2018 Mazda 3 vs Elantra Sport. Which should I get

moneyman123

Hey guys. Looking at getting a new car next month for about $20K or so (well a used one because its a much better deal) but looking at either the Mazda 3 or Elantra GT. Was wondering which you think is better. I love driving and having a car that goes pretty fast (with good gas milage) and is generally fun to drive. I see people say the Mazda 3 is more fun but i see the Elantra has more HP (201 to 185).

I also had people recommend the Honda Accord Sport and the specs on that seem to be more powerful than the other 2 so was just looking for recs as I am not too knowledgable when it comes to cars. Thanks.

stickguy

Accord is a much bigger car, a good 1-1.5 feet longer. So decide if you want compact or jumbo. The more powerful 2.0t accord is also a lot more money. The base 1.5t is comparable in power to the Mazda.

I had an Elantra sport with that 1.6t engine, and can vouch that it is quick, fun to drive, well equipped and gets very good MPG. But, so is the Mazda, just pricier. I had the 4 door sport, which is cheaper than the GT hatch version, but same drivetrain. The hatch is a little more upscale.

Instead of the accord, consider a Civic. Comes with the samec1.5t engine, just smaller and cheaper.

graphicguy

stickguy said:

Accord is a much bigger car, a good 1-1.5 feet longer. So decide if you want compact or jumbo. The more powerful 2.0t accord is also a lot more money. The base 1.5t is comparable in power to the Mazda.

I had an Elantra sport with that 1.6t engine, and can vouch that it is quick, fun to drive, well equipped and gets very good MPG. But, so is the Mazda, just pricier. I had the 4 door sport, which is cheaper than the GT hatch version, but same drivetrain. The hatch is a little more upscale.

Instead of the accord, consider a Civic. Comes with the samec1.5t engine, just smaller and cheaper.

Can’t really argue anything @stickguy stated. Truth of the matter, drive the Elantra, MAzda and the Honda. See which one you like to drive best. Honda will be bigger, but probably a shade more reliable than the other 2, also. Plus, it will have better resale.

Good luck! Let us know what you buy!