Cars.comparison: Small and Fast, Take II
Last year's winner, the Volkswagen GTI, returns in four-door form to take on the Mazdaspeed version of the Mazda3 and a new-generation Mini Cooper S. Which of these sub-$30,000 performance cars is our favorite?
= Category winner| The Contenders | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2007 Mazdaspeed3 Grand Touring | 2007 Mini Cooper S | 2007 Volkswagen GTI 4-door |
| Zoom | Zoom | Zoom |
| Base MSRP | ||
| $24,055 | $21,200 | $22,720 |
| Price as tested | ||
| $26,300 | $26,170 | $24,950 |
| Acceleration with 6-speed manual* (0 - 60 mph) | ||
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6.4 seconds:A real rush, but a little more turbo lag than the others. |
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6.7 seconds: Decent off-the-line torque, and the power keeps on building. |
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6.5 seconds: Potent turbocharged power and torque with negligible turbo lag but slight throttle lag. |
| Gas mileage (city/highway, mpg) | ||
| 20/28 | 29/36 | 23/32 |
| Dynamics | ||
| Despite some wandering when powering through turns, the Mazdaspeed3 is fun to toss about and highly controllable. Excellent steering feel puts this one over the top. | The Cooper drives like a go-kart, and this new generation has better balance and precise steering that provides quick turn-in. | The world's most agile bank vault, the GTI hides its weight in normal driving. It goes where you point it, even when you're on the gas, but the steering is numb and has too much power assist. |
| Styling/street cred | ||
| An exclusive version of an already good-looking car. Just the right amount of show to accompany the go. | Compellingly cute, but too cute nonetheless. Only Mini fans will be able to tell this new Cooper from the previous generation. | Not bad for a four-door, but it's both too cute and too plain. |
| Comfort | ||
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The Mazdaspeed3 has the largest interior and the most backseat legroom, but it's the sport seats that give it the win. Ride quality is admirable, but it can get a bit harsh on rough streets. |
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The decent front seats are improved, and there's more room inside than you'd expect, but that backseat ... . The ride is improved, but the short wheelbase still makes for some bucking. |
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The GTI's front seats are overbolstered — and look like a kilt. The backseat is large enough for adults and close in size to the Mazdaspeed3's. The ride is livable, but you feel the road. |
| Interior quality | ||
|
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Passable, but the materials are modest. It's workable ergonomically, but not great. |
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All over the map, with awful control ergonomics and some cheese. Many sweet trim options, though. |
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Leading quality in both ergonomics and materials, including standard aluminum trim. Exceptional. |
| Cargo room | ||
| 16.5 cubic feet behind the folding backseat and 43.4 cu. ft. when it's folded. | There's a healthy 24.0 cubic feet when the backseat is folded, but only 5.7 when it's not. | A bit less volume than the Mazda behind the backseat at 14.7 cu. ft., but 46.0 cu. ft. maximum. |
| Transmission | ||
| The clutch always makes you look good, but the shifter is rubbery and imprecise. | Impressive clutch, but the stick is too high, too wobbly and the throws are too long. | Another forgiving clutch. Aside from being notchy, the shifter is the best of the three, but that's not saying much. |
| Braking | ||
| The Mazdaspeed3's brakes are effective and have a natural feel, but they're not super linear. | The Cooper S' discs are strong and confidence-inspiring, with good linearity and resolution. | The GTI's brakes are also competent, but they're not completely linear and the pedal feels numb. |
| Tuner appeal | ||
| A conservative factory engine computer means the Mazdaspeed3 is ripe for modification, and aftermarket turbo kits are on the way. | Unless you opt for the mild factory-backed John Cooper Works kit, the dearth of any aftermarket engine control units right now means turbo boost mods might not be fully realized. | Tuners have had more experience with the GTI, which means more kits are offered, some of which can double your horsepower. |
| Overall value | ||
| The more affordable Sport trim level brings the Mazdaspeed3 more in line with the other two, but this car feels like all the money was spent under the hood and on the chassis. That's what you wanted, right? | Long-range thinkers will appreciate the Mini's outstanding resale value and frugal fuel use, but the Mazda brings more performance for the buck. | The GTI's refinement is nice, but its performance falls a tad short in this company. |
| Editors' choice | ||
| Look no further: This is the best performance hatchback of the three, and the new champion. | The new Cooper S gains some needed refinement inside without watering down the fun-to-drive factor, but it can't match the Mazdaspeed3's combination of performance and comfort. | If the comparison were Small and Upscale, the GTI might have come out on top. It is the most well-rounded hatchback here. |
**MotorWeek data
Posted on 5/1/07
Next Step?
- 2007 Mazdaspeed3 Grand Touring
- 2007 Mini Cooper S
- 2007 Volkswagen GTI
