Mazdaspeed 3 all the way
If you want a car that has speed, great handling, reliability, and bigger cargo space, I would go for the Mazdaspeed 3. According to Car and Driver, Road & Track, and Edmunds, the Mazdaspeed 3 has always been the first choice out of the cars in the $20,000 range. They've done numerous tests from quarter mile runs to handling. In a quarter mile, this car runs in low 14's along with the 2011 Mustang V-6. Amazingly, a stock Mazdaspeed 3 is quicker than a stock V8 Mustang GT from the year 2009 and below in a quarter mile! Look it up. The V6 Camaro and the GTI are a little bit slower. The V6 Camaro runs mid 14's and the GTI runs high 14's in a quarter mile. The only thing I don't like about the new Mazdaspeed 3 is the style of the car. I like the style of the 2007-2009 way better. It depends what you're looking for. It you don't really care about interior space and handling, I would go for the V6 Mustang and if you want a car with more interior space and better handling through swirly roads, then I would pick the Mazdaspeed 3. FYI, I'm a drummer too and I'm able to fit my 5 piece drum set easily into my 2009 Mazdaspeed 3. The backseats have a lot of head room, which makes it comfortable for people to sit in. I haven't had any problems with the car =). I like how the car looks low key but yet I'm still able to beat a lot of cars and hang on with the flashy looking cars off the line.