06-09-2007, 07:27 PM | #1 |
Realist
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VW GTI vs Mazdaspeed 3
As a day to day commuter, which one would you pick and why?
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06-09-2007, 08:21 PM | #2 |
redefined
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mazdaspeed3
I don't like VWs |
06-09-2007, 08:27 PM | #3 |
195
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Haven't driven the Mazda. I hear it's a hoot. I'm not a fan of the Mazda3's styling, and the interior doesn't do anything for me. OTOH, I like the way the GTI looks (inside and out) quite a bit.
It would come down to the drive. From everything I've read, and from the spec sheets, the 3 is the better car. Better enough to overcome the homely styling? Dunno. |
06-09-2007, 08:47 PM | #4 |
Realist
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When will Mazda turn over the 3 models? In 2 years?
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06-10-2007, 12:14 AM | #5 |
Jeeped
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I've driven an '03 or '04 GTI VR6 before. The styling was tight, clean, and buttoned down. The interior was surprisingly nice. But despite the V6 it seemed really wheezy. The shifter sucked on it, very vague, very tall, long throws and you didn't really get much of sense of what was happening down in the gear box.
I've not driven a newer GTI. Perhaps they are better? I've not driving the Mazdaspeed3 but I"ve driven other Mazdas and based on those experiences I have a fair amount of confidence in Mazda's ability to build a fun car. And everything I've read regarding hot hatch shoot outs confirms this with the Speed3 coming out on top. Then there's the specs, too. The Speed3 is lighter than the GTI, has more horsepower, significantly more torque, higher top speed (if that's important?), and a torsen LSD. Although, one review was whining and complaining about the Mazdaspeed3. The problem: too much power. VW GTI w/ 2.0L Turbo 4 cyl. 200 hp @ 5100 rpm 207 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm 3255 lb. (16.3 lb/hp power-to-weight ratio) 0-60 = 6.4 sec 1/4 m = 15.0 sec Top speed = 130 mph Mazdaspeed3 w/ 2.3L Turbo 4 cyl. 263 hp @ 5500 rpm 280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm 3064 lb. (11.6 lb/hp lb/hp power-to-weight ratio) 0-60 = 6.1 sec Top speed = 155 mph Comes with torsen LSD
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06-10-2007, 10:39 AM | #6 | |
195
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Quote:
The 2.0T is a much better engine, and the new chassis is far more responsive than the old. Whether it's better than a Speed3 I can't say (probably not), but it's light-years better than the Golf/GTI IV. |
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06-10-2007, 05:38 PM | #7 |
.
Join Date: Mar 2004
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The GTI weighs 3255 lbs?? Did they use a solid lead engine block?
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06-10-2007, 06:48 PM | #8 |
Western Anomaly
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i don't understand either.
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06-12-2007, 04:57 PM | #9 |
Old Fart
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GTI for dash stroking. Driving a econo car daily gets old when you are sitting in traffic no matter how fast it is(yes I have been in a mazda 3 and the interior is econo car to me). But I guess it depends on your commute...
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06-12-2007, 04:58 PM | #10 |
Old Fart
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