After a lot of research into which car I should get, I have narrowed my options down to an 2003-04 VW Golf GTi or Mazda 3 SP23 (hatch).

I've driven the Mazda 3 2.0L, and it was nice to drive, but didn't have much power, though the 2.3L SP23 is a bit better. Obviously the Golf is quicker, and will also give the greatest performance gains for the least money, though I'm not sure how it compares in other ways (servicing/parts costs, safety etc). I plan on doing a fair few performance mods over time, and I'm not sure if I'll be able to get the 3's performance at all close to the Golf's without turboing it... I don't mind putting money into the car but I want to see the benefits, not just have an impresive parts list.

Obviously you will all tell me to get the Golf, but I would appreciate it if you could give me some good reasons for it

Having owned both Mazda's and new VW's I'd say that it would come down to personal preference, you really can't go wrong on what you choose to buy. It all really depends on what you want to use it for and how hungry you are for power. I am also in the market for a new car, need something a little bigger than a bug to accomodate a baby seat, was looking at the Jetta Turbo but am prob going to buy the SP23 sedan

put your pennies towards the Mazda3 MPS.
These things go harder then the GTI golfs, don't look to bad either. one thing though is that the Golf GTI feels like it is built much stronger then the mazda.. the Golf gives you a safer feeling.

hello ,
I have looked at the Mazda 3, and I was almost fooled at first but in my opinion it is crappy.
I have not seen a new GTI close up but I would say based on previous model Golfs it would be way ahead in build quality.

Does anyone have any idea what a 5000k service would cost for a Golf GTi? I have a feeling my decision is going to come down to service/parts costs vs performance...

First service is at 15000km

I was tossing up between the top spec sp23 hatch and the comfortline golf 2.0 tdi. Chose the golf, tons better build quality, everything is much simpler to use, the dsg is awesome, tons better than the "activematic" in the sp23, and plus the tdi absolutely smashes fuel economy compared to the mazda.

The new Golf GT 2.0tdi is a nice little car to. solid like the rest of the golfs, punchy like the GTI but it's also a turbo diesel which has a pretty good fuel consumption usage

Tayls is comparing a 2003-04 Golf GTI, which makes it a Mark IV, not the current model.

In that regard the Mazda SP23 just might be better, don't know, haven't driven either.

Having said that, I have just clocked up 30K in my Mark V Golf GTI and it is absolutely fantastic. Good build quality, great performance, terrific DSG box etc etc.

Save your pennies and get one of them!