Can't miss the toilet w/o hitting a Mazda3

[Preloader]

SRSLY, I see four of them on my way to the freeway. They look like a mini-van that escaped the crusher before it was finished crushing. 230hp is the same stock power/displacement ratio as the Sonic, but it's also 500lbs (1/4 ton) heavier.

Don't really know what my intention is with this thread other than to create a slamming ground for what it seems a lot of Sonic owners are considering trading up to.

So if you want an ugly Japanese compact mini-van with dismal power/weight/cost ratio and want to disappear into a sea of consumers like an ant in an ant farm. The Mazda3 may be exactly what you're looking for.

Oh hai guise!

 

[sx sonic]

But rearview camera!

 

[Preloader]

To see all the cars you're holding back in the fastlane?

 

[ChrisJ]

 

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Authentic LOL just happened here.

 

[SonicBoy24]

I find these cars ugly, they look just like bugs to me.
My buddy wants a Mazda Speed, looks exactly the same but "its fast" Just cause it is called Speed doesn't mean it has speed...

I feel like they tried to take the RX-8, a decent looking car, and tried to make it better here, but failed.

 

[ungawd]

It needs 2 drool cups; one for the car and another for the driver.

 

[sx sonic]

I feel like they tried to take the RX-8, a decent looking car, and tried to make it better here, but failed.

They may not have made it better but they certainly made it happy!

 

[Isambard]

SRSLY, I see four of them on my way to the freeway. They look like a mini-van that escaped the crusher before it was finished crushing. 230hp is the same stock power/displacement ratio as the Sonic, but it's also 500lbs (1/4 ton) heavier.

Don't really know what my intention is with this thread other than to create a slamming ground for what it seems a lot of Sonic owners are considering trading up to.

So if you want an ugly Japanese compact mini-van with dismal power/weight/cost ratio and want to disappear into a sea of consumers like an ant in an ant farm. The Mazda3 may be exactly what you're looking for.

It's 263 HP out of 2.3 liters. And of course it's heavier; it's quite a bit larger than the Sonic (my mom's X1 is shorter ), is a size class above it, sits on an older platform (Ford based), and has chassis strengthening built into it. But stock for stock it has less weight to pull per HP than the Sonic. And now that the next gen 3 is trickling in to the lots, they can be had super cheap. If you're a "benchmark" racer or just want something stupid fast for cheap or just want to hear your BOV hiss and burn Civic Sis at the stoplight, then you would be stupid not to consider a car like this.

And now it's time for me to be fair and equitable: I would never buy this car. A strong motor can overcome weight, but it's handling can't hide the facts that it's still a heavy car and I enjoy the twisties too much. This car is (by all accounts that I have read) an understeering pig that is very much point and shoot. A lot of people want that (I don't), but who cares if they do?

I had a 2nd gen SkyActiv 3. The interior was poor quality, it rode rough, it was loud, I disliked the styling, and it was an auto. It got great fuel economy and had a lot of tech for the best price at the time. It was a huge left brain decision that I regret. And now I have a Sonic.

Like all cars, there's good and bad to it. I'm not an apologist, I like all MFRs if they give me something appealing to buy. I just think it's not fair to bash a car on looks and misquoted figures.

I am rooting for Mazda. The current crop of Mazdas have weight savings at the core of their design. The 2014 3 looks great, and the rumor mill is saying lightweight high strung NA 2.0L for the next Speed3. It won't lead the hot compact segment, but it might be a nice breath of fresh air (along with the Si) from the FI hotrods that are dominating right now.

I know you really dislike them, and you love your Sonic like everybody else here. I don't want to start a fight, but what happened to different strokes for different folks?

:beer:

 

[Preloader]

Thanks for reminding me, I almost forgot how much I hate the "skyactiv" name.

I also forgot that 230hp was wheel and not crank, so I did skew my numbers comparison....... Slightly.

But I did make it somewhat clear in the title that was a slam mosh pit thread and I put it in the off topic.

And lastly, I forgot to add a qualifying statement that a Sonic vs. Mazda3 comparison is a little unreasonable. Just used the Sonic numbers for my own ammo, which I bobbled anyway.

I just found myself having strong feelings about the over popularity of the 3's when I think there are other cars that should be doing just as well and are more deserving. If you like power and hate mpg, I'd be less bothered less if you bought a WRX.

Anyspray, the intention was a dumping ground for others that maybe wanted to indulge in the ventilation. No need to defend the Mazda 3 here. If you dislike them, have a seat, throw some poo and by all means keep the MazdaMemes coming.

If you like the Mazda3, this might not be a fun thread for you.

 

[rdss]

I just found myself having strong feelings about the over popularity of the 3's when I think there are other cars that should be doing just as well and are more deserving. If you like power and hate mpg, I'd be less bothered less if you bought a WRX.

I guess all is not lost on me, plus I went a step above the WRX. I love power and hate mpg!

 

[mitdr774]

finally for Preloader.

 

[rodslinger]

230hp is the same stock power/displacement ratio as the Sonic, but it's also 500lbs (1/4 ton) heavier.

What's 230hp? I thought the Mazdaspeed was closer to 270 and the regular 3 is in the 160 to 175 range depending on model.

Playing devils advocate. I've had two 3's in the past. The last one was a 2010 model. S trim and loaded. It was leaps and bounds above in comfort and quality over our current LTZ Sonic Sedan. Far more features for not much more money. Things such as active HID lighting that turn when the car turns, proximity keyless entry, heated power and memory seats, real leather, nav that works. Better yet, could use Nav and Pandora at the same time. Try that with MyLink.

I think I liked the memory seats the best. I could just walk up to the car, the doors would unlock and the mirrors and seats would re-adjust for me. They would change back for the wife when took the car later. Little things like that really make it a nice experience.


Regarding the ugly... we got a black one because we didn't like the goofy grin either. That seemed to camouflage it well. And what's wrong with a Minivan? Turbocharged, H&R springs, Koni's, etc.. Eats our Sonic's lunch.

 

[ChrisJ]

What's 230hp? I thought the Mazdaspeed was closer to 270 and the regular 3 is in the 160 to 175 range depending on model.

Playing devils advocate. I've had two 3's in the past. The last one was a 2010 model. S trim and loaded. It was leaps and bounds above in comfort and quality over our current LTZ Sonic Sedan. Far more features for not much more money. Things such as active HID lighting that turn when the car turns, proximity keyless entry, heated power and memory seats, real leather, nav that works. Better yet, could use Nav and Pandora at the same time. Try that with MyLink.

I think I liked the memory seats the best. I could just walk up to the car, the doors would unlock and the mirrors and seats would re-adjust for me. They would change back for the wife when took the car later. Little things like that really make it a nice experience.


Regarding the ugly... we got a black one because we didn't like the goofy grin either. That seemed to camouflage it well. And what's wrong with a Minivan? Turbocharged, H&R springs, Koni's, etc.. Eats our Sonic's lunch.

Holy **** that thing is ugly from the side. Reminds me of a hearse.

P.S. "Eats our Sonic's for lunch" should be Sonics not Sonic's and lets see which goes further on a gallon of gas.

 

[Preloader]

We're disliking Mazdas in this thread. I guess the all points bulletin didn't didn't succeed.

270hp from a 2.3L Turbo marketed as a "sports" trim is not exactly impressive.
I'm not saying they aren't decently fast.

But I am thoroughly more captivated by the advancements we've seen in sliced bread.

 

[ChrisJ]

We're disliking Mazdas in this thread. I guess the all points bulletin didn't didn't succeed.

270hp from a 2.3L Turbo marketed as a "sports" trim is not exactly impressive.
I'm not saying they aren't decently fast.

But I am thoroughly more captivated by the advancements we've seen in sliced bread.

Sliced bread is BAD!
When you buy fresh bread...... like bakery fresh Italian bread it must be unsliced and placed in a paper bag. Mmmmm.

Now I'm hungry.

 

[Opticon]

They look like everything else that comes over on the boat. Not a single panty was wet that day.

 

[rodslinger]

Holy **** that thing is ugly from the side. Reminds me of a hearse.

P.S. "Eats our Sonic's for lunch" should be Sonics not Sonic's and lets see which goes further on a gallon of gas.

No. It it eats our Sonic's lunch was correct. We only own one and the Sonic is possessive of the lunch referred to. I don't mind if anyone doesn't like it. I do. Sorta like the sedan vs hatch debate that always comes up. And I got 32mpg the other day coming back from New Orleans. Not as good as our Sonic but not bad either.

So who goes further? Just depends on how you drive.

 

[ChrisJ]

No. It it eats our Sonic's lunch was correct. We only own one and the Sonic is possessive of the lunch referred to. I don't mind if anyone doesn't like it. I do. Sorta like the sedan vs hatch debate that always comes up. And I got 32mpg the other day coming back from New Orleans. Not as good as our Sonic but not bad either.

So who goes further? Just depends on how you drive.

My Sonic's average is almost always 41MPG and I've seen as high as 48.

Good luck.

 

[Preloader]

I've been driving for almost 20 years and never thought, why don't my headlights turn when I do?

I have however cut bread and wonder why don't I have this?

This thread is fun. I'm glad that so far no one has got all FUUUUUUUU!

Kick off your shoes and leave you feelings at the door when you enter the Off Topic. Don't let the door hit you in the vag¡na on the way out. hahaha