A Calgary dealer told me today that the Mazdaspeed 6's have landed in Vancouver and should be in Calgary within 1-1/2 to 2 weeks. The dealer has the serial numbers now. That is the Canadian update anyway.
Just more non-news. I stopped by my local (Murray, Utah) Mazda dealer yesterday and the service dept said the Speed6 should be here "soon". Man!
I did see a nice fold-out advertisement for the Speed6 in one of the automotive magazines (I don't remember if it was Motor Trend or C&D). The ad touted "274 HP", so I guess Mazda is sticking with that rating. Before, the 274 was "targeted" HP, and with the misinformation about the RX-8's HP (when it first came out), I wonder if Mazda has done their homework to make sure the numbers are accurate. Didn't Mazda offer to buy back RX-8's from customers who expected 250 HP instead of the actual 238?
Bring it on! Now, if we could get some photos or at least an artist's rendering of the Speed3.
Mazdaspeed 6's have landed in Vancouver A dealership in Ottawa, Canada is quoting the base four door sedan (manual/274 hp/280 torque) at C$36,000 and nearly C$3K for the leather+moonroof option.
This compares favourably with the 2005 Mazda6 Sport 6 cylinder (manual/220 hp/192 torque) listed at C$33,000; the 6 speed automatic comes in at C$34,300.
The Acura TL (270hp /238 torque) lists at C$41K for the base which includes leather and moonroof.
Do you guys recall the sedan came out first, and the wagon and 5 door took about a year or so before they were out? Man, I saw the car at the NY Auto show, wagon and 5 door formats, and they weren't for sale for over 2 years after that! Talk about a delayed debut...
... being OVER A YEAR LATE to market! Hmmm ... September 2004: Mazdaspeed6 unveiled in Paris as a future offering. audia8q (aka Rich, our friendly Mazda dealer) posted a year ago (Oct/04) that he would be taking orders and that production would start in January 2005 in Japan. The fire in one of Mazda's Hiroshima plants may have disrupted these plans. Based on that information, I was expecting the car to be ready at the earliest this spring around April or more likely a little later (June) and in Canada, a month after that. So I guess, my expectations were not that far off. The whole premise of marketing is to create demand, so having us still salivating a year later means it worked.
Talked to dealer in Minneapolis area - she has 2 inbound with VIN & options - said they should be here "any day now" Would be nice to test drive this weekend. (White with white/black interior & crystal gray with black - both the GTs)
That works to some extent, but the body style might seem a bit old by the time it finally gets here.
I believe the debut was in April 2002 at the NY auto show. So we're finally getting the tuner edition of that car about 3.5 years after its debut. The styling no longer seems fresh (not that it looks bad).
I believe the debut was in April 2002 at the NY auto show. Curious, when I check Edmunds' "Shows and Events" the 2002 NY autoshow was featuring the Mazdaspeed Protege not the Mazdaspeed 6. In the same place, Edmunds shows the Mazdaspeed being featured in Paris in 2004:
The Speed, yes, I meant the Mazda6 sedan body itself. It was first shown in '02, and besides darker tail lights and trim is looks pretty much the same.
The whole premise of marketing is to create demand, so having us still salivating a year later means it worked.
Well, yes and no...
Although you and I are still salivating, there were a lot of potential buyers that were expecting the MS6 a year ago, and due to circumstances beyond their control, or due to sheer impatience, they spent their money elsewhere, notably to a Legacy GT or A4.
Trust me, If I was in that situation, and the release dates were constantly being pushed back (which they were), I'd get pissed too!
The least Mazda could do was to hold the sticker price down to their original estimate (which they did), and hope and pray that the MS6 lives up to the hype and show that the never-ending "delays" and "excuses" were worth it!
I personally don't think the MS6 will disappoint, but expectations usually rise with time...
Considering that the Mazda6 4 cylinder manual gets 23/31 MPG and the 6 cylinder manual gets 19/26 MPG (both statistics from Edmunds) what are your predictions for the Mazdaspeed6? If the numbers are somewhere in the range of 18/24 or less would you still consider the model? Being a niche vehicle, most of us would not expect too many to be sold, but the increase in fuel prices may make this type of vehicle especially hard to push into the current market.
19/25 is the mpg Thanks Rich. Are those "predicted" by Mazda or as "tested" by the EPA or do they both use the same numbers? I realize that neither of these constitute real world numbers so I won't go there.
I think Mazda wanted to address the issue of turbo lag, so they have a relatively big 4 banger (2.3l) with short gearing. That doesn't tend to get great EPA numbers. If you stay off boost and short-shift it might not be bad, but with addictive power I bet people get 17-19 mpg regularly.
That's how it is for Subaru. If you have discipline and stay out of the boost, some people report 23 mpg or better averages with the 2.5T engine. But drive hard and there's no way you'll break 20.
if EPA mileage is a priority, you're probably not going to end up buying this car
Agreed. The Mazdaspeed 6 is interesting but ... there are other choices in the marketplace and the current fever over fuel economy is shaking things up for many prospective buyers. Honda seems better positioned in this scenario; its Accord Hybrid not only bumps up the horsepower but also saves fuel. High output / low fuel usage seems like the obvious formula for the future.
The Mazdaspeed 6 has many merits but will its intended buyers hesitate when they consider the prospect of $4+ for a gallon of premium fuel for a vehicle delivering 20/21 mpg in mixed driving?
The Accord Hybrid won't handle nearly as well as the AWD MazdaSpeed model. The batteries have got to weight that thing down, in fact I wonder if the regular Accord handles better.
In addition to better handling (I assume), the MS6 also has AWD, and a 6spd m gearbox, which makes it an entirely different car and, therefore, not comparable to the Hybrid Honda.
A more comparable car, albeit arguably comparitive, is the new Honda sedan with the 3.0L 6 and 6 spd m and FWD only. It takes regular and does 30mpg on the highway. According to Edmunds, it doesn't handle great and the brakes are not great, but it does finally come with a 6spd m (thank you honda!). However, this Accord remains a very practical car that does a lot of things well and will appeal to the practical guy or gal.
The MS 6 on the other hand is a 4 door sedan with AWD and a turbo making 276 horses. Obviously the goal here is performance. You're gonna be hard pressed to find a car like this that gets great mileage. You can't have your cake and eat it too.
The Honda, of course is the more practical car, no doubt, but its certainly not going to be the most fun car to drive.
The Mazdaspeed6 has a powerful engine delivering gobs of torque for a reasonable price; but it's much heavier than its V6 sibling and shows not only poor MPG but requires premium fuel. Those with money to burn will revel in the turbo technology of the MS6; what a rush for the price!
The Accord Hybrid, on the other hand, is no slacker in performance (but without the turbo's oomph). The Hybrid not only uses regular fuel but it averages 50% better MPG performance than the turbo (33 mpg compared to 23 mpg).
Will they both survive in the current marketplace? Well, methinks, one likely will, the other might.
I HIGHLY doubt that a shopper looking at an Accord Hybrid would also be looking at the MS6, and vice versa...
Well, as a shopper, I am looking at both. My brother is in the market and I have been telling him about the Mazdaspeed6 for a while; when the fuel prices peaked earlier this summer the Accord V6 Hybrid entered the discussion. Both cars are priced similarly and share some hp specs so I don't see this as completely outlandish. His current commuter is a Camry V6, so either of these will boost his drive but one will burn a bigger hole in his pocket with current gas prices. Canadian fuel prices are not as high as those in Europe but are higher than those in the US (add close to a dollar per gallon for discussion). One of the reasons Canadians love the Mazda3 is because it delivers both a fabulous drive and good fuel economy proving you can have your cake and eat it too!
Finally, I agree with you that test driving both cars will make some decisions a lot easier to make.
I think cross shopping the Accord hybrid and the MS6 is like cross shopping a car vs. a truck. Or a coupe vs. a sedan. I think once you decide what you really want in the car one of them will drop off the radar immediately. Objectively you can cross shop anything, but once you use your emotions, it's likely again that one will fall off the radar. I don't know that buying a $30k Accord will save you any money (if that is part of the point in buying one) unless you keep it a while, so it's more of a statement from my point of view. The Accord is a "I care about the environment car but I'm not really saving any money" car and the MS6 is more "I care about the environment in that I need to leave some rubber on it".
If you have very few requirements or are undecided, cross shopping the two may be possible.
I'd personally consider it (the 6), and others such as RX-8, WRX, G35 whatever, Sub Legacy, even a mustang. Accord V6 hybrid never crossed my mind. But I haven't narrowed down what I really want yet.
OK, if I were truly shopping for a sport sedan for myself, my top two would be the MS6 and the Legacy GT. No question.
Price has a lot to do with it, I'd put a cap at maybe $30k, probably lower. And I like equipment, so no stripped German sedans. A 325i the way I'd want it would be more like $38 grand, so that's out. Audi too, I could not even get an A3 for my price cap the way I'd want it (Quattro, DSG, sport package).
I might also consider a G35 or G35x, but the x only comes in automatic and I'd have to sacrifice a few options.
IS250? Maybe, might be over the price limit.
TL and TSX are FWD, and I've driven a TL and it's not single-purpose enough.
EVO - would be on the list, but the seats are a tight squeeze. STI also, but it might be too stiff for my purposes. WRX Limited, maybe, but again I prefer the Leg GT's size and livability.
But no, no hybrids would be on my cross-shop list if what I wanted was a sports sedan. It kind of goes in the opposite direction.
"In what appears to be an effort to keep the manufacturers from jumping ship and forming their own race series, FIA is exploring ways to make Formula One racing more interesting and more relevant. Technology that is becoming quite common in passenger vehicles (such as stability control) will be banned in an effort to remove technology that directly helps the driver control the car. Downforce may also be limited, while aerodynamic devices that are configurable on-the-fly may be allowed. But most significantly is the hint that energy recovery devices may be allowed. You heard correctly - hybrid technology may soon be coming to the world's highest level of racing."
Interesting. Car is not available yet-at least in my market area-- and Mazda USA web site has a lease deal on it. Probably have to extend that Oct 31 deadline. --------------------------------------
2006 MAZDASPEED6 Sport $339/Month, 36-Month Lease, $3,784 due at Lease Signing after $2,450 cash back. Includes 1st Month’s Payment, Acquisition Fee and Security Deposit. Excludes taxes, title and fees. (**) (*) The Amount due at Lease Signing is higher in Kentucky ($4,455) (**) Not all lessees will qualify for lowest payment through Mazda American Credit. Some payments higher, some lower based on residency and other factors. Lessee responsible for excess wear and mileage over 36,000 at $0.15/mile. Total payments of $12,204. Purchase option at lease end for $13,468. Take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 10/31/05. See participating dealer for qualifications.
It will be front wheel drive, not AWD. The trim packages on the Mazdaspeed 6 are different in Canada than in the US. I'll have to double check, but I but I belive there is only one trim level and options in Canada. Coul dbe wrong. I'll get back to you on that.
Here is a re-post of my original post which was taken down because of my use of naughty language.
#440 of 442 I just drove it by groovypippin Oct 19, 2005 (5:11 pm)
My old man's dealership in beautiful British Columbia, Canada just received his first Mazdaspeed 6 yesterday. It was PDI's today and we took it for a spin.
Holy POOP is this thing fast! Blows the doors off of anything Mazda has ever sold, with the execption of the twin turbo RX-7. Tremendously fun. Handles great. Nice shifter feel. With an amazingly compliant ride for the handling it delivers.
Will stick you to your seat like crazy glue in 2nd and 3rd. Didn't take it out on the highway yet. Maybe in a day or two.
He's got two more on the way this week from port. This one is silver - very nice colour - with black and red on the way. They look great in person, both inside and out.
Could not get the grin off my face the entire time.
By the way, the Mazdaspeed 3 will be on dealers's lots next June. That's the latest. Looking at 240 HP in that version. I have my name on one already.
If you're right, I'd be a happy, happy man in June. I love the Mazda3 but don't dig on the lack of power. Giving that little car some power would make it nigh perfect. An LSD or preferably AWD would help matters too.
One issue - Mazda tends to lag on releases. The Mazdaspeed6 is extremely late to the party. My lease on my 330i is up in May (23) of 06 so I'm sure I can get BMW to give me a month or two more. Hopefully...
The Mazdaspeed6 is really, really heavy - almost 800 lbs heavier than the Mazda3.
A Mazda3, in my experience, offers a more enjoyable driving experience than a Mazda6. The interior's roomier and more comfortable. I prefer the dash/seat/shifter ergonomics in the 3 and the hatch is extremely useful.
Now do the math. Lets say the Mazdaspeed3 gets up to 2900 lbs. With 240 hp that's 12.08 pounds per HP. That's a pretty good power to weight ratio. The Mazdaspeed6 in comparison is 13.13.
If you're really cross-shopping these two cars you must not have a clear idea of what you want. The Mazdaspeed6 has AWD and will run circles around the Accord Hybrid. The Hybrid will get about 50% better gas mileage than the MS6. The Accord Hybrid is a tree-hugger's delight and the Mazdaspeed6 is balls-to-the-walls sports sedan.
dows the speed 6 have different seats than the regular 6? I don't find the regular ones comfortable, and was wondering if the speed version might be better.
That you got to see & drive one already I can't wait... I am really looking forward to seeing/driving the MS6. Although I hope my expectations aren't too high. I test drove the IS250 AWD last Friday & came away impressed, yet underimpressed ... Hard to state. The car was nice but it didn't have the soul that I like in a car. Also, for the price it should have features that other cars have in its class (bluetooth and sat radio are the two biggies for me). I can forgive the MS6 for not having BT as it isn't in the same luxo-sport class... it's more sport with some luxury As long as it has a soul & is fun... like my P5 on steroids with AWD -- that'd be perfect! The dealer in St Cloud has two coming in - and one is the white pearl (white is my favorite color). Counting down the days till my phone rings & the saleswoman says they've arrived (BTW - I wonder if the MS6 will have folding outside mirrors since they are built in Japan. The US built ones do not, which I find disconcerting... afterall, the 3 has em.)
Yes, the seats are different. Much more bolstering. I wasn't in the car for all that long, but I found them very comfortable.
Wayde:
I'll have to take another look at the car, but I don't think it had folding side mirrors.
Here is a bit more detail:
Likes:
Alloy Wheels Rear end (very agressive - especially dual exhaust through the bumper) Interior finish (esp. the carbon fibre finish on the dash - nice) Shifter feel Prodigious braking! Steering feel handling
I was bummed it won't have AWD. That thing is gonna have some wicked torque steer.
If they just wanted more power, they should have just used the Miata's engine, or maybe a similarly tuned 2.3l engine. Look how quick and efficient the Miata is.
I think if they want to shoot for a budget MS3, do it without turbos. The turbo really should have AWD and be a "no excuses" model.
The Mazda3 is fun but without a turbo it's really quite slow. I'd be going from a 0-60 in 5.9/5.6 seconds car to 8. seconds. That's a massive increase.
Comments
I did see a nice fold-out advertisement for the Speed6 in one of the automotive magazines (I don't remember if it was Motor Trend or C&D). The ad touted "274 HP", so I guess Mazda is sticking with that rating. Before, the 274 was "targeted" HP, and with the misinformation about the RX-8's HP (when it first came out), I wonder if Mazda has done their homework to make sure the numbers are accurate. Didn't Mazda offer to buy back RX-8's from customers who expected 250 HP instead of the actual 238?
Bring it on! Now, if we could get some photos or at least an artist's rendering of the Speed3.
- Greg
A dealership in Ottawa, Canada is quoting the base four door sedan (manual/274 hp/280 torque) at C$36,000 and nearly C$3K for the leather+moonroof option.
This compares favourably with the 2005 Mazda6 Sport 6 cylinder (manual/220 hp/192 torque) listed at C$33,000; the 6 speed automatic comes in at C$34,300.
The Acura TL (270hp /238 torque) lists at C$41K for the base which includes leather and moonroof.
Same ol', same ol'.
-juice
Hmmm ... September 2004: Mazdaspeed6 unveiled in Paris as a future offering. audia8q (aka Rich, our friendly Mazda dealer) posted a year ago (Oct/04) that he would be taking orders and that production would start in January 2005 in Japan. The fire in one of Mazda's Hiroshima plants may have disrupted these plans. Based on that information, I was expecting the car to be ready at the earliest this spring around April or more likely a little later (June) and in Canada, a month after that. So I guess, my expectations were not that far off. The whole premise of marketing is to create demand, so having us still salivating a year later means it worked.
(White with white/black interior & crystal gray with black - both the GTs)
I believe the debut was in April 2002 at the NY auto show. So we're finally getting the tuner edition of that car about 3.5 years after its debut. The styling no longer seems fresh (not that it looks bad).
-juice
Curious, when I check Edmunds' "Shows and Events" the 2002 NY autoshow was featuring the Mazdaspeed Protege not the Mazdaspeed 6. In the same place, Edmunds shows the Mazdaspeed being featured in Paris in 2004:
http://www.edmunds.com/news/autoshow/articles/103045/page004.html?tid=edmunds.e.autoshow..- - leftnav.5.*
-juice
Well, yes and no...
Although you and I are still salivating, there were a lot of potential buyers that were expecting the MS6 a year ago, and due to circumstances beyond their control, or due to sheer impatience, they spent their money elsewhere, notably to a Legacy GT or A4.
Trust me, If I was in that situation, and the release dates were constantly being pushed back (which they were), I'd get pissed too!
The least Mazda could do was to hold the sticker price down to their original estimate (which they did), and hope and pray that the MS6 lives up to the hype and show that the never-ending "delays" and "excuses" were worth it!
I personally don't think the MS6 will disappoint, but expectations usually rise with time...
p.s. the RX8 currently is rated at 18/24.
Thanks Rich. Are those "predicted" by Mazda or as "tested" by the EPA or do they both use the same numbers? I realize that neither of these constitute real world numbers so I won't go there.
wayde....not yet, but two are at the port....I expect them next week.
-juice
That's how it is for Subaru. If you have discipline and stay out of the boost, some people report 23 mpg or better averages with the 2.5T engine. But drive hard and there's no way you'll break 20.
-juice
Agreed. The Mazdaspeed 6 is interesting but ... there are other choices in the marketplace and the current fever over fuel economy is shaking things up for many prospective buyers. Honda seems better positioned in this scenario; its Accord Hybrid not only bumps up the horsepower but also saves fuel. High output / low fuel usage seems like the obvious formula for the future.
The Mazdaspeed 6 has many merits but will its intended buyers hesitate when they consider the prospect of $4+ for a gallon of premium fuel for a vehicle delivering 20/21 mpg in mixed driving?
-juice
A more comparable car, albeit arguably comparitive, is the new Honda sedan with the 3.0L 6 and 6 spd m and FWD only. It takes regular and does 30mpg on the highway. According to Edmunds, it doesn't handle great and the brakes are not great, but it does finally come with a 6spd m (thank you honda!). However, this Accord remains a very practical car that does a lot of things well and will appeal to the practical guy or gal.
The MS 6 on the other hand is a 4 door sedan with AWD and a turbo making 276 horses. Obviously the goal here is performance. You're gonna be hard pressed to find a car like this that gets great mileage. You can't have your cake and eat it too.
The Honda, of course is the more practical car, no doubt, but its certainly not going to be the most fun car to drive.
Model ---------- Invoice -------- HP&Torque ---- Weight ----- EPA ---- Avg -- Fuel -
Mazdaspd6 ---- U$26 --------- 274 / 280 ------- 3589# ------- 19/26 --- 23? -- premium
Mazda6 V6 ---- U$21.5 ------ 220 / 192 ------- 3287# ------- 19/26 --- 23? -- regular
Acc Hyb V6 --- U$27 ------ 255 / 232 ------- 3500# ------- 29/37 --- 33? -- regular
So what does this show?
The Mazdaspeed6 has a powerful engine delivering gobs of torque for a reasonable price; but it's much heavier than its V6 sibling and shows not only poor MPG but requires premium fuel. Those with money to burn will revel in the turbo technology of the MS6; what a rush for the price!
The Accord Hybrid, on the other hand, is no slacker in performance (but without the turbo's oomph). The Hybrid not only uses regular fuel but it averages 50% better MPG performance than the turbo (33 mpg compared to 23 mpg).
Will they both survive in the current marketplace? Well, methinks, one likely will, the other might.
carsdirect lists the mazdaspeed6 with 1500 off msrp too. at least for my area.
Well, as a shopper, I am looking at both. My brother is in the market and I have been telling him about the Mazdaspeed6 for a while; when the fuel prices peaked earlier this summer the Accord V6 Hybrid entered the discussion. Both cars are priced similarly and share some hp specs so I don't see this as completely outlandish. His current commuter is a Camry V6, so either of these will boost his drive but one will burn a bigger hole in his pocket with current gas prices. Canadian fuel prices are not as high as those in Europe but are higher than those in the US (add close to a dollar per gallon for discussion). One of the reasons Canadians love the Mazda3 is because it delivers both a fabulous drive and good fuel economy proving you can have your cake and eat it too!
Finally, I agree with you that test driving both cars will make some decisions a lot easier to make.
Also, my zip here in Minneapolis shows full MSRP on carsdirect
What area are you in BGDC?
If you have very few requirements or are undecided, cross shopping the two may be possible.
I'd personally consider it (the 6), and others such as RX-8, WRX, G35 whatever, Sub Legacy, even a mustang. Accord V6 hybrid never crossed my mind. But I haven't narrowed down what I really want yet.
Price has a lot to do with it, I'd put a cap at maybe $30k, probably lower. And I like equipment, so no stripped German sedans. A 325i the way I'd want it would be more like $38 grand, so that's out. Audi too, I could not even get an A3 for my price cap the way I'd want it (Quattro, DSG, sport package).
I might also consider a G35 or G35x, but the x only comes in automatic and I'd have to sacrifice a few options.
IS250? Maybe, might be over the price limit.
TL and TSX are FWD, and I've driven a TL and it's not single-purpose enough.
EVO - would be on the list, but the seats are a tight squeeze. STI also, but it might be too stiff for my purposes. WRX Limited, maybe, but again I prefer the Leg GT's size and livability.
But no, no hybrids would be on my cross-shop list if what I wanted was a sports sedan. It kind of goes in the opposite direction.
-juice
It may be politically incorrect, vooch, but it's got a ring to it!
atexeira, here's an extract speculating on the future of racing machines:
http://www.autoblog.com/entry/1234000247050455/
"In what appears to be an effort to keep the manufacturers from jumping ship and forming their own race series, FIA is exploring ways to make Formula One racing more interesting and more relevant. Technology that is becoming quite common in passenger vehicles (such as stability control) will be banned in an effort to remove technology that directly helps the driver control the car. Downforce may also be limited, while aerodynamic devices that are configurable on-the-fly may be allowed. But most significantly is the hint that energy recovery devices may be allowed. You heard correctly - hybrid technology may soon be coming to the world's highest level of racing."
--------------------------------------
2006 MAZDASPEED6 Sport $339/Month, 36-Month Lease, $3,784 due at Lease Signing after $2,450 cash back. Includes 1st Month’s Payment, Acquisition Fee and Security Deposit. Excludes taxes, title and fees. (**) (*) The Amount due at Lease Signing is higher in Kentucky ($4,455) (**) Not all lessees will qualify for lowest payment through Mazda American Credit. Some payments higher, some lower based on residency and other factors. Lessee responsible for excess wear and mileage over 36,000 at $0.15/mile. Total payments of $12,204. Purchase option at lease end for $13,468. Take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 10/31/05. See participating dealer for qualifications.
-juice
Any idea if the Speed3 is FWD?
- Greg
June of 2006 for the Mazdaspeed 3.
Kronogoose:
It will be front wheel drive, not AWD. The trim packages on the Mazdaspeed 6 are different in Canada than in the US. I'll have to double check, but I but I belive there is only one trim level and options in Canada. Coul dbe wrong. I'll get back to you on that.
Here is a re-post of my original post which was taken down because of my use of naughty language.
#440 of 442 I just drove it by groovypippin Oct 19, 2005 (5:11 pm)
My old man's dealership in beautiful British Columbia, Canada just received his first Mazdaspeed 6 yesterday. It was PDI's today and we took it for a spin.
Holy POOP is this thing fast! Blows the doors off of anything Mazda has ever sold, with the execption of the twin turbo RX-7. Tremendously fun. Handles great. Nice shifter feel. With an amazingly compliant ride for the handling it delivers.
Will stick you to your seat like crazy glue in 2nd and 3rd. Didn't take it out on the highway yet. Maybe in a day or two.
He's got two more on the way this week from port. This one is silver - very nice colour - with black and red on the way. They look great in person, both inside and out.
Could not get the grin off my face the entire time.
By the way, the Mazdaspeed 3 will be on dealers's lots next June. That's the latest. Looking at 240 HP in that version. I have my name on one already.
One issue - Mazda tends to lag on releases. The Mazdaspeed6 is extremely late to the party. My lease on my 330i is up in May (23) of 06 so I'm sure I can get BMW to give me a month or two more. Hopefully...
A Mazda3, in my experience, offers a more enjoyable driving experience than a Mazda6. The interior's roomier and more comfortable. I prefer the dash/seat/shifter ergonomics in the 3 and the hatch is extremely useful.
Now do the math. Lets say the Mazdaspeed3 gets up to 2900 lbs. With 240 hp that's 12.08 pounds per HP. That's a pretty good power to weight ratio. The Mazdaspeed6 in comparison is 13.13.
Regardless, I still want to drive a Mazdaspeed6.
If you're really cross-shopping these two cars you must not have a clear idea of what you want. The Mazdaspeed6 has AWD and will run circles around the Accord Hybrid. The Hybrid will get about 50% better gas mileage than the MS6. The Accord Hybrid is a tree-hugger's delight and the Mazdaspeed6 is balls-to-the-walls sports sedan.
Though the Mazdaspeed6 is heavier, no doubt it moves ... balls and all! :surprise:
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I can't wait... I am really looking forward to seeing/driving the MS6. Although I hope my expectations aren't too high. I test drove the IS250 AWD last Friday & came away impressed, yet underimpressed ... Hard to state. The car was nice but it didn't have the soul that I like in a car. Also, for the price it should have features that other cars have in its class (bluetooth and sat radio are the two biggies for me). I can forgive the MS6 for not having BT as it isn't in the same luxo-sport class... it's more sport with some luxury
The dealer in St Cloud has two coming in - and one is the white pearl (white is my favorite color). Counting down the days till my phone rings & the saleswoman says they've arrived
(BTW - I wonder if the MS6 will have folding outside mirrors since they are built in Japan. The US built ones do not, which I find disconcerting... afterall, the 3 has em.)
Wayde:
I'll have to take another look at the car, but I don't think it had folding side mirrors.
Here is a bit more detail:
Likes:
Alloy Wheels
Rear end (very agressive - especially dual exhaust through the bumper)
Interior finish (esp. the carbon fibre finish on the dash - nice)
Shifter feel
Prodigious braking!
Steering feel
handling
Dislikes
Not big on the trunk lip spoiler
Will Take Getting Used to:
The hood is really quite high
I like all of your likes!!! Makes me more excited to drive / see it!
If they just wanted more power, they should have just used the Miata's engine, or maybe a similarly tuned 2.3l engine. Look how quick and efficient the Miata is.
I think if they want to shoot for a budget MS3, do it without turbos. The turbo really should have AWD and be a "no excuses" model.
-juice
The Mazda3 is fun but without a turbo it's really quite slow. I'd be going from a 0-60 in 5.9/5.6 seconds car to 8. seconds. That's a massive increase.