Beolex
01-27-2013, 02:21 AM
So, my MS3 was t-boned by some drunk idiot on Wednesday. The car is not written-off but things like side fenders and doors will definitely need replacing. Luckily my insurance covers the damages, so I have to pay little to nothing. So I went to my local Mazda dealer, which allowed me to rent a 2012 Mazda3 touring (automatic unfortunately). Since I have connections and friends that work there, I got a deal of about $10 a day, which would last me about a week. $70 bucks is not bad, renting a car in Europe can be from 15€ to 25€ a day, and that's for a Chevrolet Spark or Fiat Punto, probably less-equipped than a Mazda3 touring.
I also have a 190E 2.6 automatic as my project car (it's running and reliable and what not) but I drive my MS3 a bit more to get some miles on it... I want to keep the 'Merc low-miles.
But about this Mazda3 touring, it's the base model touring (the i). It has a 155hp 2.0 4-cylinder engine (weird, I thought all Mazda3 tourings had N/A 2.3's). The only "option" is automatic I guess, and maybe other stuff I'm unsure about.
First impressions: definitely noticeably slower in contrast to my MS3. In contrast, driving a MS3 is like a captain flying a Boeing 747 at 480 mph, and driving the base hatchback is like that same captain pushing his airport luggage cart around. It feels that slow.
The ride is more smoother I must admit, and there's way less torque steer, but that also makes it more boring to drive. The MS3 keeps you busy, especially the 6-speed manual transmission. The 6-speed automatic of this car is so dull and boring, even in the sport mode. The gear shifts are un-responsive because it's not a true semi-automatic transmission, just a normal torque converter automatic with manual shifting capabilities... it doesn't blip the throttle at downshifts, nor can you get the tires to chirp in 2nd gear like you can in the MS3 (God how I miss that clutch pedal!).
Fuel economy is significantly better, I can also give him that. But keep in mind I also drive a relatively old Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6 which doesn't get spectacular, so the fuel economy doesn't matter to me. I'm content with the MS3 and 190E's fuel economy figures.
Practicality is the same, obviously. Same bodies, both hatchbacks, etc.
Interior materials don't feel too different to me, still that "semi-cheap" Japanese feel, and I don't mind it. As long as they last long it doesn't matter to me.
Verdict: Good car... but not very fun to drive. I've driven many FWD Japanese 4-cylinders and people told me "you need to drive a base Mazda3, it's way more fun than a Corolla or Scion xB!". Well, it's not too much fun to be honest. After driving so many Japanese cars, this doesn't feel extremely revolutionary at all. If I ever get another Mazda, it's gonna be another MS3, a Miata, or a rotary. I feel the base Mazda3 hatchback is not a good choice for the money.
I also have a 190E 2.6 automatic as my project car (it's running and reliable and what not) but I drive my MS3 a bit more to get some miles on it... I want to keep the 'Merc low-miles.
But about this Mazda3 touring, it's the base model touring (the i). It has a 155hp 2.0 4-cylinder engine (weird, I thought all Mazda3 tourings had N/A 2.3's). The only "option" is automatic I guess, and maybe other stuff I'm unsure about.
First impressions: definitely noticeably slower in contrast to my MS3. In contrast, driving a MS3 is like a captain flying a Boeing 747 at 480 mph, and driving the base hatchback is like that same captain pushing his airport luggage cart around. It feels that slow.
The ride is more smoother I must admit, and there's way less torque steer, but that also makes it more boring to drive. The MS3 keeps you busy, especially the 6-speed manual transmission. The 6-speed automatic of this car is so dull and boring, even in the sport mode. The gear shifts are un-responsive because it's not a true semi-automatic transmission, just a normal torque converter automatic with manual shifting capabilities... it doesn't blip the throttle at downshifts, nor can you get the tires to chirp in 2nd gear like you can in the MS3 (God how I miss that clutch pedal!).
Fuel economy is significantly better, I can also give him that. But keep in mind I also drive a relatively old Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6 which doesn't get spectacular, so the fuel economy doesn't matter to me. I'm content with the MS3 and 190E's fuel economy figures.
Practicality is the same, obviously. Same bodies, both hatchbacks, etc.
Interior materials don't feel too different to me, still that "semi-cheap" Japanese feel, and I don't mind it. As long as they last long it doesn't matter to me.
Verdict: Good car... but not very fun to drive. I've driven many FWD Japanese 4-cylinders and people told me "you need to drive a base Mazda3, it's way more fun than a Corolla or Scion xB!". Well, it's not too much fun to be honest. After driving so many Japanese cars, this doesn't feel extremely revolutionary at all. If I ever get another Mazda, it's gonna be another MS3, a Miata, or a rotary. I feel the base Mazda3 hatchback is not a good choice for the money.