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Hatchbacks Mazda3 Mazdaspeed 3 or Mini Cooper S
54 messages, Last post on Dec 09, 2008 at 4:33 PM
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Discussion for deciding between the 2 cars as they are competitive with each other in many ways. Discuss the reasons you would choose one over the other.
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for its road feel, and personality. the mazda would be a better car in the sense of space, but i wont factor that in since most people are going to talk about the cars from a performance standpoint. but if you want to bring frugality into it, the mini does get much better mileage.(and yes, i'm talking about the s)
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Replying to: eldaino (Sep 05, 2007 8:23 am) Mini dealers are few and far between for many people as well. The Mazdaspeed 3 is faster but not necessarily better, but dealers are plentiful and it does have a spare tire and could be considered practical as it's a 5 door hatch. The Mini's clearly get better fuel economy as you pointed out. I'm interested in what others think of each car because both without doubt are great cars in their own right. I'm thinking that various opinions on each would give a better insight into the cars. Thanks 
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Yes the Mazda 3 has a much stronger engine, much fast lap time, . . . but it still looks like a Mazda 3; nice but bland in comparison. The Mini Cooper S, is fast enough, good looking, dependable, and overall just fun. If you want space, then obviously you wont be finding yourself at a Mini Dealer any time soon, or else the car wouldn't be called "Mini". . . . and if its speed you looking for, well the Mini has plenty with additional perks, and if you know cars you don't judge solely on speed, you can be fast but not necessarily agile.
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Replying to: zephyr_7 (Sep 13, 2007 11:36 am)
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Replying to: jimharrison (Nov 29, 2007 5:02 pm)
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Replying to: denrog (Dec 05, 2007 1:05 pm) 
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Replying to: roadburner (Dec 05, 2007 8:43 pm) How would you rate the 2 cars individually? I've heard good and bad things about the vagueness/impreciseness of the shifter in the Speed3 and I'm wondering if you could elaborate more. I'm a bit torn myself, because I like small cars and the Mini looks like a real possibility but the lack of a spare and the dealer being so far away doesn't help. I am on vacation and my wife has said no cars (except online) until we get back. I'd appreciate any additional info you could give me about your impressions about both cars and did you feel you gave up anything going with the Speed3? Thanks
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Replying to: tiff_c (Dec 06, 2007 12:57 am) The Mini is very nimble; it's quick rather than fast. The Mazdaspeed handles very well. The overall balance is neutral, and it will rotate on on trailing throttle-though not as eagerly as the Mini will. The engine has absolutely amazing midrange thrust. The car is a rocket. I've heard good and bad things about the vagueness/impreciseness of the shifter in the Speed3 and I'm wondering if you could elaborate more. Coming out of RWD cars I was also concerned about the Mazda's shifter. However, in reality it isn't so bad. The only thing I noticed was that the 1-2 and 3-4 gates are spaced further apart than the 3-4 and 5-6 gates, but you soon get used to it. I should also note that I'm used to driving German cars with Getrag transmissions, and they reward smooth, deliberate, ans un-hurried shifting. The same is true with the tranny in the Mazdaspeed3. The only thing that really annoys me is the clutch action. The clutch engages over a very short range of travel. It took me a while to get used to that. did you feel you gave up anything going with the Speed3? Not really; I cross-shopped a bunch of very different cars- from the GTI and Cooper S to the Charger SRT8 and Shelby GT. I also looked at E36 and E46 M3s and a 330i ZHP. I guess that it all boiled down to the fact I just wanted something crazy and different- and the Mazdaspeed3 fit that description to a "T".
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Replying to: roadburner (Dec 06, 2007 9:11 am) Thanks for your thoughts on both cars. I really have to get out and drive both cars myself. I've been trying to find a way to buy the new Subaru STI, since I live in snow country and it's very quick and fast and AWD. My wife says NO! But I think it's possible to do The MINI looks like a real bargain to me but it's not very practical and of course my wife wants a new car also as both of ours are well worn. My major gripe with the MINI is the distance to the dealer. I'd have to take a day out of work to get any service done on it. The Speed3 is to me at least, a great looking wagon. I like wagons and the 3 series is one of the best looking for me. It's a tough call because I really like nimble handling and I miss my Miata but need 4 seats. How bad are the rear seats in the MINI? My wife is 5' tall and I'm only 5'7" tall so I'm wondering if putting a 3rd person in the back with room for a spare tire is do-able? I know the Speed3 has tons of room. I sat in one but was afraid to drive it as I might want to buy it and I'm really hoping the STI will work out for me. I like a bit of travel in the clutch so I can feather it, did the dealership say if it's adjustable? I have over 200K on my WRX and it's got a buyer already who is waiting on me to sell it, he's turning it into a race car and is going to give me $1K cash for it. Ah it's no fun waiting  I guess I am looking at very different cars as well. The RFT's on the MINI are a complete turnoff for me as the roads I travel you really need a spare or you are in trouble. Cell phones are intermitent as well. Thanks for your help...
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