The Mazdaspeed3 and Caliber SRT4 have almost 100 more horsepower than the Cooper S, so there’s no question they outperform the Mini in a straight line. It’s not by much, however, thanks to the Mini’s light weight. Mini says the 2007 Cooper S can reach 60 mph from a standstill in 6.7 seconds; the Mazdaspeed3 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds and the SRT4 hits that speed in the low six-second range also, according to Mazda and Dodge, respectively. See the Side-By-Side Compare that we set up of the three cars to compare the numbers, including big ones like price, horsepower, torque and gas mileage ratings.
It’s a close call between the Mazdaspeed3 and Caliber SRT4, as the two fast hatches are direct competitors with almost identical zero to 60 mph times. Back in May 2007, the Mazdaspeed3 bested the Cooper S in our Small and Fast Faceoff. At that time, however, we had not driven the Caliber SRT4. After talking to other Cars.com staffers about the SRT4, though, we think the Mazdaspeed3 should be relatively secure on its throne.
Learn more
The SRT-4 might beat the Mazdaspeed3 in straight line, but who cares? Something can't turn is not a good thing.
The Mazdaspeed3 has a torque sensitive differential, while the Caliber SRT4 has an open differential.
The Mazda is gong to be quicker because it has superior traction.
Is this supposed to be an answer? If that's what this section of the site is about, it's going to be shut down soon. This was totally useless. How about testing the cars and ANSWERING the question? Instead of quoting manufacturers numbers or saying what you guys "think" will win... come one!
Car and Driver, a serious magazine that really tests the car, tested the Mazdaspeed 3 on three opportunities and posted 5.8, 5.4 and 5.6 seconds from 0-60 mph… Go figure!
Nothing in the universe is completely identical. There is a pretty consistant variable in all cars of over a second from one car to another. Add in track and weather conditions, and of course the quality of the 'nut behind the wheel' and 10ths of a second are academic.
That being said, of all the car mags out there, C&D DOES the most extensive, instrumented testing of all the mags.
The Caliber srt dosent have the same handling as the old srt4 version and on my blog there have been 5 mazda 3 speed owners that have sent me photos of their cars with the motor brackets busted and half of the motor trany and the rest on the ground. I dont know but even if the car can turn it dosent do to much good if the D@*^% motor dosent stay in the car
The Caliber srt dosent have the same handling as the old srt4 version and on my blog there have been 5 mazda 3 speed owners that have sent me photos of their cars with the motor brackets busted and half of the motor trany and the rest on the ground. I dont know but even if the car can turn it dosent do to much good if the D@*^% motor dosent stay in the car
forget mazda and doge the subaru impreza wrx sti will smoke them in all aspects of peformance except mpg.
See if your question has already been asked and answered
Your question has been successfully submitted to Ask.cars.com. It will now be reviewed by our editors and we'll answer it soon if we think it's a useful question. You will be notified via e-mail when the answer is posted. Ask.cars.com tackles your questions about new cars and the car-buying process. Unfortunately we can't answer questions regarding:
Have our experts answer any of your questions about new cars.
Don't worry — we won't publish your last name or email.
The Mazda's quality goods. Far better finished than the other two. It's a tangible intangible.