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09-06-2010, 04:28 PM | #1 |
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another car buying thread mazdaspeed3 vs 4 door gti
Ive read all the comparisons, reviews and threads I care to read on which is better.
I have driven the mazdaspeed twice, and the gti twice ('10 manual and '08 dsg) and there are things I like about both cars. As far as both cars go, they both feel like they accelerate the same as one another and handle the same - this was just on a simple test drive though, as I havent really gone balls out in either car. Also I am looking at the exact same monthly payment on both vehicles. Insurance will also be lower on the GTI but not by much. Ill start with the Mazda: + With the tech package, I am looking at the same price as the GTI at invoice. + Push button start & I dont have to fondle the key fob to unlock the doors; just press the button on the handle. + Has more power than the GTI. + Trunk mounted bike rack will work since there is a space between the spoiler and roof. + Bigger brakes. + LOVE the styling. - Full power doesnt come on till 4th gear. - Nav screen is freakishly small. - Ipod connects with a/v cable so I wont beable to charge it while I listen to music - or I can, I just have to buy another wire for it. - Elbow bangs into arm rest. - Interior isnt as high quality but is still nicer than my current Civic Si. - I can see this car attracting all the street racer douches. - Summer tires are going to wear out pretty fast, and cold weather is coming meaning my car will suck this winter with summer tires (cant afford tires already). GTI: + Comes with all-seasons that will end up lasting longer than the Mazda's summer tires. + Higher quality interior. + Ipod has a better hookup in the arm rest. + Motor has been around longer (IIRC... might be wrong though). + Easily makes 250whp and 300trq with a simple flash. + Looks like a grown up car and not a boy racer car. + MUCH better gas mileage - Trunk mounted bike rack may not work since the spoiler doesnt have a gap for me to run the straps for it. - VW electrical gremlins might attack at any moment. - Rear window washer pees on the glass at will. - Windows have been known to leak during rain storms. - Worried that I will go broke keeping the car running once the warranty expires. Any constructive thoughts here?
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Last edited by Blindeye_03; 09-06-2010 at 04:37 PM. |
09-06-2010, 04:32 PM | #2 |
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Mazdaspeed 3 would be my choice hands down.
Reasons: The Mazda has the power already, and although looks "boy racerish" has better styling. You could keep the Mazda stock and be happy with it's setup. The tires do seem to be an issue, but honestly, if you can't afford new tires right now - should you even be buying a new car? Maybe get a used MS3 with some more miles with warranty intact? |
09-06-2010, 04:36 PM | #3 | |
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Quote:
While the Mazda has more power on paper, it only puts down 230 to the wheels and due to the tuning of the car it wont put out full hp till 4th gear. Thus 1-3 gears feel like you are in the GTI. I am not a super speed demon so the fact that Mazda has more power really only comes in effect on the highway if I have to punch it in 4th, 5th or 6th gear. |
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09-06-2010, 05:03 PM | #4 |
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MS3 because it sounds like the GTI is already entering the electrical gremlins zone.
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09-06-2010, 05:12 PM | #5 |
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speed3 unless it's the new body style *puke*
i'd be too afraid of the gti's electrical gremlins (ibvwcrowdflames). |
09-06-2010, 05:30 PM | #6 |
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ms3
ive had both |
09-06-2010, 05:43 PM | #7 |
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09-06-2010, 06:51 PM | #8 |
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The GTi won't have electrical issues. It's not a ****ing Triumph. It may have failures of minor>medium level components: coil packs, cats, burning oil, etc. Under warranty, it doesn't matter, aside from the inconvenience of leaving it at the dealer.
It's this simple: if you plan on getting rid of it around 50K, buy either. If you can buy the extended warranty for the GTi, and keep it longer than 50k, buy the one you like best. If you can't buy the extended warranty, buy the Mazda, regardless of which you like best. It's not more complicated than that. Really. Oh, and if you buy the GTi, have them put A/S on it (if you really need them...why do you need them, again, if it only snows like, never?). They should be happy to put A/S on there for you. |
09-06-2010, 07:17 PM | #9 |
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I'd take a 4 dr GTI. I owned 7 VAG products and quality was hit of miss, but it is a great little car.
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09-06-2010, 07:51 PM | #10 |
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Do you really need All-Seasons in ATL? I run my summer tires until it doesn't get above 50 anymore. I live ~120 miles from Canadia.
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09-06-2010, 07:57 PM | #11 |
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I'd go for an '11 WRX if I needed something like that. The new MS3 is hideous and supposedly not as fun to drive as the previous one. The VW is, well, a VW.
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09-06-2010, 08:12 PM | #12 |
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Or You could buy Hyundai I carry my bike in the trunk.
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09-06-2010, 08:48 PM | #13 |
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Had a mkv gti for a few years, chipped since around 5000 miles. It has been a blast to drive, interior is much nicer than the MS3...gets 31-32 mpg hwy, pulls hard with a flash, had no electrical or window leakage problems whatsoever.
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09-06-2010, 09:53 PM | #14 |
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09-06-2010, 09:56 PM | #15 |
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A/S tires. If you want em, tell the dealer to put em on as a condition of sale. IIRC, they should be an option, no? Don't roll out on rubber that doesn't fit your needs (though I question your need for a/s tires in georgia).
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09-06-2010, 10:07 PM | #16 | |
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Quote:
What sucks is that I want a white one but will settle on either blue or steel grey if I get the GTI. Where as I would get the dark silver ms3. Going to see if VW will offer me the GTI under invoice since thats what Mazda is doing for me with the ms3 . |
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09-06-2010, 10:08 PM | #17 |
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Oh a/s meaning all season.. Well I like that they last longer than summer tires .
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09-06-2010, 10:17 PM | #18 |
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Depends on how you drive. If you drive aggressively, or a lot of canyons, summers might very well last longer. Even if you drive sedately, the extra 10-30 feet shorter stopping distance of summers can save you a ton of money when you avoid that accident. Why compromise the handling and braking ability of a $25k car over a $100-200 price difference?
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09-07-2010, 06:42 AM | #19 |
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I'm with poison on this one. The stopping and handling advantages over A/S make it the best choice. Grip > longevity IMHO. As long as you are religious about rotating the tires you should get plenty of life out of them. I got ~25k miles out of my Azenis on my Impreza driving like a lunatic 90% of the time.
Last edited by Slack; 09-07-2010 at 06:47 AM. |
09-07-2010, 07:35 AM | #20 |
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09-07-2010, 09:18 AM | #21 | |
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I get 40-45k out of my all seasons. To me its just more practical to have them. UNLESS I get to a point in my life where I can afford two sets of wheels and tires again My 29er is not going to fit in the trunk it barely fits in my civic si... The handlebars are up by my face when I do have it in the car. |
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09-07-2010, 09:31 AM | #22 |
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I'd go with the GTi as the styling of the new MS3 just looks bleh to me.
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09-07-2010, 10:25 AM | #23 |
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Well aside from the looks? I like the way the ms3 looks EXCEPT for the tail lights and how they stick out of the hatch & are all altezza-y.
Im 80% sure im going with the GTI... only because they cant find a 4 door in white with the manual and no options anywhere, I would have to order one I guess. So its Steel grey, united grey or blue. |
09-07-2010, 10:25 AM | #24 |
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Well aside from the looks? I like the way the ms3 looks EXCEPT for the tail lights and how they stick out of the hatch & are all altezza-y.
Im 80% sure im going with the GTI... only because they cant find a 4 door in white with the manual and no options anywhere, I would have to order one I guess. So its Steel grey, united grey or blue. |
09-07-2010, 10:55 AM | #25 |
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