2005 Mazda3 Sport vs 2005 Impreza RS Wagon - READ ONLY

41 messages, Last post on Dec 07, 2004 at 6:53 AM

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What is this discussion about? Subaru Impreza, Mazda MAZDA3

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#17 of 41 Re: cant find 2005 mazda 3 anywhere [mazda6s] by kshariff Oct 09, 2004 (1:15 pm)
Replying to: mazda6s (Oct 08, 2004 9:34 pm) >maybe they've farmed out their computer work to India or China< Why you have to degrade these people?
#18 of 41 by Sylvia STAFF Oct 10, 2004 (6:59 am)
Let's stay away from politics/outsourcing, etc.
#19 of 41 My 2005 Impreza Wagon by rcheung Nov 01, 2004 (2:47 pm)
I finally got my car last week. My wife and I both like it very much, especially the handling. We were surprised at how little the car rolled when cornering. We test drove an Outback Impreza, so the suspension definitely feels different. It's actually not so stiff to cause discomfort. Visibility is excellent, and wind noise is not noticeable even at highway speeds. My friend commented that the rear legroom was kind of tight, which I agree with. The fabric was very nice, and the bucket seats were firm and comfy. The dash and instrument panels were so-so, I mean, the Mazda3 is a beauty when it comes to these departments. Overall, I think I made the right move in buying an Impreza instead of the Mazda3.
#20 of 41 by ateixeira Nov 03, 2004 (7:34 am)
The 2005 OBS got the same changes in the interior that Saab gave the 9-2x, so they've closed the gap a bit. I think the Mazda3 does have a better design, materials are roughly the same quality, though, IMO. Congrats on your purchase. First time it snows you will be glad you chose an AWD vehicle. -juice
#21 of 41 Go with the 3 by oldman32 Nov 03, 2004 (8:59 am)
I test drove the Impreza Wagon WRX and the Mazda3 hatchback a number of times.... I bought the Mazda3. This wasnt even a close decision. I was shocked that the Impreza with 227 HP was no quicker driving around town than the 160 HP Mazda! The Subaru salesman kept telling me that I needed to get the car up to redline to really appreciate its power. Sorry, but driving a car at redline to appreciate what it can do will leave you unfullfilled 99% of the time. The Subie also felt heavy and seemed rough & unrefined...... sorry Subie owners. Now on the other hand, the Mazda 3 with a 5-speed is a joy to drive around town, and for some reason, the 2005 I purchased seems much quicker and "throatier" than the two previous 3's that I had tested. I guess all cars are not created equal, or else I got one on steroids. So for $19,000 I got a great handling, terrific looking, quite quick Mazda hatchback that can carry a ton of stuff with the rear seat down, and get 32 MPG on the highway. And the titanium gray paint job is to die for. Now whats not to like about that! Replies to this message: mz3ct (Nov 09, 2004 9:17 am)
#22 of 41 by ateixeira Nov 03, 2004 (9:10 am)
Off boost, sure. It has more displacement and a higher compression ratio. 0-60 is not even in the same league, though, when you open it up. WRX is in the 5s. The turbo reaches peak torque by 4000 rpm, boost starts building so by 3000rpm it'll begin to show an advantage over Mazda's 2.3l and then build a wide margin from that point on. You don't have to redline it to see the advantage. Any how, a more comparable car would have been the Outback Sport or the Impreza RS, not WRX. You get a 2.5l engine with plenty of low-end torque, no waiting. The extra HP compared to the Mazda is offset by the extra drag AWD creates, but 0-60 should be in the 7s for both. Those cars are also priced a lot lower, probably even less than you paid. The 3 is a fine car and should stand up nicely based on its own merits, though. -juice
#23 of 41 Re: Go with the 3 [oldman32] by mz3ct Nov 09, 2004 (9:17 am)
Replying to: oldman32 (Nov 03, 2004 8:59 am) Great post - these were my sentiments exactly back in April when I chose my 04 3 hatch. I haven't driven in anyhitng else lately that comes close to the feel and response (engine and suspension) of the 3. It's tight, silky smooth, and superbly designed in every way - no let downs inside or out....and you gotta love the lights at night inside....great car...and the engine breaks in around 10k - even silkier now.....have fun!
#24 of 41 by napoleandyno Nov 15, 2004 (7:35 am)
i've also been closely comparing these two rides (impreza RS and mazda 3) for purchase in the near future. the 3's interior is miles ahead of the subie, in terms of room and comfort as well as the fit and finish. these cars are very similar in size, but i somehow found both the back seat and the front seat much roomier and more comfortable in the 3 compared to the cramped impreza (i'm 6'1 with long legs). that said, the only thing i dislike about the 3's interior are the 3 plastic "pods" that house the guages - i found them to be really flimsy-looking and i could see myself tearing them off while sitting in traffic one day. small complaint, agreed. otherwise, however, i felt that the impreza had the 3 beat with what felt like a more powerful motor (even though hp is supposed to be the same) and slightly tighter handling. another strike against the 3 is that up here in montreal it is easily the most popular new car, and there are tons of them, whereas the impreza still has a bit of exclusivity, if that sort of thing matters. factor in the impreza's awd and it should be a no-brainer for me, but i still go back to the 3's great, roomier interior and good steering feel, so it remains something of a toss-up.
#25 of 41 by cbmorton Nov 15, 2004 (8:35 am)
Going hand-in-hand with the 3 being quite popular are relatively high financing and particularly leasing rates from Mazda Canada at the moment. Could be a factor, depending on your situation.
#26 of 41 by napoleandyno Nov 16, 2004 (8:56 am)
no doubt that is something to consider with the 3, cbmorton, although i'd hope that buying the car in the dead of winter (traditionally a soft sales period for dealers) might offset some of the price gouging.