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Hatchbacks Mazda3 A4 replacement: Mazda6 or Mazda3 and which engine
8 messages, Last post on May 04, 2007 at 7:24 PM
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There's no generic Mazda group so I'm posting this in both the Mazda6 and Mazda3 groups. The lease on my 2004 A4 1.8T quattro 6M is coming to its end next month, and I'm looking at Mazdas to replace it (can't spend that much again). But I can't decide which would be the closest replacement: -Mazda3 2.3 hatch (trunk is way too small for me). -Mazda6 2.3 sedan or hatch -Mazda6 3.0 sedan or hatch And which level: sport, value edition, touring, etc. Mostly, the comparison should be for interior dimensions/comfort, and engine/transmission performance. I was looking at an Accord, and although its "nice", I just can't see me driving it - I'd prefer something a little different and with that, you know, zoom-zoom. Any help would be appreciated. Frank
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Replying to: leftfrank (Mar 30, 2007 6:52 pm) I'm not sure if the A4 that you are replacing is a sedan or wagon (or whether or not awd is important to you), but in MY opinion (and I'm sure there will be plenty of others offered), the closest in NATURE to your old A4 would be a Mazda3. As far as interior dimensions, the Mazda3 hatch has a bit more front and rear headroom and a couple of inches more rear legroom. However, this is just comparing specifications. How the Mazda3 actually FITS you (or your regular passengers) may be different. Nothing beats actual seat time. Comfort is highly subjective - however, if I were coming 'down' from an A4, I'd probably be looking at a Grand Touring model Mazda3 (just to get the HIDs and leather interior). None of the cars listed will have the punch of your old A4 with the 1.8T. However, the Mazda3 would probably be the closest in terms of handling and "fun to drive" simply because it's a smaller/more tossible package than the Mazda6. If budget allows, you might want to look at the Speed3 (it'll make you forget ALLLLL about your old A4 in terms of performance). Or, you might look for a Speed6 since there are some INCREDIBLE deals to be had on these and you'd also get awd (if this is important to you). |
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Replying to: rorr (Apr 03, 2007 11:06 am) Thanks for your reply. It was well thought out. Interesting how you said "coming down" from an A4 - I suppose that's would it be if moving to a Mazda. This weekend I had the opportunity to test drive a Mazda3s manual and a Mazda6i automatic. I completely agree with your assessment that the Mazda3 had the fun to drive factor. Definitely a great handling car - very responsive to the very nice shifter and clutch. However, regardless of what the official specs say, it's interior space is noticeably smaller than the Audi's - I felt very tight in there - that just won't do. The Mazda6 I drove, with the auto 4-cylinder felt way underpowered and noisy. The size however was very nice, and felt cushier than the 3 as well as the A4 - not as sporty feeling than either. i would have liked to drive a manual with the V6 but could not find one in my area (central NJ). Another thing - the rear seat on the Mazda6 sedan has no headrests and therefore no whiplash protection - this is a deal killer for me. I did notice that the 5-door hatchback version does indeed have the adjustable headrests, so if I were to go with a Mazda, it would be the Mazda6, V6, manual, hatchback. But I still won't buy one without test driving first. By the way, I'm also looking at buying my A4 at lease end, and also considering an Acura TSX. |
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Replying to: leftfrank (Apr 04, 2007 10:50 am) If you desire a bit more room (perhaps more than the A4) then you'll need to be looking at the Mazda6. Personally, I'm surprised that the Mazda3 felt that much smaller inside than your A4. I've never been in an A4 so I can only judge by the specs; but, as you've already noted, specs certainly don't tell the whole story. If you desire a driving experience closer to the A4, I still think the Mazda3 would be the way to go, even over the Mazda6 with a V6 and manual (assuming you can find one). It sounds as though you are trying to reduce your monthly payments (whether for purchase or lease) since you are talking about moving from your old A4 to either a Mazda3 or Mazda6. If you bought your A4 at lease end, what would be the payments? Also, you might want to consider the age of your A4 when you FINALLY got through with the payments vs. the age of a new Mazda3 or Mazda6. An Acura TSX would certainly be a nice replacement for your A4. However, I'm not sure how much money you would be saving by going from your A4 to a TSX. Have you considered a V6 Accord with a manual? For '07, Honda began producing 4-door versions (in fact, C&D rated such an animal higher than the TSX in a family/sport sedan comparo a few months back). Actually FINDING one to test may be a problem however.....
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Replying to: rorr (Apr 04, 2007 11:11 am) 
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Replying to: rorr (Apr 04, 2007 11:11 am) |
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Replying to: leftfrank (Apr 04, 2007 10:50 am) Engine: A4 definitely has more power/faster, but the 2.3 was pretty peppy, more than adequate for 2 people w luggage. Mileage from our A4 has been exceptional; with midgrade gas it gets 26-27 in city & 33-36 highway. We went almost 400 in M6 mixed driving & still had a quarter of 18 gallon tank left - I suspect that translates to ~ 30 mpg. These figures reflect pretty conservative driving style. Mazda w V6 may top 1.8T for accelation, but at a cost of more gas. Transmission: I LOVE the A4 CVT, that said, the M6 5 AT is very smooth also. Seats: Both very comfortable, no tired butt or back pain after 4 straight hours in either one. But A4 with leather & power lumbar support is better - it was the deal maker when we bought the Audi. Adjustable lumbar support of M6 was only fair. Front seat space pretty similar, perhaps the A4 feels a bit tighter with larger console, lower roof. Audi interiors beat everyone. Handling: I actually think the M6 wins -flatter cornering, feels lighter on its feet. Plus it is quieter & smoother. Both are great cars, but the A4 is a cut above. Our A4 with 38K has been trouble free. That said the M6 is very nice & I could easily live with it after the A4. At the cost new, I am not sure the A4 is worth an extra $10K. It |
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I have not been in an A4 is some time. I have the Mazda 3 sedan, 2.3 with MT. It is an 04 and the option packages were simpler then. I have everything except Nav, and I have to say I really like the car. Rides well, looks good, Leather is nice. I have a two year old and there was plenty of room for him and his car seat. HID lights are fantastic, in fact a must for all my future cars. If I was buying today I would seriously look at the MazdaSpeed 3, that must be a hoot to drive. I did not drive the 6, so I can't offer a comparison. The 6 wagon had just arrived when we purchased our 3. While the wagon looked sporty and practical it was the first batch to arrive and there were no deals to be had. BTW, as Mazda is part of Ford your may qualify for "X" plan pricing depending on who you work for. I work for a large wireless telecom and we qualify for the x plan. 
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