September 26, 2008
FTLOD Comparo:
2007 Sports Compacts
By John LeBlanc

Gallery: 2008 Sports Compacts

If I'm right, think about this, then: For what the federal and Ontario sales taxes would be on that quarter-million-dollar F430, you could own any of these five, front-drive sports compacts. But which one of this quintet will satiate your need for speed without you having to sell your Star Wars collection?

To find out, along with my friends over at EssaiAuto.com, we booked a trip to Calabogie Motorsports Park, just west of Ottawa, Ontario to determine just how much "sport" each of these "compacts" really had.

The winner would be determined by which car racked up the most points in three categories: fastest lap time; power-to-weight ratio; and lowest price. Five points were allocated for first place, all the way down to one point for last. (Non-performance options like sunroofs and trim were not included for pricing purposes.)


Fourth:  2007 Volvo C30 T5 6M - 8 points (tie)

The C30 T5 inherits its terrific driving position and turbocharged 2.5-litre inline-five from the S40 sedan, which it is derived from.

With 218 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque, only the Mazda had a better power-to-weight ratio.

That robust turbo-five, with an optional sport suspension ($3,400) and 225/40 R18 Pirelli P Zero Rossos ($3,852), willed the C30 T5 around the track in 2 minutes, 50 seconds, tying the GTI.

However, to explore the Volvo’s limits further, a more communicative chassis is needed.

And the C30 T5’s numb steering, flabby seats, rubbery six-speed manual shifter and inability to switch its e-nannies off further discouraged spirited driving.

Yes, not as expensive as a Ferrari. But the $39,247 Volvo was the most costly car by $8,552.

Fourth: 2007 Volkswagen GTI 5-door - 8 points (tie)

Although tied with the Volvo for the third fastest lap, the VW was a much more willing partner in doing so.

The GTI’s turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four delivered 207 lb.-ft. of torque evenly and early (from as low as 1800 r.p.m.).

Still, the VW’s 1,409 kg curb weight awarded it the worst power-to-weight number.

Even with an open differential, the $900 225/40 R18 rubber hung tight in Calabogie’s tighter corners.

And there was little torque steer to upset your intentions at the helm.

Regrettably, the GTI’s soft suspension quelled aggressive track manoeuvres. It simply gave up too soon, as did the VW’s brakes.

At $30,895, the VW’s pricing was right in line with the Mazda and Mini.

Third:  2007 Honda Civic Coupe Si - 9 Points

The Honda was the slowest around Calabogie by four seconds. So how did it score third place?

Refinement and value.

Sure, the Si’s 197 hp, 2.0-litre four with its 139 lb.-ft. of torque had to be driven like you stole it. Spinning between 6000 and 8300 r.p.m. was where the Si’s mill liked to play.

On a course with fewer elevation changes, the Civic’s paucity of torque would have made it less vulnerable. Yet, what an easy car to drive.

The shifter was crisp and accurate, pedals were placed well to heel-and-toe shift, and the chassis was supremely balanced.

Want understeer? Stay on the gas. Oversteer? Tap the brakes and the Honda’s rear easily swings into line. And the Si’s standard limited-slip diff moderated wheelspin and torque steer.

It may have had the least bang, but the Honda’s $26,380 sticker also required the fewest bucks.

Second: 2007 Mini Cooper S -10 Points

It had the smallest engine (1.6-litre four) and slightest horsepower (172). But the newly turbocharged Cooper S’s light weight (1,206 kg) delivered a lap time of 2 minutes, 47 seconds — second only to the Mazda around Calabogie’s 5.05 km outer loop.

Forget the numbers. The $30,600 Cooper S was by far the most confidence-inspiring around the tree-lined circuit.

With the Sport button on (speeding up the steering and throttle) and stability control off, the Cooper S’s handling was very predictable. Lift the throttle or brake, and its rear could be gently rotated with little fuss required at the wheel.

At 177 lb.-ft. of torque, only the Civic had less. But the Cooper S’s overboost feature delivered an additional 22 lb.-ft. for a maximum of 10 seconds. On many of the track’s uphill turns, the Mini would simply leave the Honda behind.

First: 2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed3 - 12 Points

With the highest power ratings (263 hp, 280 lb.-ft.) from its turbocharged 2.3-litre four, the Mazdaspeed3 was quickest around the track — nine seconds faster than the Honda. However, it only costs $4,615 more. Enough said, right?

Maybe. Like the C30 T5, getting around the loop in the Mazda wasn’t all chequered flags and applause.

Boost was backed off in the first two gears, and the Mazda’s engine-management computer dialled back the throttle. But every one of those pound-feet still tugged at the Mazda’s front wheels. The six-speed needed a purposeful shove for the 2-3 upshift, and all that lowdown torque meant the party was over in the engine bay at 6000 r.p.m., never mind the 6750 redline.

Okay, it’s no Ferrari. But when it comes to generating the biggest on-track grins for the least amount of green, the Mazdaspeed3 stands alone.

- John LeBlanc, Publisher