There use to be several Speed3s in town. Two were fairly modded and with my gm upgrade i was able to beat both of them but not by much. Both had full tb exhaust, inlet pipe, cai, bov, and a couple other little things. Also take into consideration that if you waited till he came around you then he had momentum on his side.

 

My buddy has a MazdaSpeed 3.... They are quick cars... We are pretty much neck/neck for straight line speed. Cornering is very similar as well... but the Speed 3's suspension is definitely stiffer. Those things really thump over every little bump!

I don't think there is much to choose between the two in terms of performance....

 

My last car was a 2008 Mazdaspeed 3. It was a much better performer in all areas stock for stock. If the build quality would have been better I would still be driving it.