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Mazdaspeed 3 or Mini Cooper S - READ ONLY

54 messages,  Last post on Dec 09, 2008 at 5:33 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3, MINI Cooper, Car Comparisons, Wagon

Messages Page 2 of 6

#5 of 54 Re: Mini and Mazda don't compare . . . [zephyr_7] by jimharrison

Nov 29, 2007 (6:02 pm)

Replying to: zephyr_7 (Sep 13, 2007 12:36 pm)
I am struggling with the same question. The Mazda 3 compares more closely to the Mini Clubman, which is now available. The Mini offers a sunroof that isn't offered on the MazdaSpeed. However, comparably equipped, the Mini is about $6k more. For that extra money, you get no spare tire, less space, less power, less acceleration, less reliability, less dealer/service locations, etc. Of course, the Mini offers better gas mileage, better handling, better resale value, more customization options, etc. In my mind, there are many good reasons to go with the Mazda, but I'm still struggling with one point - I think it is butt ugly.

#6 of 54 Re: Mini and Mazda don't compare . . . [jimharrison] by denrog

Dec 05, 2007 (2:05 pm)

Replying to: jimharrison (Nov 29, 2007 6:02 pm)
Hi, I just came across this discussion and have been considering both cars. I test drove the Mini and the "S" and was impressed but the "S" with the 17" run flat tires was a little on the rough and noisy side. I like the looks of the Mini over the Mazda but the price which is essentially fixed on the Mini can be negotiated on the Mazda. I think that a Japanese car will be more reliable than a German one. What might tip the Mazda my way is the fact that I can get 0% financing for 36mo. but 6.25% with perfect credit from BMW for the Mini.

#7 of 54 Re: Mini and Mazda don't compare . . . [denrog] by roadburner

Dec 05, 2007 (9:43 pm)

Replying to: denrog (Dec 05, 2007 2:05 pm)
My wife and I both love the Mini- and I might have bought a Cooper S had we not needed a usable rear seat. That said, I'm extremely pleased with my Mazdaspeed3. The looks don't bother me, and I like the way it doesn't attract unwanted attention from law enforcement. The combination of practicality and performance sealed the deal for me. And my wife will probably end up with a Clubman anyway...

#8 of 54 Re: Mini and Mazda don't compare . . . [roadburner] by tiff_c

Dec 06, 2007 (1:57 am)

Replying to: roadburner (Dec 05, 2007 9:43 pm)
My wife and I both love the Mini- and I might have bought a Cooper S had we not needed a usable rear seat. That said, I'm extremely pleased with my Mazdaspeed3.
 
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

#9 of 54 Re: Mini and Mazda don't compare . . . [tiff_c] by roadburner

Dec 06, 2007 (10:11 am)

Replying to: tiff_c (Dec 06, 2007 1:57 am)
How would you rate the 2 cars individually?
 
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".

#10 of 54 Re: Mini and Mazda don't compare . . . [roadburner] by tiff_c

Dec 06, 2007 (10:40 am)

Replying to: roadburner (Dec 06, 2007 10:11 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.
 
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...

#11 of 54 Re: Mini and Mazda don't compare . . . [tiff_c] by roadburner

Dec 06, 2007 (11:39 am)

Replying to: tiff_c (Dec 06, 2007 10:40 am)
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.
 
Yes, that's a very sweet car.
 
How bad are the rear seats in the MINI?
 
One reason I kind of wanted a usable back seat was to take some miles off my wife's truck. My 7th grade son is already 5'6" and he wasn't much for riding in the back seat of my 318ti Club Sport or my Wrangler. I'm 5'10" and my wife is 5'7" and my kid was very cramped in the rear seat of the Cooper S. I was of the opinion that if my kid was going to be uncomfortable in the back seat, it might as well be the back seat of a nice 993... In contrast, the added practicality(and horsepower ) made the Mazdaspeed an easy call. I'm also planning to add the Mazdaspeed CAI and attend a few track days next year.

#12 of 54 Re: Mini and Mazda don't compare . . . [roadburner] by tiff_c

Dec 06, 2007 (10:08 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Dec 06, 2007 11:39 am)
One reason I kind of wanted a usable back seat was to take some miles off my wife's truck. My 7th grade son is already 5'6" and he wasn't much for riding in the back seat of my 318ti Club Sport or my Wrangler. I'm 5'10" and my wife is 5'7" and my kid was very cramped in the rear seat of the Cooper S. I was of the opinion that if my kid was going to be uncomfortable in the back seat, it might as well be the back seat of a nice 993... In contrast, the added practicality(and horsepower ) made the Mazdaspeed an easy call. I'm also planning to add the Mazdaspeed CAI and attend a few track days next year.
 
Yeah the MINI is rather small and the back seat sounds pretty cramped. my wife is only 5' so it might be ok if she sits in the back but I doubt 4 real adults would want to sit in the back for any length of time. I think the Speed3 is a real possibility if the STI proves to be too costly.
I'll still drive all 3 cars and a couple more as well.
I take it you have a 2 door Wrangler and not the 4 door. The 4 door seems like a good bet unless you are into hardcore offroad.
I still like the economy of the MINI and the small size, but as a primary car it's not enough. I agree about the 993. make mine an S please!
The 996 is pretty nice as well and a 1998 993 air cooled is big $$$ about $40k for a decent S.
Mazdaspeed3 is probably a lot more reliable, it also has a real back seat because I have sat in the back and it was fine.
The CAI seems good but doesn't that make it susceptible to water getting into it? There is no longer a housing over the CAI, IIRC. so doesn't that increase your chance of vapor lock in the winter or if you hit a big puddle?

#13 of 54 Deal of a Lifetime!! Crossfire by smogdung

Dec 07, 2007 (8:42 am)

I tested 2 MS3s.......they are great......BUT, bought a Crossfire yesterday....sticker was just under $36K......I paid $20K + beat up Alero strippo with 80K miles & dents. It's really a Mercedes folks.....buildt in Germany & 07 will be the last year. Daimler & Chrysler are splitting up I believe & Chrysler is dumping these cars. It was never hailed by the experts because of the price group it competed in....but for about $23 K out the door......it's a fantastic buy!!!!! In the begining they were asking way over sticker.
 
If you want a practical-sleeper-rocket buy the MS3.
 
If you want super solid quality, almost as fast as the MS3, drop dead gorgeous looks, A powertrain warranty for AS LONG AS YOU LIVE & OWN IT!!!!, and what I suspect will be great resale value 10 years from now.......go get an 07 Crossfire before the last ones are gone!!!!!
 
I got the last 6 speed manual I think the the Kansas City area...most are automatics.

#14 of 54 Re: Mini and Mazda don't compare . . . [tiff_c] by roadburner

Dec 07, 2007 (9:24 am)

Replying to: tiff_c (Dec 06, 2007 10:08 pm)
I take it you have a 2 door Wrangler and not the 4 door. The 4 door seems like a good bet unless you are into hardcore offroad.
 
Mine is a 1999. I was going to sell it when I bought the MS3 but it's paid for and cheap to insure, so I decided to keep it and use it when the roads are icy and when I want to take my German Shepherd with me.
 
The CAI seems good but doesn't that make it susceptible to water getting into it?
 
The Mazdaspeed does have a small shield. The consensus on the MS3 boards is that water ingestion is a remote possibility until you start talking about a foot or so of water.

Messages Page 2 of 6

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