HHR SS v. Speed 3
Steve
So... We've seen the reviews of the HHR SS v. the Caliber SRT... But what about the Speed 3?
Obviously, the Speed 3 has the performance advantage... But my question is... I've seen a number of WR/NA staff mention the HHR SS as a car they'd buy or own... and I haven't seen the same said of the Speed 3. Why?
I've never driven either, so I can't make judgements of my own past what I've seen and read... Any input from those that have driven either/both?
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JDickson
Well, I just purchased a new MazdaSpeed3 just last week. Why? Unbeatable value, sweet (and stealthy) looks, lots of fun, and features you find in a car costing twice as much.
I didn't even consider the HHR SS. I think the thing is ugly, is nowhere near as good a value, and there is simply no way it can be as fun to drive as the Mazda.
The 3 is surprisingly upscale inside, the 6 speed is fun to shift, It's got Xenon headlights, alcantra sport seats, a Bose sound system, and more. I would suggest looking further into the 3 before you draw that conclusion even about winding road, in the latest test with the Mini Clubman vs the 3, they chose the 3. There's a reason it's one of 2 Mazda's that's on Car and Driver's 10Best list. It's won every comparison test I've seen it play in, and I love mine so much I wouldn't even think about the Chevy. Drive the MazdaSpeed, then see what you think. There's no way you can avoid falling in love, if your priorities are where mine are (fast, fun, good looking, cargo room, fast, etc). If you have any particular questions, I can certainly answer them for you. About the Speed 3, that is. :)
Mena
Although I think the HHR SS can be fun in its own right (260hp, DI turbo 4 with launch control and no lift shift), I agree about the Mazdaspeed3's fun factor. It's pretty quick, handles great and looks pretty good (but I'm biased towards hatchbacks). If Mazda would have seen fit to extend the $3000 rebate they put on the MS6 last year to the MS3, I would be driving one of those instead of my Solstice GXP (no regrets mind you, the Solstice is a BLAST!!). I think the MS3 is really that good.
Steve
Oh, guys... Don't get me wrong. I'm not knocking the MS3, nor do I need the sales brochure... I'd say it's on the short list (top 3) for my next vehicle.... But, I just haven't detected the same level of love for it around WR as I have for the SS? Which surprised me... which is why I made the thread.
I guess this was more of a question to the WR staffers than anything... Maybe I'm just totally misunderstanding the tone about the car around the offices there in MI?
It is interesting to hear that an MS3 owner didn't even consider the SS... I considered it, but can't get past the looks... I think it's just downright funny looking.
"There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.”
- Ernest Hemingway
JDickson
If I came off as being militant or something, I didn't mean to. I'm just very, uh, enthusiastic about my new car, haha. The HHR is just too wierd and copycat PT Cruiser-ish for my tastes, and even if it is cheaper, you get what you pay for, in several ways. The interior is standard GM fare, which is fine, but not anywhere near as nice feeling as the Mazda's, IMO. But I just don't even consider them in the same class, haha.
However, I do have one more thing. They are only planning on making the MazdaSpeed3 for 2 model years, if what I have seen online is true, and this is the end of the second year of the MS3. Red is getting hard to find, and they only import a total of about 7,000 a year, so they aren't always easy to find, color aside. I'd jump on this if you are serious about getting an MS3. It's a slick car, and it's at least worth a look. Especially if you think the HHR is strange, haha.
Chris Paukert
Steve -
While I can't speak for the rest of my compatriots, I'm firmly in the Mazdaspeed3 camp when it comes to comparing it against the Chevrolet HHR SS, in much the same way that I'm firmly in the Mazda3 camp versus just about any other car in its segment.
In fact, I'd take the Speed3 over the far pricier Mini Cooper Clubman S, too. I've got lots of love for the standard-length Cooper, but I don't feel like the Clubman adds enough utility to justify the awkward looks, questionable door configurations, and extra cost.
Chris Paukert
Editor-In-Chief
Winding Road Magazine // NextAutos
Steve
I agree with the both of you guys. The only other car in segment that I'd even consider against the MS3 is the GTI. It's way down on power vs. the MS, but I think it makes up for that comfortably in other areas. They're just about neck and neck in my eyes. The other car that I'm looking at (and I'm still a little while away from buying) isn't in the same class at all... a lightly used S2k.
I just need to decide if the draw of a two seat, tightly sprung roadster in a city with 360 days of sunshine and glass-smooth roads is stronger than the need for two more seats and real-useability.
Jury's still out on that one...
"There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.”
- Ernest Hemingway
JDickson
Now you speak my language! I also looked at the GTI, but the problem with that car (not sure how much you've looked into it) came when I built one online. Those get expensive very fast! That, combined with the lack of 63 horses on the MS3, as you noted, made it a no brainer for me. The MS3 can run closer to the R32, which is obviously much more expensive than the Mazda.
That said, I'm in between my junior and senior years at college, so your budget constraints and requirements for the car are probably different from my own. As for the S2k? I'd love one, but sadly, as the MS3 is my only car, I need something with seats, luggage, etc., so it's not a possibility. My friend has one, he says it's not that great for year round, but I'm in Seattle, lol. It's a blast when the sun's out, though.
And what city do you speak of when you say "360 days of sunshine and glass smooth roads"? Sounds like heaven to me, haha.
Steve
Yes, the GTI's do get expensive, and quick... But I'd get it 5-door, no nav, no leather, 6-spd, 18" wheels... So, certainly not optioned out. I like the quality, economy, and features of the GTI. The germans always do the little things...
I'm not all that much older than you... But, certainly, having a mortgage/etc has eaten up more of my disposable income than back in my college days.
As to the city... I'm in Phoenix. It's hotter than almighty hell down here right now... But, the rest of the year, it's nothing short of glorious. So... If I was going to have an S2k... This is the city to do it in.
"There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.”
- Ernest Hemingway
Mena
"The other car that I'm looking at (and I'm still a little while away
from buying) isn't in the same class at all... a lightly used S2k."
LOL! You sound like me! The Solstice is my first sports car AND my first convertible. It's massive fun everyday. I thought I was the only one that shopped cars out of class. Suspension is softer than an S2k, FYI.
Dave B.
I drove the Mazdaspeed3 and the GTI, and bought the GTI. I really wanted to like the Mazda, it was faster and handled better than the VW. But the Mazda's interior seemed like a dark black tomb to me. Driving in the sunlight, I require sunglasses, and with sunglasses on I couldn't see the gauges or controls. It was a combination of the tinted windows and having the gauges buried in a tunnel and tinted red, there was no contrast. Take off the sunglasses to see inside, and everything on the other side of the windshield was whiteout city. I also wasn't comfortable with what seemed like a low seat in a tall car, I felt buried in the Mazda. I just couldn't get comfortable in it. Then I got in the VW (dealers were next door) and was immediately comfortable.
My conclusion was that the Mazda was the better performance car but the VW a better daily driver. It was a compromise I could live with.
Darkmistress
Has anyone tried to improve the suspension on the Speed3 and stay within warranty? I can't find parts or articles. At 100+ in the desert with strong cross winds I'm constantly sawing the wheel to stay in my lane. Ground effects really do work- at 130+. Should I be looking for stiffer springs, thicker sway bars? No track action for me, just high speed 2 lane highways when they are mostly empty.
Mena
I would get shocks and springs that are matched. Even some lower end coilovers would be better than just springs. Most aftermarket springs are too soft for the stock shocks and bottom out easily and give that pogo stick ride.