know. I do know the parts exist right now for the 2009 WRX to do that, if you could keep the transmission alive.
Good luck with the MS3.
Actually a tougher call than I thought after reading the rambling prose above, but I gotta go Mazda 3. The name alone almost drives me away from Mazda's Rainman-like marketing mishap, but as a fitting statement to just how good the 3 is, I'll take it DESPITE the dumb-ass name.
Mazda.
Since performance and practicality numbers are similar, for me, it comes down to the interior.
The Mazda is nice. It punches above it's class. Well built and pleasant to look at, there's no contest.
The Subaru's interior is way too cheap. Think Playschool. Think 4th Gen F-Body. Think it's nicer than a base Kia Rio? Think again. Not to mention the nav/radio mess.
Most of the time I spend with a car, I spend inside of it. The WRX's interior is a total deal breaker.
I'm torn, but I'm going to go with the MazdaSpeed3. But my vote expires the very moment the MazdaSpeed3 gets the lame-ass grille from the 2010 Mazda3. Yes, it's THAT bad.
WRX. Does my vote count if I don't have any further comments?
I vote MS3, and yes I own one. Best bang for the buck was a big thing for me, and this one wins that category hands down. Are Subies more supported in the aftermarket? Sure they are, but is that what we're really talking about here, or are we talking about these cars in stock trim? In stock trim, I chose the Mazda over the Suby for a lot of reasons, and the main one was styling. Nothing beats the styling of the MS3 (in my opinion of course), and especially not for the price.
I've tracked my car at Laguna Seca, I've auto-crossed it, and I haven't had to spend a ton of money on mods to get it more balanced out or increase it's competitive edge over the Suby.
For those that think it's "slow", tell that to the Suby's I've run side by side with on the track... yet I spent less money.
Torque steer is not as big a deal as some are making it out to be. Yeah it'll get away from someone who isn't use to it, but you learn your car! If you use that as "con" against the MS3, maybe you should have bought a Prius and left the hot hatches alone. I'm just syain...
Zoom-Zoom
May I ask what your lap times at Laguna Seca are, thevillain17? :o)
My best timed lap in my 2004 WRX Sedan (non-STi) Stage 1 is a 1:52.465 in November 2007. I returned in February 2009 with better springs (JDM STI) and strut inserts (Koni), but timing transponders weren't available for rent by the organization running the HPDE.
sarra hit the nail on the head by mentioning tuning is much more difficult on DI engines.
thevillain17's point mentioning whether we're talking about these cars stock-for-stock is a good one. Given the crowd these vehicles are targeted at, I'm guessing more MS3s are stock--or close to stock--than WRXs.
It would have to be the Mazda. The Subi's interior is terrible and its exterior looks like an unattractive rip-off of the mazda. The 3 also seems more substantial. The price is right too.
WRX- value, performance, best AWD, Who drives a Mazda anymore?
What about "t3h f4st4r"?
Original:
http://sportcompactcar.automotive.com/46522/0301scc-first-place-dodge-srt4/index.html
New:
http://blogs.edmunds.com/karl/2007/09/2008-dodge-caliber-srt4-torque-steer-into-the-sun.html
If you live somewhere where you have to have awd get a jeep. If you want a performance car and only have 25k then your best bet is the Mazdaspeed 3.
More Mazdas are raced on given sunday than any other car.
The guy running Mazda used to race cars.
Mazda is the only Japanese make to win La Mans and they had to change the rules to get them out.
You can get a Mazdaspeed 3 from the dealer with near as makes no difference 300bhp, gobs and gobs of twist and fully adjustable suspension (built by KW) if you opt for the Mazdaspeed accessories. Unlike Subaru which gives free scca memberships with their cars and then strips away your warranty when you use it, Mazda supplies full warranty with their performance parts.
Not to mention how much nicer the interior is on the Mazda. It's night and day difference from the Suby. Just so much better to be, after all performance aside, a hot hatch has to have an interior it's owner wants to be in.
Mazdaspeed all the way.
The WRX is a much more capable platform in terms of both power and handling... Plus, everyone knows FWD is for girls.
Sorry, but trying to get some decent steering feel out of the WRX is too much work and its still too slow when you do. I was jealous of the steering in a crappy Lancer when I had my WRX. Mazdaspeed 3 is the way to go, unless all you care about is going fast. That is where the WRX has all the potential thanks to aftermarket if you can keep it from breaking and have the megabucks to fund it. In fact, you might even be able to fix the numb steering with a quick ratio steering rack and suspension tweaks. However, you might as well get an EVO as it already comes with great steering...
09 WRX all day! Its faster, looks better, OWNS all in the snow, more reliable, and has better aftermarket support. All the fanboys complaining about interior go buy a IS250 and leave the sports cars alone.
Mazda
The best choice price wise is the MS-3 by far. You get more for the money.
If you want to join the tuner crowd go with WRX. Subies have more aftermarket product support than Mazda.
Since I own MS-6, I will go with the MS-3 for a simple reason. You have plenty power and torque in just plain cruising mode!
WRX!! I already voted on the ballot that counts, I bought one.
I am however not a Fanboi about it, trying to justify my purchase. I drove the MS3 and it wasn't for me. I came from a stage 2'd SRT-4, so the MS3 was all too familiar to me.
If you want a good track car the MS3 is probably better, with stiffer suspension and better brakes. Every road course I ever drove was 3rd and 4th gear so FWD was not really a hinderance there. Also of course you get a slightly nicer interior, and more equipment at a lower price.
On the other hand FWD is a major annoyance on the street. Forget snow, just a rainy day will kill all the fun. While you are spinning your wheels every time you take off, the stiffer suspension will slow you down in the corners. It is here that the WRX is easily the better car. But you pay more for it. I paid even more for the premium rex, still less equipment than the MS3 touring, but you get the killer-apps, AWD and a sunroof, which you can't get at any price with the MS3.
So what is this "Face-off" about? For me I learned a ton over many track days with the SRT-4, being slower on the track is a small price to pay for a better street car, who are you racing at an HPDE anyways? That's right, no one but yourself. And if you ARE racing, there are far better choices than an MS3.
Bottom line, you pay more for less bling with the WRX, but the basic platform is just better(admittedly the 08 was not quite there). I'll trade being slower 5 days a year, for being quicker and happier the other 360 days.
Mazdaspeed3
"More Mazdas are raced on given sunday than any other car."
Yeah. I'd like to drive a Formula Mazda and Star Mazda race car everyday.
"The guy running Mazda used to race cars."
Ok? Akio Toyoda raced in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in a Lexus LF-A this year. Clearly Toyotas and Lexuses/Lexii are amazing sports cars.
"Mazda is the only Japanese make to win La Mans and they had to change the rules to get them out."
The Mazda 787B that won the 1991 24 Heures du Mans was an evolution of the 787 that had been used since 1988. The Toyota GT-ONE came onto the scene in 1998 and easily won the pole in 1999. If the GTP rules hadn't been changed (boo), another year or two may have produced a victory, lest we forget the Audi R8C and R8R had less than stellar debuts in 1998.
"You can get a Mazdaspeed 3 from the dealer with near as makes no difference 300bhp, gobs and gobs of twist and fully adjustable suspension (built by KW) if you opt for the Mazdaspeed accessories. Unlike Subaru which gives free scca memberships with their cars and then strips away your warranty when you use it, Mazda supplies full warranty with their performance parts."
You can also buy a WRX with Subaru Performance Tuning parts that carry a full warranty. You are mistaken in that warranties are voided for participating in SCCA events or HPDEs. If the participation caused a particular part to fail, the repair or replacement of that part would not be covered under warranty--the vehicle's warranty itself would still be valid.
"Not to mention how much nicer the interior is on the Mazda. It's night and day difference from the Suby. Just so much better to be, after all performance aside, a hot hatch has to have an interior it's owner wants to be in."
I'm willing to guess that a good number of people who cross-shop these vehicles are not that concerned about the interior because they're going for bang for the buck. I'd say I touch my dashboard less than 10 times a year, the headliner even less frequently. Visibility in Subarus is usually top-notch and should not be overlooked, too.
"Mazdaspeed all the way."
Um. Okay. :o)
"Bottom line, you pay more for less bling with the WRX, but the basic platform is just better(admittedly the 08 was not quite there). I'll trade being slower 5 days a year, for being quicker and happier the other 360 days."
Regarding the basic platform, the GH/GR Impreza chassis is doing quite well in the P-WRC and Rally America series with Nasser Al-Attiyah and Travis Pastrana leading in both series, respectively.
WRX
oh, and in case i forget to vote on the European one, GTI all the way.
Correction: The Audi R8C LMGTP and R8R LMP made their Circuit de La Sarthe debuts in 1999, not 1998.
It truly is a tough comparison. There are things I like about both cars and other things I dislike.
For starters, the MS3 has a wonderful motor. It makes gobs of power and it does it with relative ease. A friend has one that I've driven many times and every time I stomp on the gas it puts a smile on my face. At the same time, that amount of power is also its downfall. Its decent stock, but as you increase power you increase torque-steer, and you reduce the usefulness of 1st and 2nd gears. You also increase your yearly tire cost.
While the WRX doesn't have quite the same power delivery it delivers power with much more confidence. The traction provided by 4 drive wheels is something you simply can't argue against. There is no torque steer and it takes some work to get the tires to spin.
Moving to the suspension, the MS3 is the more attractive car. I'm not talking body styling, just ride height and features. Its smaller fender gap makes it look better and adds to the appeal. The stiffer springs and dampers make it a more capable car up to certain limits. The WRX isn't a dead fish though. It still handles better than most drivers know what to do with. If you want to debate track use or stock class autocross handing that is one thing. If you're simply talking about the average joe daily driving...its a wash.
When it comes to styling I'll give the previous generation MS3 the edge. I don't know what Mazda was thinking with the new body style, but installing a giant smile for a front grille is not exactly attractive. Then again, I don't feel Subaru took a step forward with their front end design either. I am thrilled that Subaru opted for a hatchback design and dropped the less attractive wagon rear end of previous years. Boil it all down, style is up to the potential buyer. Both cars are selling. Its obvious there are people who prefer one over the other.
Mazda wins the interior styling comparison hands-down. The seats are better and I really like the gauge cluster. The radio setup is less than attractive, but its quite functional. Sorry Subaru, but you've got some work to do there.
And I could go on and on about the little things like steering sensitivity, sound levels, and the ability to modify (for those who would do so). I won't. I give the MS3 its due respect. Its a great car and anyone who owns one is sure to enjoy it. For me, the Subaru is simply the better all-purpose vehicle; daily driver, grocery getter, winter performance, autocross potential, and track day fun.
To all who commented about Mazda's racing history somehow making the MS3 better...the Miata and 787B are not the MS3. Don't try to relate them. That's like me claiming my Subaru is more durable because Fuji Heavy Industries also makes construction equipment and that automatically means my car is built stronger.
My little Subaru has been an absolutely fantastic purchase. 4 years, 126k miles, never been to the dealership for work, still rolling on the stock clutch, used it to haul top soil last night, its seen a couple track days, and actually has taken wins at SCCA National Tour and ProSolo events. The MS3 certainly has potential, but I don't think you can find an owner who can make the same claims.
WRX.
"To all who commented about Mazda's racing history somehow making the MS3 better...the Miata and 787B are not the MS3. Don't try to relate them. That's like me claiming my Subaru is more durable because Fuji Heavy Industries also makes construction equipment and that automatically means my car is built stronger."
Racing is how sports cars get better, the MZRR which was featured in 3 cars at la mans this year is very much a test bed to see what Mazda can do with future models of the DISI MZR (the ms3 motor,) an engine that already made wards 10 best list 3 years in a row.
touring cars
star cars
mx5 cup
alms
Mazda's got good representation across the board, and it shows in all their cars, especially the Mazdaspeed ones. I mean there's a reason they're motto's Zoom Zoom and not Love it's a Mazda. They don't make any attempt to market their cars to ecco friendly hikers who are a little light in the loafers.
The older rex's used to really make me feel like I was in a rally car for the road, but now they've gotten so much softer and mushier it feels like they've given in. The 2008 model was just crap, and the 09 was better but still not where it needs to be. It's just not fun, and fun is what I'm after when I buy a hot hatch.
"Racing is how sports cars get better"
That's great, but "Race on Sunday sell on Monday" is long gone as the only way to improve engineering. And the market has changed since the '60's, cars are expected to be much more useful in the real world, there isn't as much use for "race cars on the street".
On the flip side where is Mazda racing the MS3? I am ignorant of if they are at all. But we know the Subaru WRX platform is being used for racing right now. Not that I agree with you about the need for racing to make a good street car, especially when the "racing car" shares maybe an engine block design and similar fuel injection system with the street car.
"The older rex's used to really make me feel like I was in a rally car for the road, but now they've gotten so much softer and mushier it feels like they've given in. The 2008 model was just crap, and the 09 was better but still not where it needs to be. It's just not fun, and fun is what I'm after when I buy a hot hatch."
I hear you. I drove an '06 WRX before I bought my '09, and almost bought one, I can see the appeal of certain qualities over the '09. The interesting thing is the '09 has significantly stiffer suspension than any previous WRX, closer to the old STI actually. I think it is the perfect mix for the real world, still good on bumpy roads but just stiff enough for hard cornering.
While you could make a case for the old WRX here, that is not the comparison presented. To me the MS3 is a great car but hugely flawed, with FWD. I have lived with 265hp to the front wheels year round in Boston. So much of the time it is not fun, even though the SRT-4 had some measure more of "excitement" than my new WRX does.
To me the WRX is more fun, more of the time. Every time I drive it, rain or shine, I know it will be fun. With the MS3 you have to wait for a good day.
"To me the WRX is more fun, more of the time. Every time I drive it, rain or shine, I know it will be fun. With the MS3 you have to wait for a good day."
I live in southern california, there's no such thing as a bad day. As Daniel Tosh said: I love seasons, that's why I live in a place that skips the shitty ones.
Like I said before, if you live in a place were weather is going to be a constant factor, get a jeep. No one should be racing their car around on public roads in bad weather, that's just stupid and begging for an accident. I've got news for you, you're not Ken Block and you're not Colin Mcrae.
For those of us living with year round sunshine, awd=lbs, nothing more.
"I live in southern california, there's no such thing as a bad day. As Daniel Tosh said: I love seasons, that's why I live in a place that skips the shitty ones."
Sure, the tables turn when you live in SoCal. 'Course you still might like the better ride of the Subie on the sorry concrete joints on the 405, 5, 101 etc...but hey the PCH is smooth.
"Like I said before, if you live in a place were weather is going to be a constant factor, get a jeep. No one should be racing their car around on public roads in bad weather, that's just stupid and begging for an accident. I've got news for you, you're not Ken Block and you're not Colin Mcrae."
So it is ok to go racing around on dry roads? Well you go on with your bad self. Only a SoCal-er could think driving in the rain is "dangerous" and requires a Jeep, LMAO.
"For those of us living with year round sunshine, awd=lbs, nothing more"
You are correct, there is less reason to have AWD where it never snows and barely rains. But if that is the case, why wouldn't you go RWD? At least that setup can handle a high powered motor.
I admit I am biased, I did the hi-po FWD thing, street, track, bought the t-shirt etc. I understand the draw, cheap cars are FWD so cheap performance cars are FWD. It costs more to do it right. Some people pay up for that, some won't.
/\
What he said.
I have the FWD Mazdaspeed 3, and boy is Torque Steer a B-yotch. But, it corners like no one's business, overtakes like a demon and eats (I have proof) M3s, 350zs, and EVOs in the curves. Now along the straight, the EVO X (with mods) took me (I'm stock), but around the corners nothing could shake the MS3. I love this car. Straight out of the box, the power is incendiary. The guy at the dealership said as I was leaving "Careful, you might wrap this thing around a tree". Maybe so. But I still haven't found this car's limit and by limit I don't mean rev limiter. I took it on the track for 7 hours of near non-stop cornering, braking and revving to the max, and the car drove me home as comfortably as if I was going to work. And that's what I do. I drive it to work. I took the family down to PA for the weekend from NY and I couldn't wipe the smile off my 5 year old's face. "Windows down daddy". "Why?", I asked. "Because when you go SUPERTURBO, I can feel the wind in my hair". That in my mind sums up the MS3. When I go Superturbo, I feel the wind in my hair and I smile and giggle like my five year old. I am sure the Subie is a fun car to drive, but the MS3 (my second Mazda) puts a grin on my face from ear to ear, and I just love every moment of it, even the thunk when I hit a New York Pothole with the 18" low profile rims.
I forgot to mention. I vote MS3.
The MS3 is just a souped-up economy car and has all the traits of one. The WRX is just the opposite... a souped-DOWN rally car. you can't take an economy sedan and just drop in 263 HP, it just doesn't work. Plus, i've never seen any rally drivers in Mazda''s.
WRX forever.