2010 Volkswagen GTI vs. Mazdaspeed 3 - Car and Driver

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

Not a big fan of Car and Driver reviews typically as they rarely take a hard line opinion on anything in their comparo's. This review is much of the same.

However, a couple of interesting tidbits:

1) Car and Driver has obviously better drivers than Edmunds Inside Line or a more optimistic stop watch.:) Once again, they achieved a much better 0 to 60mph time than Edmunds for the MS3. The new gen clocks in at 5.8 seconds vs. the 5.5 sec to 0-60mph for the old gen MS3.

2) They hated the new gen MS3 interior, especially the seats, which I tend to agree with wholeheartedly. Let's hope Mazda changes that...

3) The new MS3 is heavier, slower, not as good in the slalom and doesn't brake as well compared to the old gen MS3. These are somewhat different results from Edmunds, in that they had the new gen being better in the slalom and faster in the quarter mile with braking being about equal.

4) They believe the new MS3 is a more 'civil' and somewhat detuned version of the old MS3. I agree, as the new Speed3 is not as 'hardcore' and frenetic to drive. I guess Mazda feels this will target a larger audience than the old gen...

5) The GTi is still an overpriced and underpowered P.O.S. Why seriously, does anyone still buy these things for the money? Okay, they didn't actually say that, but I just did.

Anyway, enough of my ramblings, here is the vid:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IGWFFpI88o

[PlatMS6]

5) The GTi is still an overpriced and underpowered P.O.S. Why seriously, does anyone still buy these things for the money? Okay, they didn't actually say that, but I just did.

^^^^^^
Fanboism!!!... GTI over MS3 anyday. After several Mazda's you realize that Quality over Quantity is definitely preferred. The MK6 GTI's are here now at almost every dealer, take one out for a spin before making those kinds of statements.

[stevenma188]

5) The GTi is still an overpriced and underpowered P.O.S. Why seriously, does anyone still buy these things for the money? Okay, they didn't actually say that, but I just did.
I can vouch that the 2010 GTI feels underpowered, even compared to my MZ3. I haven't had the chance to drive a MS3, so I cannot comment on that regard.

[JashiK]

fyi the new ms3 is faster in the slalom and has a faster 1/4 mile trap speed than the previous.

[SKYMP3]

I find GTI's seat is even worse than the new MS3.....make it plain black is better with those stupid white strips.

[oneurt]

I find GTI's seat is even worse than the new MS3.....make it plain black is better with those stupid white strips.

That's just a GTI thing lol plaid seats. It suits that car.


In the end there are things I like about both cars, my friend owns an MKV and I think his car is awesome.

[JashiK]

I find GTI's seat is even worse than the new MS3.....make it plain black is better with those stupid white strips.


I like the original GTI pattern in the seats. The GTI's seats are wayyyyyy more comfortable and supportive than the MS3 seats.

[Mazda3X2]

^^^^^^
After several Mazda's you realize that Quality over Quantity is definitely preferred.

Sadly I kind of have to agree with this at least in part.

I have owned 4 brand new Mazdas since 2003. Some of the quality issues are seriously starting to get to me. And although not a direct relationship, most dealership visits leave something to be desired to say the least. Mediocre technical / fault finding abilities as well as support from Mazda Canada are severely lacking.

I like the Mazdaspeed 3. The power is corrupting and addicting. The driving experience....fun. Bang for your buck, yes!

Until the little creaks, rattles, crappy shifter, automatic rain sensing wipers with no real delay setting that works, soft paint and windshield all take their toll on your senses. Looking back I think I would more thoroughly enjoy owning a GTI or even....dare I say it....a Civic Si.

This will likely be my last Mazda and my wife whole heartily agrees.

Quality > Performance for the long haul.

[SKYMP3]

http://paddocktalk.com/news/html/modules/ew_filemanager/07images/ptalk/roadtest/vw/gti/No%202.jpg

^ Those are ugly seats from GTI.... well, ugly IMO



Vs


The 07-09 MS3 seats

http://www.autobytel.com/images/2007/Mazda/MazdaSpeed3/400/MAZDASPEED3_01.jpg

[JashiK]

http://image.motortrend.com/f/17982417+w750/112_0906_05z+2010_volkswagen_GTI+front_seats.jpg
Seats on the new GTI...

I agree that the MS3 seats may look a bit nicer than the older GTI, but the GTI seats were much more supportive and comfortable in all the right places, which I think is more important whether if you're auto-x, driving long distances and etc...

The 2010 GTI seats look pretty sweet. I know you don't like the pattern, but that's just personal preference.

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

^^^^^^
Fanboism!!!... GTI over MS3 anyday. After several Mazda's you realize that Quality over Quantity is definitely preferred. The MK6 GTI's are here now at almost every dealer, take one out for a spin before making those kinds of statements.

LOL Dude, of course there is an element of Fanboy'ism'. I own a Mazdaspeed3 which I love and this is a Mazda forum after all and the post is in the Mazdaspeed section too...:loco :)

As for driving the new GTi, tis true that I have not driven the new 2010's yet. However, I have driven just about every other previous iteration of the GTi going back to the early mid 90's and will get in to drive the new one someday soon. Problem is, not much has actually changed in the new one that I am aware of. Just looks like the same GTi as previous models. Same engine, same suspension same car and different model year tag.

My issue is primarily that VW touts the GTi as an economy performance car. I guess it is just that, but if you have driven one, you will quickly realize that it is neither fast enough, nor handles well enough, to stack up against any of its competitors in this market segment. The GTi's claim to fame is having an up market interior and I guess they are hoping that buyers will forget about its true lack of performance. The GTi is simply underpowered and the suspension is way too soft and on the 'touring' side of feel. Again, this is based on previous iterations of the GTi, but I doubt this new model is any different, other than the model year.

As for quality over quantity, are you actually serious? VW has one of the worst reliability records for any import manufacturer over the past 10 years or so. They are plagued with electrical issues, transmission issues (particularly the DSG) and a whole host of fit and finish problems. The engine is at least reliable, but heck it should be, how long have they been using it now...

Now, if they stiffen up the GTI and bump up the power and sort out the DSG and transmission issues, then call me and I'll consider one. Failing that, yes, I'd take the MS3 over the GTi any day of the week for the money.

EDIT: I would buy the new GTi over the new 2010 MS3 though, just not over the old gen... I still can't deal with the exterior design and interior design of the new MS3. I don't like them at all.

[Weedly]

I'm with Zoom Zoom on all counts...as you say though...this is a MS3 forum.

What I find truly amazing is how VW owners keep going on an on about the technical superiority of their German machines...I was railed at for 10 minutes the other day about how incredibly reliable they are, all while I drove my VW owning friend to pick his car up from the shop...something about the power windows finally getting fixed now that they have worked out the issue with the relay switching beign crossed with the window defogger or something like that! And it was only the 3rd time in for the fix.

[froggy]

I'm with Zoom Zoom on all counts...as you say though...this is a MS3 forum.

What I find truly amazing is how VW owners keep going on an on about the technical superiority of their German machines...I was railed at for 10 minutes the other day about how incredibly reliable they are, all while I drove my VW owning friend to pick his car up from the shop...something about the power windows finally getting fixed now that they have worked out the issue with the relay switching beign crossed with the window defogger or something like that! And it was only the 3rd time in for the fix.

one thing to explain this at least for most models: german engineering + mexican labour = epic fail.

for the made in germany cars i blame gremlins on the shipping boat over for that :chuckle

i used to own a vw i have to give them some love

[-cj-]

Like Zoom Zoom said, they are plagued with electrical issues. Start counting how many VW's you see on the road with weird tail lights --- One tail light brighter than the other, one completely dead, etc. I was surprised to see that even the newer VW's have this same electrical problem. Plus they were very check-engine-light-happy (I don't know if current models still have this problem...)

Isn't there supposed to be a GTI-R coming out soon though?

[Fobio]

Isn't there supposed to be a GTI-R coming out soon though?

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/volkswagen-prices-uk-scirocco-r-and-golf-r-debuts-new-ad-w-vid/

[MajesticBlueNTO]

The 2009 GTI won Motor Trend's "Bang for the Buck" sport compact comparison (http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sports/112_0903_sport_compact_car_comparison/index.html) earlier this year besting the Mazdaspeed3 as "best overall car". The suspension on the MKV GTI is more forgiving in city driving and the interior is quieter, quiet to the point that it has a factory rice mod - a pipe that channels engine noise into the interior. I'd say Mazda tried to make the 2010 MS3 more GTI-like :chuckle

The 2009 GTI's lap time around the Streets of Willow was 0.4 seconds behind the MS3 (http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sports/112_0903_sport_compact_car_comparison/cobalt_speed3_wrx_gti_specs.html) and was fairly close in other instrumented tests (except at higher speeds where the MS3 ran away)...all this with 200hp/207tq at the crank.

For $600, a MKV and MKVI GTI owner can get either of APR, GIAC, Revo, or Unitronic Stage 1 and bump the HP and TQ up to 220whp/250wtq, with stock intake and exhaust, if they decide the car is underpowered.

Mazda is not to be outdone with its own quality issues such as blown DISI engines at part throttle, blown non-speed3 2.3L engines, cracked oil filter housings, smoking turbos, electrical issues (non-speed3s with PJB problems), rusting, creaks and rattles. To say a MS3 is better in quality vs a MKV+ GTI would be like the pot calling the kettle black.

While the GTI and MS3 will be cross-shopped, each appeals to a particular type of customer: the GTI for those that want "luxury" performance for relatively cheap; the MS3 for those that the car that stays true to the term "hot hatch".

And, FWIW, after a number of friends had MKIV Jettas/Golfs/GTIs that were nothing but trouble, I swore I would never own a VW... but then after some other friends with MKV Rabbits - read, Made in Germany - have had far less issues than I've had with my Mazda3, the wife went and got herself a MKV GTI as her daily driver (note, i still don't own a VW since it is in her name :chuckle)

[Fobio]

The 2009 GTI's lap time around the Streets of Willow was 0.4 seconds behind the MS3 (http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sports/112_0903_sport_compact_car_comparison/cobalt_speed3_wrx_gti_specs.html) and was fairly close in other instrumented tests (except at higher speeds where the MS3 ran away)...all this with 200hp/207tq at the crank.

For $600, a MKV and MKVI GTI owner can get either of APR, GIAC, Revo, or Unitronic Stage 1 and bump the HP and TQ up to 220whp/250wtq, with stock intake and exhaust, if they decide the car is underpowered.


Tell your "wife"...any time, any track...you've got my cell, email, fax, home/work address, horoscope...:headbang

LOL

you know you want to...don't make me ask 500 times...

[-cj-]

^^^ LOL.


I'd say Mazda tried to make the 2010 MS3 more GTI-like

BTW Wasn't the 1st gen MS3 already winning in all sorts of catagories long before the 2010? Why would they copy VW if their car was already winning several awards?

[MajesticBlueNTO]

The suspension on the MKV GTI is more forgiving in city driving and the interior is quieter, .... I'd say Mazda tried to make the 2010 MS3 more GTI-like :chuckle



^^^ LOL.

BTW Wasn't the 1st gen MS3 already winning in all sorts of catagories long before the 2010? Why would they copy VW if their car was already winning several awards?

full context of that quote. the 2010 MS3 is more forgiving in city driving and the interior is quieter. the 1st gen MS3 won all sorts of performance oriented awards but people that didn't want that "hardcore" of a car went elsewhere ..to a GTI.

[Fobio]

Unfortunately, neither the Golf R nor the Scirocco will make it to NA. The drivetrain from the Golf R would likely put it in another class, esp price-wise, which makes it a STi/EVO competitor, but nonetheless an exciting car...so nice in fact, that I'd consider that drivetrain myself in the form of a TTS w/ DSG...but price-wise it's out of reach and impractical unless it's a second car...

which would make for a rather strong case in keeping the MS3 and its utility as the primary car...I can easily haul 2 sets of rims with tires with 1 passenger.

[Speedy2008]

I think they're both pretty awesome cars. Based on this debate, does this influence your expected length of MS3 ownership?

[JSI]

german engineering + mexican labour = epic fail.



LOL best comment in this thread!!!

Jeremy

[Fobio]

I think they're both pretty awesome cars. Based on this debate, does this influence your expected length of MS3 ownership?

nah...if I get a fun car for the wife to share, I'll likely keep the MS3 until we really need a family car.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

nah...if I get a fun car for the wife to share, I'll likely keep the MS3 until we really need a family car.

**COUGH**minivan**COUGH**

[Fobio]

**COUGH**minivan**COUGH**

***shakes fist***

:flaming

lol

do not curse me my friend...I was hoping to follow in your footsteps...so if I get a minivan, you first!...lol...

[silvermist99]

anyone wants to trade a 08 gti with leather and sunroof for a 08 spd3. let me know!

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

anyone wants to trade a 08 gti with leather and sunroof for a 08 spd3. let me know!

I thought you drove a red Matrix.:)

[Unoriginalusername]

VW must offer some sweet lap dances at their journalist sessions to have such loyalty with the media

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

VW must offer some sweet lap dances at their journalist sessions to have such loyalty with the media

Deutschland, Deutschland, uber alis.
It's all the German Kool-Aid (beer) they feed the journalists...


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/4071947289_8666b6ba9d_o.jpg

http://www.funhunter.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/german-beer.jpg

[Fobio]

Let me interrupt the brews and boob's with more anecdotal fuel on the fire:

http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org/forum/f423/mazdaspeed-3-vs-gti-38038/

and I quote post 16


I have a red 2010 MS3 with tech (and up to 780 miles already). A guy in a 2008 GTI instigated on a wide open stretch of toll-road here in Texas. The MP3 was so much faster it was almost laughable.

[Speedy2008]

**COUGH**minivan**COUGH**

Ah ha, you know he'll modify that Caravan.

[jaimie08mazda3]

Okay so with everything I have read I am going to give my opinion on it. Truely for me MS3>VW GTI. And here is why. I do not own a MS3.. (yet) but thinking about what VW has done over the last decade is less then admirable. Yes Mazda is part of Ford but the engines are made in Japan. Alot of the parts for the VW's are made in Mexico and with Volkswagen YOU WILL HAVE ALOT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. My aunt used to have an 01 Jetta 1.8T and the thing sucked... it always broke down. My Mazda for the most part has been reliable and I am happy with it. There are people that say that they love their VW but not too many. If you get a diesel VW then you have a car that will last to 600+ KMs but the gas ones aren't as good. I love my Mazda and untill I am proved wrong I will be a valued customer to Mazda. End Rant..

BTW Fobio... just get yourself a nice MPV :)

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

Ah ha, you know he'll modify that Caravan.

Need to do the 2.3L DISI swap on the Mazda5 FTW.

[jaimie08mazda3]

I bet you Fobio's van will look like this
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd68/jaimiemazda08/apc_dodge_grand_caravan.jpg
:chuckle

[Fobio]

screw you guys, I'm going home...:flaming

LOL

[stevenma188]

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd68/jaimiemazda08/apc_dodge_grand_caravan.jpg
Turbo Caravan FTW!

[jaimie08mazda3]

screw you guys, I'm going home...:flaming

LOL

:chuckle

[JashiK]

I thought the parts were made in Germany, but assembled in Mexico...?
From my understanding the new GTI's are made in Germany. The City Golf/Jetta is assembled in Mexico.


Okay so with everything I have read I am going to give my opinion on it. Truely for me MS3>VW GTI. And here is why. I do not own a MS3.. (yet) but thinking about what VW has done over the last decade is less then admirable. Yes Mazda is part of Ford but the engines are made in Japan. Alot of the parts for the VW's are made in Mexico and with Volkswagen YOU WILL HAVE ALOT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. My aunt used to have an 01 Jetta 1.8T and the thing sucked... it always broke down. My Mazda for the most part has been reliable and I am happy with it. There are people that say that they love their VW but not too many. If you get a diesel VW then you have a car that will last to 600+ KMs but the gas ones aren't as good. I love my Mazda and untill I am proved wrong I will be a valued customer to Mazda. End Rant..

BTW Fobio... just get yourself a nice MPV :)

[Mazda3X2]

If it was all about the power, MS3 all the way.

But, over the length of ownership, it makes up for the other quality issues with diminishing returns.

Owning the MS3 for 1 year I'm sure I would still be in the "honeymoon" phase. After 1.5 years even, my loyalty is starting to waiver.

[Fobio]

If it was all about the power, MS3 all the way.

But, over the length of ownership, it makes up for the other quality issues with diminishing returns.

Owning the MS3 for 1 year I'm sure I would still be in the "honeymoon" phase. After 1.5 years even, my loyalty is starting to waiver.

honeymoon?!...lucky you...

I slapped the car silly right off the lot...broke it in that night real good going thru the gears and making sure it had lotsa full vacuum time for the valves to seat right...

I also backhand bitch-slap it on a regular basis to let the car knows who's boss, so it knows it blows up only when I tell it to... so it won't go having a mind on its own and throw a rod when IT feels like it...

You gotta keep your pimp hand strong to keep the car inline bro! :chuckle

[Speedy2008]

If it was all about the power, MS3 all the way.

But, over the length of ownership, it makes up for the other quality issues with diminishing returns.

Owning the MS3 for 1 year I'm sure I would still be in the "honeymoon" phase. After 1.5 years even, my loyalty is starting to waiver.

I kinda know how you feel about wanting to change your ride since you're a car lover like myself. It would be fun to have a new car every couple of years. I've had mine for 2 years now and have my eyes set on another ride. I haven't noticed any quality issues though. I really enjoy my Mazda.

[Mazda3X2]

Fobio,

So I'm not supposed to baby it? Maybe that's were I'm going wrong :chuckle. Reminds me of my old 5.0 Mustang. If you wanted it to be fast you drove it like you hated it. That was the saying.


I kinda know how you feel about wanting to change your ride since you're a car lover like myself. It would be fun to have a new car every couple of years. I've had mine for 2 years now and have my eyes set on another ride. I haven't noticed any quality issues though. I really enjoy my Mazda.

Yeah, I would love a new car ever 2 years. I'm pretty picky with my cars. One car I had no issues with....well other than some dink stole it was my Integra GS-R. Loved that thing, tight, crisp, fun to drive even though you had to wring it out.

Have to see what the future brings. If I can get the creaks in the windshield area figured out I would be a lot happier. The local dealer did the TSB thing that was going around but it actually seemed to make mine worse. :bang

[Fobio]

Fobio,

So I'm not supposed to baby it? Maybe that's were I'm going wrong :chuckle. Reminds me of my old 5.0 Mustang. If you wanted it to be fast you drove it like you hated it. That was the saying.


lol...I dunno if I "hate" it...but for all the trouble we all had to put up with with the MS3, I think it deserves it...:chuckle

[MattC]

wait, did I read someone say that the mk6 GTI is slower than their mazda 3?

hahaha.

thats the only response that is warranted by that statement.

I agree the mk6 stock seats are just silly. I never understood the whole tartan (plaid) seats, its big with the vortex guys on all versions. Tartan isnt a german thing...

You cant compare VW to a mazda in terms or overall quality though, the vw's build quality is just so much better. I have a 2003 GTI and its built better than the 2010 mazda's.

I cant speak to the whole speed or handling issue cause ive never driven a ms3, the new speed 3 is sexier imo than the GTI though.

[silvermist99]

If it was all about the power, MS3 all the way.

But, over the length of ownership, it makes up for the other quality issues with diminishing returns.

Owning the MS3 for 1 year I'm sure I would still be in the "honeymoon" phase. After 1.5 years even, my loyalty is starting to waiver.

+1 I'm starting to miss the screwed up electronics on my 1.8t and how comfortable it is when I'm not ripping it which is 98% of the time.



wait, did I read someone say that the mk6 GTI is slower than their mazda 3?

hahaha.

thats the only response that is warranted by that statement.

I agree the mk6 stock seats are just silly. I never understood the whole tartan (plaid) seats, its big with the vortex guys on all versions. Tartan isnt a german thing...

You cant compare VW to a mazda in terms or overall quality though, the vw's build quality is just so much better. I have a 2003 GTI and its built better than the 2010 mazda's.

I cant speak to the whole speed or handling issue cause ive never driven a ms3, the new speed 3 is sexier imo than the GTI though.

I wouldn't say the mk4 are "built" better than mz3 with the borsh-ed parts. It uses more 'refined' material. They have their issues like melting dash trim, windows/trunks button not working, key fob draining batteries, vaccum leak that is hard to trace, airbag light sensor dying, Y plastic tube by diverter valve cracking, timing belt/waterpump failing.. i've had a lot of problems and can keep going yet I still liked the car, it just didnt make sense financal perspective and I cannot afford the downtime of not having a car with work

The newer ones I cannot comment on since i've only driven them and never owned one.

[MattC]

well if this was a debate about long term reliability or repair costs the VW would lose handily.

Also, any comparisons from an electrical standpoint; VW's arent even allowed in the competition... :D

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

...You cant compare VW to a mazda in terms or overall quality though, the vw's build quality is just so much better. I have a 2003 GTI and its built better than the 2010 mazda's.


well if this was a debate about long term reliability or repair costs the VW would lose handily.

Also, any comparisons from an electrical standpoint; VW's arent even allowed in the competition... :D

One of these things is not like the other...:loco
If the VW overall quality and build quality is so much better, than why do they lose handily in long term reliability and repair costs, which really are main factors in determining overall quality and build quality???

[greenGS]

Adding more fuel to the fire. Article out today. C&D has always put the MS3 on top in their comparos in the past. This time around the GTI handily beats the MS3.

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs119.snc3/16650_165122082983_572147983_2892016_1660349_n.jpg
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs119.snc3/16650_165122072983_572147983_2892015_1088241_n.jpg

Handling numbers seem pretty close.

[silvermist99]

mazdaspeed3 rocks mazdaspeed3 is the best car on the planet!!!

*trying to save the already low resale value* :(

[Fobio]

mazdaspeed3 rocks mazdaspeed3 is the best car on the planet!!!

*trying to save the already low resale value* :(

easy there...lol...you're just going thru the stages...you'll soon realize that the resale value is so low, you might as well pile back on the 15,000km you've been saving on it...

[MattC]

Gotta love fanboys, blindly support what they bought into...

[Fobio]

Gotta love fanboys, blindly support what they bought into...

who are you referring to and what are you using to qualify your statement? we're talking cars here...cars that some of us own...we bought our cars cuz we like it or like to do things to/with it...call us fanboys if you bought your car purely without emotions and purely out of practicality and without any sort of passion for what you bought/drive.

it's like talking sports...just cuz you pick a team, it doesn't make you a fanboy...

and ppl who go on posts to call others "fanboys" are?

...sour grapes...

try and contribute to the discussion...name calling is quite an ineffective form of communication...

[Unoriginalusername]

The comparo is different in Canada than it is in the US, a 2010 MS3 now costs $5000 more (28k. vs. 33k) than a 2010 GTI (although you can quickly option up the GTI into the nearly 40k range with leather, DSG etc.)

The GTI sells very well, BMW 1 series, Subaru WRX's and Mazdaspeed3's have been trying to capture buyers from that crowd for a long time... personally I think mazda had a more compelling value proposition on the previous MS3 model which exited at $29,000 with rebates bringing it down to $26,000... the new model isn't $7000 better

I like mazda more by default, but I can't say I agree they've got it right with this new model. it's expensive, looks are questionable to some, interior is odd, and the performance hasn't improved beyond what mounting 225 tires on your car would gain

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

The comparo is different in Canada than it is in the US, a 2010 MS3 now costs $5000 more (28k. vs. 33k) than a 2010 GTI (although you can quickly option up the GTI into the nearly 40k range with leather, DSG etc.)

The GTI sells very well, BMW 1 series, Subaru WRX's and Mazdaspeed3's have been trying to capture buyers from that crowd for a long time... personally I think mazda had a more compelling value proposition on the previous MS3 model which exited at $29,000 with rebates bringing it down to $26,000... the new model isn't $7000 better

I like mazda more by default, but I can't say I agree they've got it right with this new model. it's expensive, looks are questionable to some, interior is odd, and the performance hasn't improved beyond what mounting 225 tires on your car would gain

Stop being so objectionably intelligent James. I actualy agree with all of this. Now, back to being a Fanboi...LOL What an :AH

[silvermist99]

easy there...lol...you're just going thru the stages...you'll soon realize that the resale value is so low, you might as well pile back on the 15,000km you've been saving on it...

that will take me a year to put on.. I probably spend 1.5 hour a day in the car averaging 15km/h :@



Gotta love fanboys, blindly support what they bought into...
why would people buy cars they don't like? unless we are talking about heavily budget based point A to point B commuters here picking base model yaris and caliber and cobalts whichever one is the cheapest...



The comparo is different in Canada than it is in the US, a 2010 MS3 now costs $5000 more (28k. vs. 33k) than a 2010 GTI (although you can quickly option up the GTI into the nearly 40k range with leather, DSG etc.)

The GTI sells very well, BMW 1 series, Subaru WRX's and Mazdaspeed3's have been trying to capture buyers from that crowd for a long time... personally I think mazda had a more compelling value proposition on the previous MS3 model which exited at $29,000 with rebates bringing it down to $26,000... the new model isn't $7000 better

I like mazda more by default, but I can't say I agree they've got it right with this new model. it's expensive, looks are questionable to some, interior is odd, and the performance hasn't improved beyond what mounting 225 tires on your car would gain

+1

[JashiK]

that will take me a year to put on.. I probably spend 1.5 hour a day in the car averaging 15km/h :@

you should get a hybrid lol

[Garu]

Been there and done that. Now I drive a Nissan. Mazda and VW all suck yea I'm a Nissan fanboi. :headbang:gone

[dreadlock]

Don't have much personal experience with either brand....just got into my Mazda this year. But I have many friends with VWs...all of which have extensive problems. Two friends with golfs that have at least one rear door that doesn't work from the outside...no need to list issues as all vehicles will be slightly different and we've gone through enough already. However I have one friend with a VR6 from the early 90s which runs and functions great.

I've always had much more faith in Japanese cars...I went from Honda to Mazda and have yet to be disappointed. My :.02

[Jest3r]

GTI looks like a golf with non stock rims. End of story.

[Unoriginalusername]

Been there and done that. Now I drive a Nissan. Mazda and VW all suck yea I'm a Nissan fanboi. :headbang:gone

i thought you got a cobalt?

[Speedy2008]

Been there and done that. Now I drive a Nissan. Mazda and VW all suck yea I'm a Nissan fanboi. :headbang:gone

Why did you get rid of your MS3?

[MajesticBlueNTO]

i thought you got a cobalt?

i'm going out on a limb and guessing that he has a 350Z now

[Speedy2008]

Originally Posted by Garu
Been there and done that. Now I drive a Nissan. Mazda and VW all suck yea I'm a Nissan

Just asking cuz I'm having my own thoughts about selling.

[Garu]

i thought you got a cobalt?

I did get a Cobalt. My wife is driving it.
We needed a second car I picked up a used 350z. :)

[Unoriginalusername]

I did get a Cobalt. My wife is driving it.
We needed a second car I picked up a used 350z. :)

cool

[Garu]

Why did you get rid of your MS3?

Don't get me wrong, I loved my former MS3 with all my heart. I still miss its raw power, I punch in 3rd gear, give it a go, it was such a adrenaline rush.
But at the time it was only wise decision to let it go.

When I was picking up 350z, I actually did consider buying an MS3 back, but the price was not right for me. Also I wanted to try different thing. RWD vs FWD.

[TheMAN]

my cousin's bf had a mk5 gti pirelli edition overseas... the fitment, quality of materials, and comfort were leaps and bounds better than my own 3... he chipped it with a revo and it was pretty quick... not ms3 "fast", but close enough

that being said, the complexity/over engineering of the golf compared to the 3 just turns any DIYer off... for one thing, on the 2.0 FSI you have to unclamp the entire intake ducting system, remove the "engine cover" (which is just the big enormous airbox assembly) and disassemble the unit with a screwdriver just to change a freaking air filter out... c'mon!

mazdas by far are much easier to work on... plus they don't have stupid wheel bolts

but other than that, I think a gti or golf tdi will make a better daily driver than the ms3... besides, mk5s are pretty damn reliable for a VW... it'll be awesome if they made a golf wagon with the 2.0 FSI motor... total sleeper... I'd buy it in a heartbeat!


no, I'm not a VW guy... in fact, I generally dislike european cars for their over-anything