Mazdaspeed 6?

[Donn Greer ll]

I've been looking at getting something a little sportier then my current FWD Camry and like the Mazdaspeed 6. I used to autocross an MR2 many years ago and wouldn't mind participating in an occasional solo2 day. The MS3 is also nice but I think it would be a handful on an autocross course and I'm also not thrilled with it being FWD. I know the MS6 is FWD biased. I need the practicality of a 4 door and think the MS6 could be somewhat of a sleeper plus it's something I can picture an adult driving (at least this adult). The later model WRXs (09 and up) are also being considered though they might be out of my price range.

I did a search here and couldn't find much on the car. I'm curious how they compare to some of the other performance vehicles out there (GTI, WRX, MS3, MiniCooper, etc).

[KJ Christopher]

This would be a much better car for your needs: viewtopic.php?f=8&t=4820&start=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

- Four doors
- real room (four adults took it to lunch at an event)
- autocross ready
- sportier than a Camry
- RWD

[Max Hayter]

I've driven a Mazdapeed 6 on an autocross course- it was quite horrible!

[Jason Isley BS RX8]

I've driven a Mazdapeed 6 on an autocross course- it was quite horrible!

Agree... If you must have FWD, and want some power and civility, the Mazdaspeed 3 is a better choice.

[Mako Koiwai]

You owe yourself a test drive in the current Suby WRX

[KJ Christopher]

You owe yourself a test drive in the current Suby WRX

:unimpressed:

[Mako Koiwai]

Better then a MazdaSpeed 3 imo

[Robert Puertas]

Better then a MazdaSpeed 3 imo

At destroying front tires...

Ugh.

[Mako Koiwai]

I think they equally destroy front tires ... but the OP isn't interested in an AX'ing car

Ask the Lynches about their MazdaSpeed 3, which they've AX'ed a few times

[Donn Greer ll]

So it looks like a big thumbs down on the Mazdaspeed 6!. I was a little concerned about the weight as compared to the MS3 but was hoping the AWD might make it a better AX'er.

So I'm now leaning towards the MS3 or if I can swing it a late model WRX. I have kids so the RX8 might be a little too impractical.

The Lynches..I seem to recall them driving a yellow 3rd gen RX7 (a long while back!).

[Robert Puertas]

The RX8 has about the same rear knee room as a Mazda3...

[Max Hayter]

Genesis?

[Jason Isley BS RX8]

So it looks like a big thumbs down on the Mazdaspeed 6!. I was a little concerned about the weight as compared to the MS3 but was hoping the AWD might make it a better AX'er.

So I'm now leaning towards the MS3 or if I can swing it a late model WRX. I have kids so the RX8 might be a little too impractical.

The Lynches..I seem to recall them driving a yellow 3rd gen RX7 (a long while back!).

You owe it to yourself to check out the RX-8, the outside is very deceptive when it comes to interior space. We have had four people in ours on a number of occasions, and my daughter rides in the back seat every day.

It really comes down to your priorities... If it is autox/daily driver, get the RX-8. It is competitive in stock and ST, easy to setup, easy to drive and very easy on tires. If you are looking more for daily driver/autox, go for the MS3. The 3 is more refined, has great power delivery and is certainly more suitable for a family. The downside is it is not really competitive in any Solo class, and will eat up tires at a much quicker rate than the 8 - typical for FWD.

[John Stimson]

As much as I dislike VWs in general, I have to suggest the R32. I have no idea how it compares price-wise, but it does quite well at autocross, and ought to make a pretty decent people hauler.

I'd go for the RX-8.

Also check out the Volvo C30. Underneath, it's a Mazda3 with a turbo 5 cylinder engine. It has somewhat less power than the Mazdaspeed3, with a much more elegant (and adult) appearance. I think the hatchback is especially cool, as it has some features reminiscent of the old Volvo P1600 wagon.

[Craig Naylor]

...reminiscent of the old Volvo P1600 wagon.

As it was the first car I ever lusted after (not a Ferrari or Lamborghini, GTo or Mustang), its actually a P1800 (and P1800S) not a P1600, or more specifically the P1800 ES (ES=Estate Sweden), for which the C30 bases it's lineage.

While I like the C30, I was unimpressed with it's driving capabilities when it first came out. I did however see a Hybrid C30 at the LA Auto show, and that's kind of peeked my interest (To bad it said the prototypes will not be out until 2014 with the production models 2-3 years later )

[Jeff Stuart]

I've had adults in the back seat of my RX-8 and they weren't uncomfortable. Definitely plenty of room for kids.