According to Car and Driver the speed3 goes 0-60 in 5.8 seconds. The RX-8 in their long term test did 0-60 in 5.9 seconds. Now I know your gonna say that the RX-8's numbers are not realistic, and that might be true. But if the RX-8's numbers are off, then most likely so are the 3's(they were tested by the same source). My point is the performance is not radically different, but im sure the speed 3 would respond better to performance modifications.

 

It's not that the numbers are off, it's that they are not easily reproduced. I wouldn't be surprised if the MS3's numbers are far easier to repeat than the RX8's are, since the 3 doesn't require the high rpm clutch abuse that the RX8 does to get off the line quickly. In the real world, the gap is likely to be far larger than mag numbers would suggest.

 

Based on my personal experience with a 2001 VW GTI GLX (the one with the VR6), VW's are put together well and have pretty decent interiors for the price. However, VW's tend to be plagued by design defects and cheap components. Search the internet and you quickly find some common themes. Two that come readily to mind are the power windows, which broke several times on my car, and the coil pack going bad. I also know some guys who have had to deal with warped brake rotors. Finally, last week VW put out a recall notice saying recent Golfs, GTIs, Jettas, and Beetles are susceptible to a problem where the brake lights stop working. Not good in my opinion.

Now, maybe VW has improved upon their reliability. But, based on my experience, I will never buy a VW until they demonstrate that they have substantially improved their reliability.

BTW, my GTI was made in Germany.

Cheers

 

Since you are referring to C&D's numbers, I thought I'd chime in. If you read the article on the MS3, C&D spends a paragraph on how difficult it is to launch. I have not driven the car myself, but C&D claimed that it was tricky to get things just right. They either lit up the front tires or bogged down the motor until they finally got a good run.

Of course, there's more to the car than starting from a stop and it sounds like the MS3 will be a fun car once you get going.

Cheers

 

How heavy is the volvo? They're usually FAT.

 

right around 2900lbs for the T5 model with all the bells (MotorTrend).

 

2 words, support mazda

 

I'd like to try the C30 to check out the differances.

 

I know the S40 is based on the same platform as the Mazda 3, is that the case for the C30?

 

I was reading today that the C30 is based on a stiffened version of the S40. The Euro Focus ST chassis would be a good comparison.

 

The C30 is starting at $22,700 in the US....
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/04/v...0-from-22-700/

 

Between an A3, GTI, C30 I'd say the MS3 of you ar looking for fun. If you want a relaxed ride and some luxury then the A3. Keep in mind the A3 or C30 jump quickly in price when you add some options.

 

Volvo C30 now on Volvo USA website
I hope this helps

 

$25,700 well equipped. Not a bad price, but a little high for a 3 door. You have to get the premium sound if you buy a Volvo. Otherwise you're just missing out. Dynaudio builds some sweet stuff for them. Version 2.0 looks to be the only way to get it, but at least you get the sports suspension and other goodies with it. I'd take a Volvo over a comparable Audi any day, but maybe that's just me. MS3...well, it's almost a different class, so it'd be more of what I was after in the car.


Edit: Oh yeah, 2000 posts...

 

I would give the C30 my initial nod based on styling, weight, and the fact it is a 2 door.

I would not completely discount the MS3 though as it is already proven.

You are going to have to test drive both and see which you prefer to drive.

Either way, I think it is a win-win proposition. The C30 with awd would be a very nice car.

 

The MS3 rips. I've driven one a couple times, they feel fantastic and kick some butt. They're also extremely tunable, $2000 will get you close to 350 at the wheels ... and all those mod parts are interchangable with the CX-7 and MS6

 

^^^ Take it from the man! And I second that completely ... the MS3 is a whole new beast.

 

Why do you say so? Tunability? Just curious...

I'll agree with the mags... the GTI has a great interior, the engine feels great and voeral package is very balanced. But it does lack LSD and while peppy... the MS3 is just plain more powerful.

 

The R36 would be much more competitive with the MS3, but will cost a lot more.

 

Ya know. People are talking about unknown reliability. You act like the Speed 3, 6 and CX7 is proven reliable, when it has all different components, and a new direct engine that hasn't proved itself reliable yet. Once you get into these turbo charged vehicles making high boost, you can't say the MS3 is proven based on the regular version. The Speed 3 and 6 are not anything like their lower trim versions from a mechanical standpoint , however, they look the same, so they are not totally different. I own a Speed 6 and the jury is still out on the reliability. I mean, I'll be all happy if it ends up being true, but right now it's just as risky IMO to buy a Mazda with this turbo engine as it is to buy an Audi or a VW.

 

Just drive them both and take home what you like more. I personally think the clutch on the Speed3/6 leaves a lot to be desired

 

It depends on if you take overall company reliability as an indicator of potential reliability/unreliability.

Mazda generally makes average cars and VW makes much less reliable vehicles. I'd put my money on the Mazda having less problems.

 

I guess there's two ways to look at it then. Personally, since this is a new direct injection turbo engine, and it's unproven, I don't think Mazda's reliability overall with N/A cars really accurately can measure the potential reliability of the Speed 3 and 6. Only time can do that. We are essentially talking about a different lineup really. I mean if you had to bet your money on which car would hold up better, which would you take, a Speed 3, or a regular 3. Either way, I do not think people should be concerning themselves with picking a car based on the of reliability of a car company overall. Too many flaws, and it's way too inaccurate. More HP and higher boost in the Speed 3, and it's very kimited in production. That car could very well end up the higher risk. No way of knowing, so I think it should be ignored.

 

Given the choice between the two, I'd go with the MS3. I tend to wait a couple years after a new model is introduced before I take the plunge. The Volvo does look sweet though and I wanna go test drive one.

Also have to share this link if you like the Volvo. This car is just super badass!!!
http://evolvec30.com/site/

 

My GF has an MS3 and I love that thing! :shoking:I love the look of the car, clean aggressive lines without being over the top. Inside, the car is very attractive with excellent ergonomics and has a premium feel to it. Practicality, the car is very roomy. We've made several trips to Ikea-yes I shop @ Ikea, it's like puzzles for grown ups-without braking a sweat. The MS3 has a throaty sound to it and the power is addicting. It's lots of fun in the twisties. The perfect car for long trips and go to the beach. Here's a pix for inspiration