If you plan on modding this car then I would highly suggest going with the WRX as it is a much bigger market so there are more and better parts than the MS3. MS3 with its FWD platform just sucks especially when you start making more power. AWD FTW!

 

I find it interesting that people are putting the transmission of the MS3 in the "plus" column. I bought a used 2007 MS3 as my commuter, and I liked the transmission in my 2002 WRX much better. I haven't driven one of the more modern WRX's, but my 2 pennies on the '07 Speed3 compared to the '02 WRX Wagon:

-Speed3 is MUCH faster at freeway speeds with torque coming on earlier. I have to point out that the Subaru 2.5 is a lot different than the 2.0 in this regard, so comparing an '07 to '07 or '10 to '10 would be a lot closer.
-Speed3 takes thought when starting in first gear, vs. the WRX which always had traction unless there was snow or ice on the ground.
-Speed3 has a much stiffer suspension and less ground clearance. I actually prefer the WRX as a daily driver in this respect, but for the spirited drive the Mazda has a much more sorted out suspension.
-Stock for stock, the Speed3 is much louder and sounds a little rice compared to my WRX. The Mazda sounds ok for an in-line 4, but the Subaru's engine note is something I really enjoyed and miss.
-I actually preferred the WRX interior to the GT interior of the Mazda. I had aftermarket leather put in the WRX when I bought it new, so it didn't have the Southwest Airlines interior cloth and the interior held up remarkably well in the 7 years/110k miles I had the car. I should note that I don't really care about things like automatic climate control or windshield wipers.
-Mazda has better brakes
-Mazda gets about 30mpg on the freeway, whereas my WRX got about 22. This, and an opportunistic price for a fun commuter, are the main reasons I went with a 3 vs. another Subaru for my commuter.

 

surprised no one threw the mazdaspeed 6 into the mix. +1 on the mazdaspeed protege that is a great car.

 

X2 I had a 05 RX-8 Grand touring with coilovers.theres no car i've driven since that could take corners like the rx-8... sometimes i still regret trading the rx-8 for my subie :/

 

fail wheel drive

 

Everything I've heard is that they're more LGT and less STi, despite having tons of power. They're also a bit pricey.

 

 

My buddy has a Mazdaspeed 6. The thing handles amazing and has awesome brakes.

It's too heavy for it's HP, but it will tear it up in the turns. The Mazdaspeed 6 also has a touchy clutch. Not easy to master and too light.

 

compare the 2010 wrx to the 2010 mazdaspeed 3 then make some comparos. the new wrx is faster than the new mazda. mazdas interior is better but the wrx interior is much nicer over previous years.

 

I agree on the interior bit. Interior in a Mazda is nicer. Subaru has always been a generation behind when it comes to interiors.

 

I thought they did decent on the hatches interiors, or maybe its just me

 

I agree. The hatch interior is pretty nice. Even my friends 2.5i. It may not be top of the line, but it can be modified to the owner's liking. Just my 2 cents.

 

Sorry, I didn't mean to disrespect or anything. And you're right i haven't. Sorry again, I didn't mean it in like a cocky sort of way. I apologize again sorry!