Article Comments - Mazda 6 vs. Honda Accord vs. Nissan Altima

120 messages, Last post on Feb 27, 2009 at 2:31 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA6, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Finding the Sweet Spot in Family Sedans - After all the poking, prodding, driving and scoring, the $30,690 2009 Mazda 6 s Grand Touring earns a total of 70.3 points in our comparison for a 1st-place finish. (more)

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#118 of 120 Re: [ribbonspeakers] by thegraduate Feb 24, 2009 (9:12 pm)
Replying to: ribbonspeakers (Feb 24, 2009 4:32 pm) Comparing 4-cyl motors the Mazda vibrates less, makes more torque & power, has better throttle response & sounds better when revved (as is the case when power is required from a four). Handling wise, as well documented by every professional & non-professional source, the Mazda's handling is best in class, no contest. Found a comparison between the upgraded Fusion, 6, and Accord, thought I'd post some notes from it, from C/D. The Mazda’s four-cylinder is up from 2.3 liters and 156 horsepower to 2.5 liters and 170 horses—168 in PZEV (Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle) California editions such as our test car. Although the Mazda’s powerplant comes up seven horses short of the Fusion’s, it registered identical times in our benchmark sprints: 0 to 60 in 8.0 seconds, the quarter-mile in 16.1 at 88 mph. We’re talking subtle distinctions here. Brake-pedal feel, for example, wasn’t quite as positive as in the Accord. The Mazda turned in readily, the Accord decisively. The Mazda’s freeway ride was good, but it verged on harsh when we operated on patchy pavement. Its suspension tuning was more overtly sporty than the Accord’s, but the Honda held a tangible edge in transient response while delivering a more supple ride on just about any surface. Just posting some notes. Having driven both the new 6 and the new Accord, neither makes me want to trade my current 06 Accord in on either of them, especially since its paid for! Replies to this message: ribbonspeakers (Feb 27, 2009 2:31 pm)
#119 of 120 My decision by lewisinde Feb 27, 2009 (12:12 pm)
I test drove the 4 cylinder Altima, the Accord, and the Mazda6 twice each. I wanted to go with a car that had better gas mileage. Who know how high prices will go in the future. All three were comfortable to drive, responded well to and had good acceleration for a four cylinder engine. I personally felt that the supsension on the Altima and the Accord were better than the 6. As far as reliability goes, Honda > Mazda > Nissan. What drove my decision in the end was that were so many Accords and Altimas on the road now that it wasn't exciting owning one. To top it off, the dashboard set up and lighting in the Mazda6 was outstanding and closest to the Acura TL and I was able to get bluetooth in the Mazda and I don't think it was available for the Honda. I've had my Grand Touring i for four weeks and love it. So far I can only find two negative issues with the car: The suspension on bumpy patched roads here in town is worse than expected which was previously mentioned. The other issue is the lumbar support wheel doesn't really do much to add much addtional support. Overall I think its a great car. Had the dealer add an identical aftermarket spoiler for $350 and it looks hot.
#120 of 120 Re: [thegraduate] by ribbonspeakers Feb 27, 2009 (2:31 pm)
Replying to: thegraduate (Feb 24, 2009 9:12 pm) By "best in class handling" I mean shorter lap &/or slalom time than any other same class car. When someone finds a reliable independent source showing a stock same-class car beating the Mazda6, please post it here. I agree there are smoother suspensions on patchy/bumpy roads. I believe C/D is a Honda lap dog, far less objective than CU, Edmunds & Autoweek, which agree w/ my subjective conclusion favoring the Mazda6 handling over all same-class comers. The Mazda’s freeway ride was good, but it verged on harsh when we operated on patchy pavement. Its suspension tuning was more overtly sporty than the Accord’s, but the Honda held a tangible edge in transient response while delivering a more supple ride on just about any surface. With all due respect: "...more overtly sporty...tangible edge in transient response..."? What does that jibberish mean? Overtly vs. covertly? Tangible vs. intangible? Was this idiot paid by the word? (See above: Honda lap dogs) What were C/D lap &/or slalom times if such were published?