2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 vs 2010 Volkswagen GTI

Affordable, Performance Oriented 'Hot Hatch' Models

2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed3

The Mazdaspeed3 is the high-powered, performance-tuned version of the Mazda3 hatchback and is an all new design for 2010. An optional tech package includes a 6-disc BOSE audio system, navigation, satellite radio, advanced keyless entry with push button start and a perimeter alarm. At a starting MSRP under the 2010 Mazdaspeed3 is historically one of the best values in performance cars. Though the regular Mazda3 comes as a sedan or four-door hatchback, the Mazdaspeed is only available as a hatchback. The Speed3's smiling grille is based on the regular model's grille, but it's more exaggerated here, anchored by a lower air dam and flared front fenders. The hood has a wide scoop to funnel air through the car's high-mounted intercooler. Around back are large dual tailpipes and a rear spoiler at the top of the liftgate. The Mazdaspeed shares its overall interior design with the regular Mazda3, but it has red accent stitching on the shift boot, steering wheel and seat fabric. Other red treatments appear on the door panels and sport seat inserts. An LED turbo-boost gauge appears between the speedometer and tachometer.

2010 Volkswagen GTI

The Volkswagen GTI was arguably the first "hot hatch" when VW made a small hatchback fun to drive, now in its sixth generation, the GTI still lives up to the original's sporting intentions. The GTI is available as a two-door or four-door. An extensive list of standard equipment is included, features such as well-bolstered cloth sport seats with plaid inserts, halogen fog lamps, alloy pedals, SIRIUS satellite radio, 17-inch performance tires on alloy wheels, sport suspension, six airbags, tire pressure monitoring, an 8-speaker touch-screen audio system, Bluetooth and a multi-function leather steering wheel. For 2010, the GTI has been redesigned inside and out, but retains the same powertrain, overall size and capability of the previous generation. The GTI is based on the VW Golf.  The GTI has some unique features, including a thin, blackened honeycomb grille with two red outlining stripes; different front and rear bumpers; side skirts; and GTI badging. In the rear, the dual tailpipes are now placed closer to the sides of the vehicle, and there's a standard rear spoiler over the hatch. The GTI sits lower to the ground than the Golf. There's a choice of 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels. The GTI gets a new dashboard, door paneling, racing-inspired steering wheel and instrument cluster.

Engine Power and Design Compared

 The Mazdaspeed3 is a true "hot-hatch", featuring a 263-hp, turbocharged, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. To keep all that power under control at the front wheels, it's standard with a new six-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential, a torque management system, electronic stability and traction control, 18-inch wheels and tires and sport-tuned suspension. Zero to 60 mph on the '10 Mazdaspeed3 takes 6.3 seconds, which is pretty quick but a tad slower than the first-generation model. The GTI gets a 200-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and the choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox, (DSG), which allows the driver to shift sequentially, without doing the clutch work, via paddles on the steering wheel or the shift lever itself.

Safety Features Compared

For the Mazdaspeed3, Safety features include six airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with brake assist, active anti-whiplash front head restraints and an engine immobilizer system. The GTI comes standard with antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system. Side curtain airbags and front side-impact airbags are standard. Optional rear side-impact airbags are available on the four-door GTI.

Vehicle Cabins Compared

 One of the Mazdaspeed's greatest benefits, besides its performance, it is cabin. The high-quality interior materials and upscale dashboard design are impressive. There is plenty of cargo room in the rear hatch, and the rear seats fold down with a 60/40 split to open up even more space. There's also decent seating room in back for adults. The GTI also has an impressive cabin space. It offers a truly upscale cabin and a high level of features that make the car almost seem like a luxury car. The GTI can seat four comfortably, or five in a pinch. Bolstered and ribbed sports seats are standard up front, and there's a 60/40-split bench in the rear. Seating surfaces have a retro plaid design on the cloth trim.

Conclusions

The 2010 GTI has a starting MSRP of $23,465 - $24,070, while the Mazdaspeed3 comes in at MSRP $23,195. For Fuel economy the GTI gets an estimated mpg of 21 - 24 city and 31 - 32 highway. The 2010 Mazdaspeed3 gets 18 mpg city and 25 mpg on the highway. Mazdaspeed, Mazda's internal high-performance tuning and race division, has a long history in Japan. Known for producing exciting limited-edition performance models, the division recently turned its attention to the second-generation Mazda 3, and the result is the Mazdaspeed 3. Starting at less than $25,000, the second-generation Mazdaspeed 3 is a performance bargain that should appeal to any enthusiast thanks to its balance of speed, practicality and affordability. The Volkswagen GTI is one of the best-known budget performance cars sold in America. VW makes many modifications to the GTI to improve its performance and distinctiveness. The GTI has earned strong praise for its well-rounded nature and is considered a class leader. Although it's not the most powerful or the most aggressively tuned for high-speed handling, it makes up for that in other areas. Both the Mazdaspeed3 and GTI are new and improved for 2010; they are both affordable performance vehicles that will not disappoint.