Mazda 3 --> a bit more discussion
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Mazda 3 --> a bit more discussion
So I sat in my friend's Mazda 3 Sport (the hatchback) with the 2.3L engine.
It's an interesting car that has a lot of pull to it. When you're going fast, you almost can't really realize it, until the revs start really really screaming at you (at like 6500 rpm or so).
However, I've read WRX owners saying that the car is pretty fast (not as fast as the WRX, no doubt, but no sloucher). I'm wondering if anyone else concurs? I'm mainly debating between the Impreza TS (L) and Impreza 2.5RS to the Mazda 3.
It's an interesting car that has a lot of pull to it. When you're going fast, you almost can't really realize it, until the revs start really really screaming at you (at like 6500 rpm or so).
However, I've read WRX owners saying that the car is pretty fast (not as fast as the WRX, no doubt, but no sloucher). I'm wondering if anyone else concurs? I'm mainly debating between the Impreza TS (L) and Impreza 2.5RS to the Mazda 3.
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From: your friendly neighborhood hairpin
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i test drove a Mazda 3 that hadn't been broken in yet, and it was pretty quick. the manumatic that i drove (the dealers didn't have the manuals yet) picked up pretty well. it wasn't as fast as my WRX, but i'd imagine that it would be pretty close between a 3 and a 2.5RS.
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it certainly is quite a fun little car, no doubt about it. for a FWD car, it handles pretty damn well. i usually don't like FWD handling, but it wasn't bad. the interior is seriously nice for a car in its price range.
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So far reviews seem good. 
I got a chance to sit in it and it was pretty good.
I test drove an EJ22 Impreza TS. Impressive, but didn't really get a chance to really go over 3000 rpm (plus it was auto).
I got a chance to sit in it and it was pretty good.
I test drove an EJ22 Impreza TS. Impressive, but didn't really get a chance to really go over 3000 rpm (plus it was auto).
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dugrant - just make a decision and get one of them already!
=) LOL...
is this the third or fourth discussion of the Mazda3 we've had?
I think it simply comes down to this: AWD or not. period.
because other than AWD, the Mazda3 makes the TS look like an overpriced, underfeatured, outdated econobox.
In fairness, if you can hold off, it would be more fair to compare the 3 with the '05 Subys; I believe they are refreshing the interior, and offering a sunroof. Otherwise, it's not even a fair comparison. Oh, and I'm sure the 3 is faster as well.
=) LOL...
is this the third or fourth discussion of the Mazda3 we've had?
I think it simply comes down to this: AWD or not. period.
because other than AWD, the Mazda3 makes the TS look like an overpriced, underfeatured, outdated econobox.
In fairness, if you can hold off, it would be more fair to compare the 3 with the '05 Subys; I believe they are refreshing the interior, and offering a sunroof. Otherwise, it's not even a fair comparison. Oh, and I'm sure the 3 is faster as well.
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Well, what I'm doing now is saving up and doing a lot of research. I won't be buying any time soon, but because of all my research, I'm aware of the bad wheel bearings and the headgasket issues that Imprezas have. I'm also aware of the Mazda 3's rear brake issue... Yeah, I'm a car nerd. I like cars 
Anyways, I'm more thinking of a used Impreza vs a new Mazda 3. Hence all this comparison stuff.
However, what the EJ22 had that the Mazda 3's engine didn't have was heavy torque down low. In the EJ22 you could really feel it powering the AWD system. In the Mazda 3, power seems in the mid range to higher range of the power band.
Does that sound about right?? Or am I not gettings right?
Anyways, I'm more thinking of a used Impreza vs a new Mazda 3. Hence all this comparison stuff.
However, what the EJ22 had that the Mazda 3's engine didn't have was heavy torque down low. In the EJ22 you could really feel it powering the AWD system. In the Mazda 3, power seems in the mid range to higher range of the power band.
Does that sound about right?? Or am I not gettings right?
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if u want pretty bells and whistles and another 200,000 duplicates of what you got go get the mazda. if u want a "specialty" wagon that makes has the highest re-sale value of any wagon then go subaru. if u want performance potential go subaru. my friend sells mazdas. . . even he will say the same thing. a year from now EVERY mom,pop,grandma and cousin will have those on the street.
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gdogg - I've been feeling the same way about the wrx!
I see a handfull a day, everyday, and the driver's ages span the gamut from young to grandpa/grandma. Yes, there was a thread recently about the wrx being the "next civic." But so what?
Products get popular because they are good. Quality construction+reasonable price=value. When good cars get a good reputation, they get popular. Doesn't make them less good!
The Civic is a solid deal for the money. The Protege was also. Mazda gives you a lot of bang for the buck, they are solid mechanically, and emphasize style and sporty handling. What's not to like?
You can't hate a good song just because it gets overplayed on the radio...
All that being said, I love my WRX! =)
peace,
JAMES
I see a handfull a day, everyday, and the driver's ages span the gamut from young to grandpa/grandma. Yes, there was a thread recently about the wrx being the "next civic." But so what?
Products get popular because they are good. Quality construction+reasonable price=value. When good cars get a good reputation, they get popular. Doesn't make them less good!
The Civic is a solid deal for the money. The Protege was also. Mazda gives you a lot of bang for the buck, they are solid mechanically, and emphasize style and sporty handling. What's not to like?
You can't hate a good song just because it gets overplayed on the radio...
All that being said, I love my WRX! =)
peace,
JAMES
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I guess it depends on budget too
a WRX will simply out perform a Mazda 3. If I had the money, I'd for with a WRX also.
I like to think that the Mazda 3 is the "WRX" of the econo-car segment...
eh, maybe that's pushing it
a WRX will simply out perform a Mazda 3. If I had the money, I'd for with a WRX also.
I like to think that the Mazda 3 is the "WRX" of the econo-car segment...
eh, maybe that's pushing it
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From: Good Ol' LA
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geez how can yo compare a wrx to a mazda 3... whats next wrx vs kia (any model). or how bout a focus vs STI hmmm i got one 1979 doo doo brown celica vs wrx... come on lets compare apples with apples...'
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So I just test drove a Mazda 3 GS (with the 2.0L engine).
I'd have to say it definitely has more kick than an EJ22 Impreza TS. It also eats corners really well.
I'd have to say it definitely has more kick than an EJ22 Impreza TS. It also eats corners really well.