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Santorican:
Also to point out that though the Subaru may have AWD, they're great for snow and that's about it.  They're slow in a strait line and they're expensive to modify.  I say either buy the MS3 or a used Neon SRT4.  Trust me you won't go wrong with either two considering I own both lol

"Slow in a strait (I assume you meant "straight") line"

"Great for snow but that's about it"

"Expensive to modify"

Subarus??

Are you kidding?

I guess you don't know much about Subaru's heritage but they're involved in a bit more than driving in snow. But yeah, the Impreza probably doesn't have the heritage of say, the Neon. LOL! (Do some research, buddy)

The aftermarket options for Imprezas is endless, the pricing is comparable to modding other cars. And for some reason Subarus manage to find their way onto "top 10" lists for speed. Heck, "The Stig" from Top Gear managed to get a better track time with an STI than with an Acura NSX and a BMW M3, can't be that slow, eh?

And if Impreza's are so slow, why do they use them as cop cars in Italy and other counties? To let the crooks get away???  

Have you ever driven a Subaru??????I have a stock legacy GT with a 5spd and if you know how to drive a AWD car correctly, and they do require driving skill, they will smoke any SRT4 or MS3 in a strait line. I raced a 2007 Saleen Mustang the other day. 415 hp vs my 250 and I smoked him, and he went up in smoke. It all comes down to knowing how to drive well. If you do, AWD is far superior to FWD every time and any time! And as far as notification, for 600 bucks I can chip my car to push the boost to 15psi and remove the speed limiter which will make it good for 300+ HP and 175MPH top speed with no drama, try that kind of speed in Neon if you dare.  

That was a great story re the Four Seasons GTI.  SO GOOD, in fact, that I am leaning toward leasing one instead of going back to a 328 or 335i from my current X5.  My question is this: do you know how Next Level, on the east side of Pittsburgh, of all places, was chosen to install the ECU chip?  Also, does the long term use of such a chip decrease the lifespan of the engine or the drivetrain?  Thank you!  

Look at this way, the Mazda is a backwards Porsche with one end doing all the work, so unless you're going to fit 265/35-19s in the front it's not going to be fun.

Now the VW 4 can be upgraded to 400hp for about $8k (autobahnperformance.com), but you can get a 3,200 lb. Tiguan 6sp that will fit 255/40-19 Pirelli P Zero Corsas in the front with no modifications, speedometer error, or wheel spin! Now that's ideal.  

Well it is definitely a very hard choice. I too am looking at both the GTI and  the MS3. I have driven both but not in the snow or rain,which is also my concern.  i have heard that the 2010 GTI is going to be a little wider and longer and with 8 more hp. The 2010 MS3 is going to have dual exhaust and is supposed to get rid of the hop in the front suspension when you take off at high speeds. My boss has a MS3 and he says it's horrible in the snow but decsent in the rain. My brother has the GTI and says it's awesome in the snow and the rain. I'm always snowboarding in vermont and I know the GTI is the champ in the snow. The MS3 is no doubt a great reliable car and very fast and can easily be made faster. The GTI is also a great Reliable car and can easily be made almost as fast. Take them both for a test drive. Thats what I'm gonna do I would personally hold out for the 2010 though. I'm also partial to the GTI just from my own experience. Good luck !! Let me know what you decide  

I know VW's have their electrical glitches to worry about, none the less I'm very impressed with the build quality on them.  The last Mazda (Milenia) I was in didn't feel much better than the old GLC Sport I once owned.  Mazda's aren't winning any reliability awards either now are they?    
Austin Cooper

I would say the other factor going in the Mazda's favor is reliability. I somewhat speak from experience. I owned a 2000 GTI VR6, and it was in the shop nearly every other week for something or another.

On the other hand, I'm a current owner of a 2003 Protege 5, which has been relatively trouble-free with one minor exception.

Believe me, I was a sucker for VW's rich interiors and luxurious appointments, but the reliability really let me down. However, I wouldn't hesitate for a minute to buy another Mazda. Just my $0.02 worth.  

Neither would be a good track car because they are both FWD. You need to consider AWD or RWD if you are interested in a track car.Look at the new Mustang,Camaro or Hyundai Genesis coupe.  

09 WRX is the fatest car in the $25k range; especially with the AWD.  Why would you go with something that has FWD(mazdaspeed3)? And the GTI, have fun with the maintenance cost...  

You guys pick the GTI over an MS3? Are you serious!! Because it's more "refined", etc. Yeah never mind the fact that the MS3 literally blows the GTI out of the water in 0-60, 1/4mile and around a race track, etc. Better all around car? The only thing it MIGHT do better is ride smoother and have a nicer interior.. You guys are kidding yourselves or getting paid for this ***

MS3: 0-60 5.5secs    1/4 14.0@ 100

GTI: 0-60 7.0secs    1/4 15.0@ 94


The MS3 is in a different league all together yet the GTI is "better" GIVE ME A BREAK!!!  

Only faster due to AWD, take out the equation MS3 is faster. WRX tranny = crap

MS3 is faster than many AWD and RWD car including the WRX and Genesis Coupe 3.8. 10'
MS3 recently won comparision vs. Genesis Coupe; handles way better!

The MS3 is indeed the best bang for the buck $25k and below, hell it's better than a lot of 30k+ cars.

GTI is a joke in comparison, MS3 is in a whole league above. Some of you live in a fairy tale world.  

Wouldn't be a tough choice for me.  I've had a Mazda in the past nice car but the GTI which i have is an '08 and it is very refined.  Something the Mazda isn't.  Yeah the Mazda may be slightly faster but for a daily driver you'll be really glad if you chose the GTI.  Sweet, Sweet engine, and DSG mazda doesn't know what that is.  Also road noise is low and overall fit and finish of the GTI is superb.  I like Japanese cars but i'll tell you the german engineering is still superior when it comes to performance.  

Couldn't agree more. Just driving them should let anyone know the GTI is a far better put together car.  I've had both, but the GTI is so much more refined inside and out, and who cares it's a little slower, in the end german handling and engineering is ahead of the rest.