07 Mazda3 vs 07 VW GTI

[DigginYellowP5]

I am trying to get a comparison between the 2 cars and what everyone here thinks. I recently owned but sold my Yellow 02 Protege5. I am in the market for a new car and I like both the cars in question.

So what I am asking for is opinions on these 2 cars and also if you have to choose which would you buy?

 

[shane02pro5]

Mazdaspeed 3

 

[DigginYellowP5]

Mazdaspeed 3

I actually am just looking at the Mazda3. I really dont want the Speed version

 

[Donas64]

But isn't the GTI considerably more expensive. Why not comapre it to a basr Golf or Rabbit or whatever they are calling it these days

 

[DigginYellowP5]

But isn't the GTI considerably more expensive. Why not comapre it to a basr Golf or Rabbit or whatever they are calling it these days

the GTI I am looking at is gonna cost 25,615 when all said and done. I have yet to really look at the Mazda3 and prices but I know its cheaper

 

[iLisa]

the 3..
how are you stranger.. i haven't seen you post in a while..

 

[Donas64]

the GTI I am looking at is gonna cost 25,615 when all said and done. I have yet to really look at the Mazda3 and prices but I know its cheaper

I guess I"m tryin gto say is why are you not cross shopping an MS3 with the GTI. Why the base 3. Any reason in particular?

 

[Donas64]

I'd take a GTI over a base 3 but I'd take the MS3 over a GTI.

 

[shane02pro5]

Mazdaspeed 3 is supposed to be like 22-23K with like 263HP.

 

[DigginYellowP5]

I guess I"m tryin gto say is why are you not cross shopping an MS3 with the GTI. Why the base 3. Any reason in particular?

I guess my reasoning for this car and this comparison is I need an auto not manual so the Speed doesnt fit what I am after.

I know some will say why why why about that AUTO but thats what I want.

Oh yeah HEY LISA. Long time no see for sure

 

[iLisa]

this was yours right? from Burke Lake, VA meet a few years ago..

 

[DigginYellowP5]

this was yours right? from Burke Lake, VA meet a few years ago..

Why Yes it was. There is my car. Only difference when I sold it from that picture was I had a Erubuni Spoiler/wing instead of the stock one

 

[iLisa]

i have one of you also I think.. shall I post it?

 

[iLisa]

lookie..
ok ok.. back on topic.. get a mazda 3..

 

[MPSpeedSeraph]

well I can understand your situation.

In all honesty there is no real major comparison between the two. Hence why everyone is throwing out the idea of the Mazdaspeed 3. It's more on par with the GTI seeing as both cars in essence are purpose built.

Sure the GTI will have more amenities and a step ahead build quality but both cars are great in their own right. Now compared to the speed 3 I would take the speed. The MS3 is not only cheaper and more powerful but I imagine it gets better gas mileage (just a guess here guys, don't lynch me for this) and is an all around better performer with more overall bang for the buck.

However the GTI compared to the base model 3 is like comparing apples to oranges. The Mazda3 will give you an all around great car. Good build quality. Lots of options that can bring it to a closer level of the GTI (Navigation, Xenon's, etc.). It has better gas mileage, insurance rates are lower, it handles great, has good aftermarket support, etc. etc. etc. the list goes on.

However I happen to love the GTI myself. I find the new MKV styling is gorgeous. The lines flow exceptionally well and the car is just very well put together. Sure the car is pricey and especially once you start adding the options. Not to mention the insurance rates are easily higher. Whatever the case the GTI gives the best of all worlds. The first thing I would do after buying a MKV GTI is change the suspension. The thing shows it's weight around corners although it is no slouch. The power band is quite nice and gives you just what you need where you need it. The DSG is absolutely amazing when you want to have fun (personally I prefer the 6spd manual).

At the end of the day you can't go wrong with either car. But you're comparing apples to oranges. One car starts at roughly MSRP 14k and the other starts roughly MSRP 20k. You're really kinda on opposite sides of the spectrum. So at the end of the day it depends on what you want out of the car. If you want more utility, better insurance rates, better gas mileage, better price, then I say go for the Mazda 3. If you're worried about good fit and finish, stylish looks, and having a grin on your face when you drive, get the GTI.

 

[jred321]

can you get the DSG in the GTI? if so i'd go with that. otherwise i'm gonna say 3, i think the GTI is a bit overpriced and a well equipped 3 will be everything you need (seems like you need an A to B car, not necessarily an enthusiast vehicle) and will be cheaper. so true auto vs auto i'd go 3, but if the GTI you're looking at has DSG then go with that

 

[Donas64]

well I can understand your situation.

In all honesty there is no real major comparison between the two. Hence why everyone is throwing out the idea of the Mazdaspeed 3. It's more on par with the GTI seeing as both cars in essence are purpose built.

Sure the GTI will have more amenities and a step ahead build quality but both cars are great in their own right. Now compared to the speed 3 I would take the speed. The MS3 is not only cheaper and more powerful but I imagine it gets better gas mileage (just a guess here guys, don't lynch me for this) and is an all around better performer with more overall bang for the buck.

However the GTI compared to the base model 3 is like comparing apples to oranges. The Mazda3 will give you an all around great car. Good build quality. Lots of options that can bring it to a closer level of the GTI (Navigation, Xenon's, etc.). It has better gas mileage, insurance rates are lower, it handles great, has good aftermarket support, etc. etc. etc. the list goes on.

However I happen to love the GTI myself. I find the new MKV styling is gorgeous. The lines flow exceptionally well and the car is just very well put together. Sure the car is pricey and especially once you start adding the options. Not to mention the insurance rates are easily higher. Whatever the case the GTI gives the best of all worlds. The first thing I would do after buying a MKV GTI is change the suspension. The thing shows it's weight around corners although it is no slouch. The power band is quite nice and gives you just what you need where you need it. The DSG is absolutely amazing when you want to have fun (personally I prefer the 6spd manual).

At the end of the day you can't go wrong with either car. But you're comparing apples to oranges. One car starts at roughly MSRP 14k and the other starts roughly MSRP 20k. You're really kinda on opposite sides of the spectrum. So at the end of the day it depends on what you want out of the car. If you want more utility, better insurance rates, better gas mileage, better price, then I say go for the Mazda 3. If you're worried about good fit and finish, stylish looks, and having a grin on your face when you drive, get the GTI.

+1

 

[DigginYellowP5]

You guys have been very helpful. I am definately gonna go look at a Mazda3 and test drive one before I make the purchase but I am leaning towards the GTI for performance reasons compared to the 3

 

[MPSpeedSeraph]

Well whatever you choose you can't go wrong.

I would honestly say give them both a good test drive. Really put it through the daily paces. Remember you need to live with this car so consider everything. For example you have easier access to the back seat in the 3. Do you have passengers often? If so you may not love having the 3 door configuration. Do you have a need to haul a lot of stuff often? If so the 3 will offer you more hauling room. etc. etc.

Just make sure you don't end up with buyers remorse. I have seen it a thousand times and it definitely hurts after you pay 25k for a car lol.

Whatever the case I would honestly suggest checking your local listings for any used GTI's. 90% of the time I have noticed that they drop by thousands usually selling right around the MSRP for a base GTI. The nice thing about this option is that most of the used cars have the package 2 or whatever which adds if I'm not mistaken sattelite radio and navigation or whatever. Just a suggestion but good luck on your search. Make sure you post pictures when you buy

 

[RHAGEL]

I bought my 3 almost 3 months ago but almost bought a 06 GLI. I needed 4 doors and the 3 door GTI wasn't an option. I love Mazda's BUT the DSG GLI was the s***. I regret not buying it BUT I am still happy with the 3. The gas mileage with the GTI is pretty damn good, many people saying that they average 26-27 mpg. The engine is amazing and the build quality is still on a level of Audi A4/BMW 3 series. The Mazda is very good but not stellar. On the 07 GTI they lowered it by 3/4 of an inch so it takes care of some of the hideous wheel gap on the 06's. The stereo in the GTI is very good, much better than the Bose crap that they put in the MS3. Overall, I can say that the GTI is a better car than the 3 and bang for the buck they are about the same. I don't know about the MS3 so I can't comment about it. Also, for $750 you can chip your GTI for 230-300 hp depending on the chip. The DSG is rated by VW to hold up to 250 hp. (The Audi VR-6 DSG is the same as the 4t)