[kllrnohj]

The WRX is 0-60 in 5.5s. You might be thinking of the STI which is 0-60 in 4.7s (STI starts at $37k, too).

But 0-60 is not what defines sportiness, it's the total package including handling and driver engagement & feel.

Case in point: The Miata is one of the all time great sports cars, and it does not accelerate quickly.

[TheSpiceIsLife]

I'm going to definitely agree with that.

The 2005 onward NC model Mazda MX-5 Miata: A test by Car and Driver magazine revealed a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 6.5 s for the 2.0 L (120 cu in) U.S.-spec NC[1]

I suspect the average MX-5 owner is quite happy with the characteristics their vehicle. Hell, I consider my long wheel base turbo diesel VW T5 Transporter quite sport to drive. For a (very basic) camper van.

1. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_MX-5

[drawnwren]

Car and Driver lists the WRX at 4.8 with a launch 5.0 w/o . http://www.caranddriver.com/subaru/wrx Interestingly, they list the STi at 4.7.

Also, the Miata is also widely considered a unique sports car. Sure, handling plays a role - but most people consider Camaros and Trans-Ams sports cars also. If the 3 is as nimble as the miata, it could earn a spot in the sporty list through its agility- but the original post referred to the 3's 0-60 as the reason to consider it sporty. Case in point, no one considers a CRX 'sporty.'

[zwily]

Man, I loved driving my Miata. Easily my second favorite car, after the Model S :)