Jetta 2006 vs Mazda3 SP23

Replying to: skytzo (Mar 09, 2005 11:18 am)

As a person who was deciding between the new VW Jetta and the Mazda sp23 for almost one month I think I have some pretty good first hand knowledge between these two. I test drove both cars, automatic versions, about 4 times each and really put them trough there paces. It was a very hard decision but I ultimatley chose the Jetta and am very happy that i did. The Jetta i got only a week ago was automatic, package 1, black with tan interior. Here are the reasons I think its the better car:
At first they seem simular in execution and features but the Jetta has a 6 speed atomatic vs mazda 4 speed, dual zone climate contol, full size spare tire, multi-stage heated seats not just one stage like the mazda, all the interior switches light up, the mazdas unlocking switches dont even light up, multi-function trip computer, compas, outside temp display, regular rear air vents, air conditioned glove compartment, heated outside mirrors, 5 cyln. engine........ I know i am forgetting some things, but as you can see the more deeper you look at it the Jettas small extra cash over the mazda is worth it. The quality too feels better. Just touch the headliner of both cars the mazda feels like carboard and the Jetta feels like an Audi. There are few features the mazda has over my Jetta that i do like. Steering wheel controls for stereo, cool xenon headlights, 17 inch rims, and real leather seats. My Jetta with package 1 has leatherette seats..To be honest though none of my friends can tell its not real. They look and feel like leather... The size of both cars interiors are almost identical, but the Trunk is much larger 11 cubic ft. vs. 16 for the Jetta.
Driving: Both seem to acelerate about the same. The Mazda corners better with bigger rims, but a bit harsher too over the bumps. The Mazda feels light and agile. The Jetta feels more solid overall and still corners well. The electro mechanical steering is really good in the Jetta. So if you like twisty two lane roads i would say the mazda may be more fun, For me and probably most of us though we drive on straight highway. Twisties are on ramps and thats about it. This is where the Jetta beats the Mazda sp23. Test drive both on the open highway at 80 or 90 miles an hour. The Mazda feels like you going fast at 80mph and the engine buzzes because the 4 speed automatic has the revs at 3800 rpm.. The Jetta on the other hand is an autobaun cruiser. I had it up to 90 mph with ease. It felt solid, quiet, (the VW is quieter too overall), and didn't feel like 90! The 6 speed automatic had the engine at only 2800 rpm at 90 mph! Wow..... Top speed is 130mph not bad for a small 5 cilynder engine.
Anyway, that is why I chose the Jetta. I think it looks more professional too and expensive over the Mazda. You won't go wrong with the Mazda sp23 I think its a great car and good value. But if you can spend another 1500 dollars my reconmindation is the Jetta package 1.....

Replies to this message:
• carguy4life (May 18, 2005 10:19 pm)
  • cruise (May 19, 2005 1:34 am)
    • carguy4life (May 19, 2005 6:03 am) and 1 more...
    • jeffyscott (May 19, 2005 1:29 pm)
    • cruise (May 29, 2005 2:55 am) and 1 more...

Replying to: cruise (May 18, 2005 1:38 pm)

Cruise, you spent a lot more time comparing the New Jetta and Mazda3 than I did, but I agree with your comments on the interior. The Jetta has a much more upscale feel to it, despite the all the gizmoid features the Mazda3 sp23 model has - auto on/off height adjustable xenons, rain-sensing wipers, steering wheel stereo controls, Bose stereo, pollen filter, etc.
 
But I thought the cars were way different in sportiness, performance and feel, far in the Mazda3's favor. I compared automatic versions of both (concession to my wife's need to drive this car). Even with the 1 extra cylinder and 2 extra gears, the New Jetta was disappointing in terms of drivetrain refinement.
 
So, if you know you prioritize interior feel over sportiness and drivetrain refinement, the New Jetta is the easy choice. My biases go the other way, so for this comparison, the Mazda3 was my obvious choice. Both are great products, worlds away from the "atomic cockroach" Datsun B210 vs. the pyrotechnic Ford Pinto comparo we would be discussing if this were 1978!

Replies to this message:
• cruise (May 19, 2005 1:34 am)
  • carguy4life (May 19, 2005 6:03 am)
    • cruise (May 27, 2005 2:34 am)
  • jeffyscott (May 19, 2005 1:29 pm)
  • cruise (May 29, 2005 2:55 am)
    • carguy4life (May 30, 2005 11:09 pm)

Replying to: carguy4life (May 18, 2005 10:19 pm)

Carguy,
Just to let you know the VW does have auto on/off headlights, rain sensing wipers, pollen filter, 6 disc in dash cd player with 10 speakers as well.... Overall it does have more features than the Mazda. One thing I forgot to mention too is that the Jetta has better all round crash test ratings. Both the mazda and the jetta recieved a good raiting for frontal and off set crash. But the jetta recieved a perfect score in side impacts. The jetta and only one other car, i think it was the volvo s80, recieved this perfect score in the history of doing the test at the national institute. It also weighs about 500 more lbs overall 3300 vs. 2800 for the mazda. I would rather be hit by a 4500lb suv in a jetta for sure than in a mazda. Rear whip lash tests were better as well for the head restraints. The mazda recieved a poor raiting without airbags. So its anyones guess what it is with air bags. But I dont think they would be as good.
One nice thing too is I notice a lot of people checking out my car with admiring glances. Makes me feel as though I made the right choice......
Okay no more gloating over the jetta. I do think the Mazda sp23 is a great car. The 3 and the jetta are both at the top of the heap when it comes to small cars. The Mazda is more sporty, lighter on its feet, and agile. There is something about it that just feels complete.The jetta feels more refined, upscale, solid. Has that German car feel only the Germans can seem to do. If you like a sporty feel and that is the most important factor then the mazda is a bit better choice. As far as refinment goes i will have to repectfully disagree. The mazda feels fine, good in fact. But the jetta's 6 speed automatic is much more refined. Its the exact transmission used in the Audi's. Even the 80,000 dollar A8. You probably were turned off by the 5 cylinder engine. It makes an odd noise and if you are not used to that noise you may think its un refined. Believe me i know. I have owned 2 Audis before with a 5 cylinder. The sound may be odd but that doesn't mean its unrefined. Its pretty smooth actually.Volvo also uses a 5 cyln. in the s40 and s60 and it sounds the same way. But if you don't like the sound you don't like it.
Anyway, I respect your decision to go for the Mazda. Its a special car too. Lets face it we can't go wrong either way.......
Take care and happy driving.

Replies to this message:
• carguy4life (May 19, 2005 6:03 am)
  • cruise (May 27, 2005 2:34 am)
• jeffyscott (May 19, 2005 1:29 pm)
• cruise (May 29, 2005 2:55 am)
  • carguy4life (May 30, 2005 11:09 pm)

Replying to: cruise (May 19, 2005 1:34 am)

Replies to this message:
• cruise (May 27, 2005 2:34 am)

Replying to: cruise (May 19, 2005 1:34 am)

Replies to this message:
• cruise (May 27, 2005 2:27 am)

Replying to: biggus3 (May 23, 2005 12:01 am)

Replying to: carguy4life (May 19, 2005 6:03 am)

Replying to: cruise (May 19, 2005 1:34 am)

A few other saftey things i forgot to mention the Jetta has that the Mazda sp23 does not have. Traction control, ASR, Anti slip resistenece (brakes a wheel that is loses traction and or cuts some down on the engine to help gain control while starting out in snow or ice and sand), and Stability control. Also, has an alarm system with panic alarm. Auto door locking feature looks doors past 5 mph.
The key fob also opens the trunk automatically. Heated outside mirrors........I have had the Jetta for two weeks now and like it more and more everyday.

Replies to this message:
• carguy4life (May 30, 2005 11:09 pm)

Replying to: cruise (May 29, 2005 2:55 am)

I'm jealous of your traction control, stability control, etc. Absence of these on the Mazda3 definitely kept the other contenders (TSX, S40, A3, and of course the new Jetta) in the game longer. These safety items will soon be universal, added to the list of the technologies for which we will wonder how the world could possibly have functioned without them. (Serious grammar in that sentence!) Ultimately, I decided that many of us had actually survived driving for extended periods without these admirable features. On balance, the combination of features, feel and value were there for me with the Mazda3 sp23, at the time I needed to make my purchase. As it was for you and the New Jetta.