Mazda3 as an autocross car
 

What are your opinions on which body style to get for an autocross/daily driver. The car will stay within stock class rules. I am getting the 2.3 L, so I think that will likely go to E Stock, so would the sedan or wagon be a better choice as a dual purpose car.

Generally a sedan is slightly lighter and has a slightly lower center of gravity than an equivelent wagon.

Assuming suspension calibrations are the same, the Sedan would be the better choice for autocross.

I would probably reccommend the sedan as well. Typically, for Autocross you want the lightest car, and the widest wheel (not the tallest). You can fit 225's on a 6" wide wheel. Ideally, you want a 15"x6.5" or 15x7" wheel, anything bigger is pretty much dead weight as far as wheels for autocross are concerned- plus the tires cost more.
However, look at other standard parts to make sure one's not better setup than the other. Stuff like sway bars, strut tower braces, bigger brakes or ABS can make a difference as well.

Just saw the estimated curb-weight for the 3; Its a portly 3050 lbs! :rolleyes:

Makes me think your best bet for a daily-driver/autocross car is a Protege 5 on close out special. ;)

I wonder if platform sharing with Volvo has anything to do with that!!!!!

oh c'mon, all those airbags don't weigh that much :D

I'd be surprised to see it in E-stock. It'd be up against NA MR2s and 1.6l Miatas. Not exactly an easy craowd to beat. I can testify to this personally. :D