Mazda 3 Versus The Competition

[AESC]

not all z rated tires are bad in the snow.
i currently run 225/45ZR17 tires on my corolla and they are the best tire i have ever driven in the snow.
they are continential contiextreme contact tires give them a look when you need new tires even on the 3 as those are going to my low profile tire of choice for now on.
check them out on tirerack.com

[Cowtown]

When I bought my Pro5 the V-Spec was just coming out so I could have waited a bit and got it but after finding the interior to be just crap I looked elsewhere.

[ZoomZoomMaximus]

Mazda 3 is the clear winner over all other competition in its class. Here are my takes on each models that I have either owned or driven.

Civic Si
Pros: Nice powertrain. Dash-mounted shifter is joy to operate. Dealers are eager to liquidate.
Cons: Bad exterior styling (looks like miniture Oddysey). Whimpy wheels and tires (15" rims with 195/60 tires) for so called "sporty hatchback".

Ford SVT Focus
Pros: Good chasis. Structure feels sound. Very good performance.
Cons: Domestic stigma. High price (around 19K). Looks over-designed and busy with too many lines and creased inside and out.

Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
Pros: Lot of power and performance for the price.
Cons: Horrible interior design and materials due to recent severe cost cutting by Nissan. Ride is very harsh. Design is getting old after several years since the introducation.


Mazda 3s
Pros: Fantastic styling both inside and out. High quality of interior materials. Super value (high engine output + nice rims and tires + good warranty). Slick shifting action with 5-speed.
Cons: Too much public attention. Finding hand prints all over the windows after parking in public places. Having to say "thanks" to many strangers after they complement on the car. Unfounded hatred from owners of other compact cars.

[mica3speedy]

Sorry for the moldy post . I'm coming from a svt focus (which was totaled) to a mazda 3s. I pick up my 3 tomorrow morning. After test driving the 3s 5-spd my impressions were: The focus "felt" quicker, but actual performance is very similar. The 3 is much quieter, but also feels more isolated. The 3 has a nicer interior. The focus had a 6-spd, but had taller 1st and 2nd gears. I wasn't really able to fully test out the handling of the 3, but it felt solid. The focus will be hard to beat though in this class. Finally, the 3 felt more upscale with some sportyness, while the focus was more sporty. I do feel the 3 has more tunning potential though, but only time will tell. After breaking in the 3 I will do a full handling test.

[beinkken]

congrats, (sortof, sorrry about the accident). I'm sure you'll be happy with the 3 let us know how the handling and power compare to the focus, once you get a chance to break it in a bit

[mica3speedy]

Of course . Everything happens for a reason. I enjoyed the 3 when I test drove it; the fact it's cheaper payments and insurance is a bonus .