Speed vs Regular

[Wuz Ranger]

I have a 2006 M3 auto tranny now, it's the Sedan i. I'm wondering if I should go for a 2008 Sport Wagon or a 2008 Speed 3 Wagon? I really like the automatic but I can also drive a manual if need be. What are your thoughts vs the two. All opinions welcome.

Thank you,

 

[TheDutchGun]

I'm pretty surre you're going to get nothing but speed3 answers.

 

[Kosh]

Do you like going fast? If so get the speed 3 (cabpatch)

 

[BlackCherry06]

That decision is completely priority-driven. In a Speed 3 you sacrifice very little in terms of comfort and convenience in the name of brute force, but it does have a notably stiffer ride than an "i" sedan. Other than a slight dip in gas mileage, more expensive tires and brakes and maybe a bump in insurance premiums, the Speed is a great replacement for an i if you want a seriously fast hatchback. If its ability to haul ass is not very important, the car would be wasted on you.

 

[Wuz Ranger]

How kind of MPG do you get in a Speed vs a regular wagon? Are they the same?

 

[clos561]

with some sprints..24mpg average..could get closer to 30

 

[BlackCherry06]

I have a Mazdaspeed 6 and formerly owned a 3i, so I can't testify as to the MPG difference between the models you're considering. MPG on the hatch varies widely between driver types and region..some complain, some praise. I haven't read many MPG reports on the Speed as I don't think gas mileage is much of a priority among owners.

Do a search for "MPG" on this forum and see what you find.

 

[Wuz Ranger]

Thanks to everyone who posted. I believe I am trading in my Sedan i for a Speed!

Cannot wait to modify.

 

[jhowey]

I had an 06 3 hatch and averaged 28-30 mpg, In my speed 3 if I average 24-25 I am very happy, I do have a heavy foot though,.

 

[Dragon Queen]

Stay under boost, and you'll be okay

 

[fourthmeal]

Can we all agree to call it a "hatch" and not a "wagon", please?

Wagons are like the Volvo, Audi, and other like designs are. Hatch is like a 5 door sedan, designed to maximize space efficiency.

Oh, and if you don't care about hauling ass, then don't get the Speed. Similarly, if performance is important to you, then of course pick one up.

 

[clos561]

Stay under boost, and you'll be okay

yea the mileage is lovely when u stay under 2k rpms at shifts...

 

[MS3ICA]

once you go boost you won't want to go back...

 

[Wuz Ranger]

Thanks for every bodies input, I'm getting a Speed.

 

[ZooMIN3]

AWESOME!!! You won't regret it!!! ^^

-J

 

[Kosh]

yea the mileage is lovely when u stay under 2k rpms at shifts...

You can get good mileage going over 2k rpm...just have to watch the throttle. RPM doesn't equal mpg, it is all about the boost/vac.

 

[clos561]

yea well usually after slowly accelerating to about over 2k i can hear the turbo start to wind up...i know that turbo = less mileage...thats what i do is jsut listen for it but i know the range now so i just shift around 2k

 

[jhowey]

I want to know who bought this car to practice staying out of boost for better mpg?

 

[clos561]

well when im not speeding which is about 80% of the time..i do the best i can to save gas.... makes sense to me.

 

[Kosh]

yea well usually after slowly accelerating to about over 2k i can hear the turbo start to wind up...i know that turbo = less mileage...thats what i do is jsut listen for it but i know the range now so i just shift around 2k

You can drive @ 5000 rpm at 20 in Hg and your mpg will be in the 40's. You have a boost/vac gauge? Works great for helping save gas.