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Hatchbacks Mazda3 Mazda3i vs Elantra GLS
23 messages, Last post on Dec 20, 2008 at 10:50 AM
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Replying to: backy (Dec 17, 2008 8:08 pm) the models i compared both had standard: Braking Assist, Anti-Lock Brakes w/EBD, Traction Control, Stability Control, head and side airbags (according to edmunds) so i guess they are matched on safety features. as for room, i estimate most of the time ill be driving by myself, so room in the rear seat is not a big deal. but that is a pro for elantra. it is important that that the front seat is roomy since i am on the tall side. yes, im pretty sure the elantra will offer a softer ride. i live in NJ and there are plenty of potholes. that is a plus in the elantra column. i did read a lot of complaints in this forum about alignment problems, so that has me worried though. i dont care about satellite radio. i listed to cds and now plan to listen to mp3s, since both cars can play them. both also have auxiliary input jacks. some other pros for elantra: i like the heated mirrors, actual car alarm and not just engine immobilizer, trip computer, remote trunk release, overhead console... i do remember reading that the 6 can be bought for less or similar to the 3. i dont know why though. i guess the 3 has a 'cooler' image. i would prefer a small compact car. i think its easier for parking (smaller size and turning circle) and has more agility. im thinking new car cause i like the peace of mind. mazda 6 is not offered as a hatch and the sonata was redesigned for 09, so both have strikes in my book. i realize that in terms of getting more 'car' the midsize cars offer a better value. but if you think about it the small cars are not really that much smaller that the midsize. the wheel base of a sonata is only 3 inches more than an elantra. |
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Replying to: ogurek (Dec 17, 2008 9:50 pm) Also FYI the Sonata was not "redesigned" for 2009, it was merely a mid-gen refresh. But the refresh has a lot of improvements over 2008, including a new interior, retuned suspension and steering, and a 5AT on the I4 with more power (more power on the V6 also, with better FE on both). 2009 GLSes with AT can be found around $15k before T&L, about the same as a best price on the Elantra SE or Mazda3i. I am not sure where you read about a lot of alignment problems on the current-gen Elantra. I haven't seen them and I follow the Elantra discussions here closely. There were problems with "wheel shimmy" on the previous-gen Elantra, almost always rectified with a proper tire/wheel rebalancing. The 2004-8 Mazda6i hatchback is a very nice car, if you can find a certified car with a lot of warranty left might be worth considering. I almost bought one of those, but went with a used 3-Series instead.
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Replying to: backy (Dec 18, 2008 8:23 am) While I wouldn't go so far as to say that the SE version of the Elantra was "Buick-like", I will also say that it cannot hold a candle to the handling of the Mazda3 i Touring; the difference is very apparent when performing a back-to-back test drive between the two. Best regards, Shipo
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Replying to: shipo (Dec 18, 2008 8:30 am) |
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Replying to: backy (Dec 18, 2008 8:23 am) id also like to get either car in 08 since that will maximize my savings. so the improved suspension is not really an option for me. i wasnt really saying that handling is the deal braker for me, but its something to consider. dont think hyundai will ever match the sportiness of mazda since that is not their brand image. they want to be the next toyota, stuff like quality, value and safety. there is a genesis coupe on the horizon to spice things up though. sorry i was getting the sonata and elantra confused. on the edmunds review page some people mentioned fixing the suspension/struts on the new sonata, and i guess that stuck with me. as for the elantra, ive been reading the 'Hyundai Elantra Issues 2007+' thread, which would most apply to my car, stuff like transmission, check engine light, pulling to one side, interior etc, and i guess all those stories made me imagine having them too.
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Replying to: ogurek (Dec 18, 2008 12:47 pm) Too bad you can't wait to buy for awhile, as the new Elantra Touring would make an interesting alternative to the 3 hatch. I don't think car prices are headed up anytime soon...
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Replying to: ogurek (Dec 17, 2008 9:50 pm)
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Replying to: backy (Dec 18, 2008 12:59 pm) maybe its not entirely fair to compare them since it takes years to get bugs out and elantra is a newer model than the 3. sorry, im not interested in the elantra touring. it looks even blander than the sedan, and will most likely have bugs as a first year model.
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Replying to: ogurek (Dec 19, 2008 8:25 pm)  What is "new" on the Touring is the body. That's about it. Same Beta II powertrain that has been proven over quite awhile. Same basic chassis and suspension (although with sport tuning). Same dash, probably same electricals. Not a lot of risk there, IMO. Also the 2007 Elantra did very well in reliability its first year of that new generation, so that should give you some comfort. Both the Elantra and Mazda3 have much better than average predicted reliability by CR. Really hard to go wrong with either car, but since they are quite different cars it really should come down to which one you think you would like living with better over a number of years, vs. nits like a small difference in fuel economy and a longer warranty (can get an extended warranty on the 3 if that is an issue).
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Replying to: ahightower (Dec 19, 2008 5:41 pm) im 6'1 and i was worried about fitting in a 'compact' car. right now im driving an 06 corolla with plenty of headroom. i guess they just make compact cars bigger nowadays. in the corolla i have the same situation. the driver seat is all the way back and takes away from the leg room of the rear passenger. im not sure if the elantra would make a big difference in this case. most of the time im the only occupant in the car so so its not a problem either way. i dont really use cruise control, so the 3 console is not a problem. |
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