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Mazda6 vs Hyundai Sonata - READ ONLY

91 messages,  Last post on Oct 27, 2007 at 5:30 PM

You are in the Hyundai Sonata Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA6, Hyundai Sonata, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 9 of 10

#72 of 91 Re: 2003 Mazda 6 vs 2006 Sonata GLS V6 [cajuncycler] by chikoo

Sep 04, 2006 (4:02 pm)

Replying to: cajuncycler (Jul 08, 2006 7:03 am)
"However compared to my Sonata it does ride crudely rough."
 
Love the ignorance. The Mazda6 is tuned to drive "firmer" than a grandma's comfort couch.
 
The (new) sonata is a good car, but the two cannot be compared when it comes to ride quality. Different demographics.

#73 of 91 Re: 2003 Mazda 6 vs 2006 Sonata GLS V6 [chikoo] by bobad

Sep 05, 2006 (9:42 am)

Replying to: chikoo (Sep 04, 2006 4:02 pm)
I drove and liked the Speed6, but it got vetoed. The Secretary of the Treasury said it was too noisy and rough.

#74 of 91 Re: 2003 Mazda 6 vs 2006 Sonata GLS V6 [bobad] by jeffyscott

Sep 05, 2006 (11:28 am)

Replying to: bobad (Sep 05, 2006 9:42 am)
Did you also try a regular (non-speed) Mazda6?

#75 of 91 Re: 2003 Mazda 6 vs 2006 Sonata GLS V6 [jeffyscott] by bobad

Sep 07, 2006 (3:36 pm)

Replying to: jeffyscott (Sep 05, 2006 11:28 am)
Yes, same verdict.

#76 of 91 Chose the Mazda6 by mazdamotoring

Oct 03, 2006 (11:15 am)

My final two contenders, after looking at Camry and Legacy, were the 2007 Sonata SE V6 automatic (no 5-speed is offered with the V6) and the 2006 Mazda6s V6 5-speed. On paper, it seemed that the Sonata offered the better value (though it was close), and in the back of my mind I thought it was the one I would buy. Then came the test drive. I thought the Sonata was a very fine car, and I loved the space. But the Mazda6 - man, that thing stole my heart. I love the seats, the sound of the V6, and the confidence-inspiring handling. The Sonata was a car I would have been satisfied to own; the Mazda6 is a car I am thrilled to own - and drive. You can't go wrong with these two, you just have to figure out which one feels right to you.

#77 of 91 Re: Chose the Mazda6 [mazdamotoring] by cajuncycler

Oct 03, 2006 (4:23 pm)

Replying to: mazdamotoring (Oct 03, 2006 11:15 am)
See, it just goes to show you that it is so wonderful there is a broad spectrum of cars to choose from. This way everybody gets what they want!

#78 of 91 Re: Chose the Mazda6 [mazdamotoring] by bobad

Oct 16, 2006 (8:05 am)

Replying to: mazdamotoring (Oct 03, 2006 11:15 am)
Coincidentally, the Mazda Speed6 and Sonata were the 2 finalists. Stick shift was out, so we drove the automatic. We really liked the Mazda, but the verdict was clear: The ride was too harsh, and the cabin too noisy. I would be disingenuous if I said the price was not a factor. We still enjoy our Sonata. Not a squeek, rattle, or glitch of any kind... save for a rear suspension noise heard only on extremely rough streets.

#79 of 91 Mazda6 Hands Down by rickypaul

Oct 21, 2006 (5:38 pm)

I had been looking for a new car for a while. I looked at the Sonata V6 and even had the opportunity to rent one. My opinion of it was that it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but it was still bad. It had horrible narrow seats, it had an ugly dashboard with fake wood, and it is not in the same league of refinement as the 6.
 
It rode a little smoother than the 6 but it did not track well. I had to pay attention to it every instant and recheck the steering to keep it from drifting. The Mazda 6 drives like its on rails. The engine was powerful but the torque steer was pronounced. There is torque steer in the 6, but it is under control. The higher center of gravity of the Sonata makes the Hyundai feel like its going on two wheels around curves while it may not really be. I think the high narrow seats add to this affect.
 
The Mazda is a hoot to drive. It is capable but more importantly it FEELS capable. This car inspires confidence with its cornering ability and fantastic brakes. I seriously looked at the Hyundai, but I feel like they still have some catching up to do.

#80 of 91 Re: Mazda6 Hands Down by mazdamotoring

Oct 21, 2006 (8:52 pm)

My experience was the same. Overall I thought the Sonata was a good car, but, particularly in the driving experience, it couldn't compare. Like you, I love that the Mazda6 stays firmly planted and goes exactly where you tell it - "like its on rails" is a great way to describe it. At one point when test driving the Sonata I detected some steering wheel shudder, but it may have been the stretch of road. Regardless, the Mazda6 is steady and smooth, even at very high speeds. And though the seats of the Sonata provided more passenger room, they weren't as comfortable as the Mazda.

#81 of 91 Re: Mazda6 Hands Down [mazdamotoring] by zzzoom6

Oct 27, 2006 (11:15 pm)

Replying to: mazdamotoring (Oct 21, 2006 8:52 pm)
had a chance to rent a sonata b/c of a business trip and came away with a good idea of what that car is about. very good engine, good brakes. suspension was pretty good; a bit smoother ride than the 6 (the sonata was louder on big bumps though), but not buick soft either. body lean was pronounced in braking, accelerating, and turning which reduced my confidence in handling. steering was a bit more vague; thought the 6 was far superior in this area. seats weren't very comfortable; right leg would go numb after 15 minutes (if I tried to tilt the seat forward, the slippery leather would have me sliding forward) and very little lateral support when cornering. liked the sliding center console. driving with the moonroof open had much less turbulence than the 6. tranny in full auto mode was good, in manumatic mode downshift lag was too pronounced. highway driving was quieter, city driving a wash.
 
one of the best rental cars I'd ever rented, but for my wants, I'd take my 6 over it in a heartbeat.

Messages Page 9 of 10

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