Going from a VW GTI to a Mazda3 GT

[fadynaime]

Hi All,

I'm new here. first post. I just test drove a 2013 mazda 3 hatchback grand touring automatic. I've been here from a lot of people that car is cool. peppy. they have combined performance and economy ... all those cool things. I was excited. I'm looking for a new car and I figured I'll test drive it.

Coming from a 2007 GTI, a car almost the same size and 2.0 Turbo engine. I still like the mazda but didn't really feel the power it was a little better when i switched and started shifting myself.

To be honest the speed 3 was beautiful. but my drive to Los Angeles for work has traffic on both directions.so either the regular or speed in manual is not gonna be an option unfortunately.

I wanna hear your thoughts any one that has switched, anyone that was driving a turbo car. just wants this forums thoughts.

Thanks for the time and I'm really interested in this car.

 

[Akito zoomzoom]

I have a normal 06 Sportback 5spd 2.3
It's a fun car, great price wise and look wise aswell it gets lots of complements i have upgraded many parts on it thou
power it's not bad for daily driving. but the ms3 Would be even more exciting, these cars handle great especially for a fwd
I definetly like the Mazda3 over the outdated plain looks of the Gti but that's just my opinion.

 

[sspak9]

I recently bought Mazda 3 2.0 L hatchback Skyactiv I-Touring MANUAL. First thing I noticed during test drive: despite of "zoom zoom" marketing, this car doesn't have much torque under 3000 rpm, so you have to shift at about 4000 rpm to experience any kind of pull. The handling around corners are great. However, it DOES NOT compare to Golf GTI in terms of cornering or acceleration.

 

[DKaz]

I don't see how an automatic would make traffic jams more pleasant. My right foot gets soooo tired in an automatic while both feet share the load in a manual. You have to keep your foot on the brake all the time with an automatic.

I'm in Vancouver area, rated number two most congested city by Tom Tom (Los Angeles is first) and only once or twice have I ever wished I had an automatic instead. My wife uses the car to deliver newspapers at night, lots of stop and go, and she prefers manual.