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Can you tell which one is the 335i ($51,400 CAD) and 323i ($34,900 CAD)?

The Acura CSX Type S, MazdaSpeed3, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, and BMW 335i are all fine cars. They have good performance, above average handling, and somewhat upscale. There is only one thing common amongst them – all of these sought-after cars have a base variant with low MSRP. A bare-bone version with a lucrative price that suddenly made them affordable to more individuals.

In a way, having a low entry price is a good thing for those who are considering the base models. How about for people of are planning to get the upper-end model?

MazdaSpeed3

The MazdaSpeed3 is high performance version of the best-selling Mazda3 Sport. Compared to the base model, the Speed3 offers a more powerful engine, better wheels, sport-tuned suspension, some minor cosmetic changes like the hood air intake, MazdaSpeed3 badging, and more. All of these extras are nice upgrades – for a steep price. With an MSRP of $33,995 CAD, the MazdaSpeed3 is more than twice the price of a base Mazda3 Sport ($15,995 CAD). Keep in mind that a lot of the parts are being shared between the two models. Quality of the shared parts and materials may raise a red flag for the MazdaSpeed3. And I might want to get two Mazda3 Sports instead of a single Speed3.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Few would doubt the performance capability of the Mitsubishi Evo. With an MSRP of $41,998 CAD, the Evo costs more than some of the BMWs and Mercedes. (That may explain why I see more 323i and C230/C250 on Toronto streets) The performance and respect an Evo owner deserves does not come cheap – the Evo is 2.6 times the price of a base Lancer DE, which runs at $15,998 CAD. Again, having a $42k car that shares parts with a $16k one doesn’t make me feel good. Another observation: Have you noticed a lot of modified Lancers that look like the Evo?

BMW 335i

Trying to distinguish a 335i from a 323i from the front is not an easy task. One can tell by looking at the dual exhaust pipes from the rear (323i and 328i have single exhaust pipes); the wheels are bigger for the 335i; Appearance wise, the 335i looks pretty similar to the base 323i. In fact, the biggest difference is in the engine. The 335i offers more power and  much more low-end torque than the base 323i. Judging from the number of 323i on the streets vs the 335i, most people do not mind taking a couple of seconds longer to go from 0 – 100 km/h. Or is it because the 335i costs $16,500 (1.5 times) more than the 323i? Or is it because a de-badged 323i with minor mods would look almost identical to a 335i?

Acura CSX Type S

The CSX Type S is the most interesting of the bunch – the CSX is the Japanese version of Honda Civic. Canadians have the luxury to purchase a North American Honda Civic that is made in Ontario, Canada, or we can get a Japanese version re-badged as Acura CSX. The CSX Type S sells for $29,990 CAD, whereas the base Civic is $15,990 CAD. The CSX has a better engine, leather seats and all, but I don’t think I can ever justify paying almost double for that.

Would you buy a BMW 335i, or a 323i AND a Mazda3 Sport for the same price?

(Answer: The left car in the photo is a BMW 323i.)