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Jetta 2006 vs Mazda3 SP23

55 messages,  Last post on Feb 09, 2007 at 3:05 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA3, Volkswagen Jetta

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#26 of 55 Re: We all know that the SP23 is a direct competitor of [creakid1] by carguy4life May 01, 2005 (7:37 am)
Replying to: creakid1 (Apr 30, 2005 12:13 pm) Thanks for your perspectives on the Mazda3 suspension. You are right, there is more going on with the Mazda3's ride than just a short wheelbase. The Volvo S40 I drove felt much more substantial, at the expense of responsiveness. Not sure how much of this is due to the few hundred extra pounds on the S40 vs. the Mazda3. But since the S40 is built on the same platform as the Mazda3, the wheelbase is identical.   I preferred the brown over the black seats, but my wife overruled me. The interior needs some color - all the trim is black too. As for collectibility, I doubt that there are many economy cars listed at the Barrett-Jackson auctions. But let me know if you would be willing to pay "high $" for an sp23 in say 5 years, by the time the next generation Mazdaspeed Mazda3 is on the market.
#27 of 55 Re: Volvo S40, Jetta, Mazda3, etc. [mdaffron] by unclesmrgol May 08, 2005 (8:07 pm)
Replying to: mdaffron (Apr 26, 2005 4:40 am) CR and IIHS ARE recommended by me. If equipment is optional, then the car ought to be safety tested without that equipment and a score assigned for that configuration. I'd agree with you if the institutes removed or made nonoperational safety equipment delivered with the vehicles they tested, but this was obviously not the case.   Toyotas also have this problem -- ABS and side-impact airbags are still options on a lot of vehicles. Most of the vehicles on dealer lots don't have these options. When I ordered my son's Mazda3, I had to factory order to get the side air curtains.   As for your anecdotal evidence regarding a front collision, note that the IIHS gave the Mazda 3 top ratings for front impacts. It's the side impact tests on which the car got dinged. If Mazda makes side air a standard accessory, then this entire debate is moot. But until then, consumers have the right to know what the potential dangers are if they buy a vehicle without the side curtains and encounter a side collision.   Finally, why were you driving around on nearly bald tires? Its your job to keep your vehicle safety checked. I just replaced the tires on two cars (in one case, I replaced a complete set of Goodyear aquatreds which had nearly worn out (just reached the wear bars) after 40,000 of their 80,000 mile warranty). I consider it MY job to assure that all equipment on my vehicle is operating properly and safely. Replies to this message: mdaffron (May 09, 2005 11:21 am)
#28 of 55 Editorially speaking by autonomous May 09, 2005 (4:14 am)
unclesmrgol said: note that the IIHS gave the Mazda 3 top ratings for front impacts. It's the side impact tests on which the car got dinged.   Wouldn't you say it's more like slammed by the IIHS (and in a "real world" test)   p.s. thanks for being so sensible; hope the rest of us in the driving community can be equally attentive Replies to this message: unclesmrgol (May 09, 2005 7:13 am) cti (May 09, 2005 11:37 am)
#29 of 55 Re: Editorially speaking [autonomous] by unclesmrgol May 09, 2005 (7:13 am)
Replying to: autonomous (May 09, 2005 4:14 am) "Slammed" would indeed be the better term, given the photographs available of the tested vehicle and its poor dummy at the IIHS site. I guess I should ding the IIHS slightly -- they didn't test the vehicle with the side curtains present; I suspect the driver would have fared better given the impact locations described. But in a world of limited money, testing the least well equipped vehicle motivates the manufacturer to assure that the lowest common denominator scores well in safety tests too.   I am attentive, but even that hasn't prevented trouble. About ten years ago, I got into an accident coming back from my tire dealer. Brand new tires, and some guy pulls out of a gas station directly in front of me. I t-boned him. I was going about 25MPH and swore I had enough room to stop, but I didn't -- turned out that the mold-release compound on the tires makes them slick for the first 50 miles or so, only I didn't know that. I braked hard and before I knew it the wheels where hydroplaning on dry pavement. So now, when I get new tires, I drive them 50 miles myself before I let my family take over the vehicle. Here in LA, that's easy to do -- get on the freeway late at night and just drive for an hour or so; but it's a shame to waste a few gallons of gas to do what the tire manufacturer should do at the factory. Replies to this message: cti (May 09, 2005 11:37 am)
#30 of 55 Re: Volvo S40, Jetta, Mazda3, etc. [unclesmrgol] by mdaffron May 09, 2005 (11:21 am)
Replying to: unclesmrgol (May 08, 2005 8:07 pm) Finally, why were you driving around on nearly bald tires? Its your job to keep your vehicle safety checked.   Older and wiser, my friend. I was younger then (a babe at a mere 26 years of age), and I had just moved away from living at home with Daddy (which I did during college and for a while thereafter).   Sadder, wiser, and more tire-conscious (by far) now at 40 ...   Meade
#31 of 55 Re: Editorially speaking [unclesmrgol] by cti May 09, 2005 (11:37 am)
Replying to: unclesmrgol (May 09, 2005 7:13 am) I guess I should ding the IIHS slightly -- they didn't test the vehicle with the side curtains present; I suspect the driver would have fared better given the impact locations described.   The IIHS only test cars that the manufacturer gives them to test. The fault lies with Mazda.   Jason
#32 of 55 Re: My Review: New Jetta vs. Mazda3 sp23 [carguy4life] by chills23 May 09, 2005 (12:32 pm)
Replying to: carguy4life (Apr 30, 2005 10:24 am) carguy4life ....I'm in a similar situation. I'm coming from an optioned-out chipped Audi A4 1.8TQM and have been patiently researching my next car to serve the purpose of 89' Supra > 95' Stealth > 00' A4. Considerations were the Mazda 3 Sp23, Audi A3, Acura TSX, Acura TL, Nissan Altima SE-R, Subaru Legacy 2.5GT, VW R32/Jetta, and Audi A4 2.0T.   Removed from list... TSX - "tinny" doors, a 4-door euro accord, smooth shifting though, RED screams steal me TL - Heavy, and noticeable FWD torque understeer 2.5GT - bland family-ish exterior, most panache in a subaru I've ever seen, but not enough A4 - pricey with options, been there done that, a chip a must R32/Jetta: too many complaints from former VW owners where I will probably never purchase one consciously   Left with: Audi A3 - Smallest of all of the cars, but feels quite roomy. Engine is superb and shifting flawless in DSG guise (looking for 6spd though). Want sport pkg and quattro with that purdy open sky ruf. Price goes up quickly if not careful. Audi luxury, providing yet another one of the nicest interior designs in the auto kingdom (some TT, cab, and A-x touches). No noticeable understeer.   Mazda3 Sp23 - value, handling, missing some zoom-zoom. Like the interior especially in brown leather & heated seats, but don't like the boring carbon grey exterior. Wish the Sp23 would come in blue, red, or even white. Cost for me is 1% below invoice due to Corporate partnerships so it is very tempting. Trying hard to convince myself I'll be happy with a japanese compact car. Fiance prefers the Audis, Altima, or Acura but then again.....who's paying?   Altima SE-R - A little heavy, but nice engine. crisp turn-in with little roll. roomy but a bit long. Makes parallel parking on my tight street a PITA. nice 2-tone interior. some understeer due to high HP FWD setup. Good brakes.    I don't want to spend any more than $32k as I got the wedding and a new home in the foreseeable future. Trading in the A4 & the focus. What would you choose? Mazda 3 Sp23 and get new home sooner or an A3/Altima SE-R and postpone the home another year? I'm 45/45/10 between the A3/M3/SE-R...... Replies to this message: pat (May 09, 2005 1:46 pm) carguy4life (May 13, 2005 5:57 am) samuraimascara (May 15, 2005 9:20 pm)
#33 of 55 Re: Audi A3 vs Mazda3 SP23 vs Altima SE-R [chills23] by pat HOST May 09, 2005 (1:46 pm)
Replying to: chills23 (May 09, 2005 12:32 pm) You need to start a new discussion to compare these three. The topic here is specifically the SP23 vs. the new Jetta. Click here and have at it!
#34 of 55 Re: My Review: New Jetta vs. Mazda3 sp23 [chills23] by carguy4life May 13, 2005 (5:57 am)
Replying to: chills23 (May 09, 2005 12:32 pm) To stay on topic, I'll include a New Jetta comment. As I posted earlier, the New Jetta in its current configuration with 2.5L auto was disappointing in terms of the sportiness of the drivetrain. The upcoming GLI should be much more interesting.   I too was on the fence with the A3 and Mazda3 sp23. In the end, I went with the value of the Mazda. Audi dealers in the SF Bay Area (at least as of a few weeks ago) were not discounting A3s at all. As you point out, options take the price up very quickly. You are probably looking at $34k or more for the options you list (quattro isn't available yet). My budget was up to $30k out-the-door, but even with a base DSG with side airbags and upgraded stereo, it was still over $31k. And all the incoming A3s were optioned out with much more equipment. I briefly considered a leftover E36 BMW, which because of the new E90 just coming out, has incentives now that bring it down to the very low $30k range, but I already have an M3 (BMW). And I couldn't wait for the new GTI this fall.   The Mazda3, even with the sp23 bells and whistles, feels like a small car. The economy car roots can't be hidden. But it is fun and should keep me happy for a few years. I'll be shopping the A3 again when I need to replace my commuter/economy ride. Oh, and probably the New Jetta GLI (and GTI) also. Replies to this message: samuraimascara (May 15, 2005 9:20 pm)
#35 of 55 Re: My Review: New Jetta vs. Mazda3 sp23 [carguy4life] by samuraimascara May 15, 2005 (9:20 pm)
Replying to: carguy4life (May 13, 2005 5:57 am) carguyforlife and chills23,   Wow, I couldn't believe it when I stumbled across these last few posts. It was like seeing a mirror image of cars I was considering. I've tested a Subie 2.5GT Limited, Mazda3 SP23 hatch (manual and auto) and the Audi A3 (manual and the DSG). I was/am considering the VW R32 too but every time I get to a dealership to test drive it the fellow has "just been sold". While I was at the VW dealership I did take a look at the Jetta but the styling left me a little cold, the rear looks way to much like a Toyota Corolla IMHO.   The Subie had a very light clutch and lots of get up and go. The interior was a step up from other Subarus, however, there were still a couple of really odd cues. What is with that center storage console? It just feels so wrong to position it on top like that. The stereo was rather tinny sounding too, though I confess it may have been a result of bad reception. The exterior was toned down in comparison to the WRX (a plus for me), but not exactly pulse quickening. In the final analysis for around $30K I was expecting...more.   The A3 is the only model on which Audi's new front grill doesn't look awful (IMHO). The A3 also had a very light clutch, something I'm not used to in a VAG car. The engine was superb. I freely admit I'm still learning to stick shift but this tranny and engine was supremely forgiving. I popped her into 5th when I was looking for 3rd but she pulled along like I could do no wrong. The DSG model was very impressive too, the finest auto-manual I've been in. The engine bay was really well laid out, lots of space to work in. No doubt when the 3.2 V6 engine arrives it will take up more real estate. Quibbles were few and far between, I found I routinely knocked my elbow into the armrest when engaging the hand brake, the side pillar was in the perfect position to create a whole new "blind spot" when I would look over my left shoulder, and last but not least, I am incredibly disappointed that quattro will not be offered till next year.   The Mazda3 was a real surprise. I'd heard the the suspension was sporty. After some windy road driving and a bit of slaloming in an empty parking lot I can confirm that it is indeed true. People expecting a cushier ride might be a little put off by the amount of "road feedback" but it put a grin on my face. The manual was both rewarding and forgiving (big pluses for a neophyte like me) the clutch wasn't light (lo and behold!). I haven't driven the Mazda since driving the A3 and I'm curious to see if I will appreciably notice the lack of a 6th gear. The SP23 I drove was fitted with black not brown leather, and combined with the "piano black" trim it felt very dark. If it were an option I'd go with aluminum trim (but its not so the point is moot). The lumbar support wheel is in an awkward spot on the seat, I found I was giving my shoulder a cramp trying to use it. This of course is an interesting problem to have when one considers that neither of the other two cars offered lumbar adjustment. Storage was well thought out, the glove box was quite large, easily large enough for a laptop. The Mazda is longer than the A3 and so it has more cargo capacity. With everything but the Navi package MSRP is around $21.5K Compare this to a bare bones A3 entering at around $25K and I think my decision becomes a little easier to make.   I'm tempted to say that if quattro were offered on the A3 I'd have changed my decision. I know hatchbacks are a tough sell in North America, and I respect Audi for having the guts to bring the A3 to these shores. However, they could not have gone wrong offering quattro on their 2.0T.

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