GTI vs. MS#

[jtom]

GTI vs. MS3

Ok so heres the deal: My budget is around 23 grand and these two are at the top of the list. I dont like the si and I think the wrx will cost too much.

GTI advantages- I think the overall quality is higher, I like the gauges, pedals, and the general interior better than the MS3. I also like the two door configuration better than the 5 door MS3 and the dark grey color. However, it obviously is not as powerful as the MS3. I also like the fact that I can get an ipod adapter from vw instead of having to use an fm transmitter.

MS3 advantages- more power for same price, not as good quality as gti but still very close. Has a sleeper apeal since most would think its a regular 3.

I realize since this is a mazda forum and the opinions will probably be biased but whatever.

 

[Antoine]

Welcome (in advance...assuming you will get the MS3) (hi)

The GTI is nice but the MS3 is more fun and interesting...to put it simply...

 

[Brian MP5T]

Get the Mazda.. 6 Speed and HP+++

 

[avarela86]

I haven't driven an MS3 but have a new GTI. In comparison to my MP3-T I didn't like how you are hauling butt and yet don't really feel it. The car feels nice, responsive, I live in Florida therefore not that many twisties mostly starights. I think both handle great and it would be a nice battle at the track between the two. I have to say though after going through what I did with the MP3 and what I see with the MSP I would follow through with a GTI since VW has mostly ALL turbo cars. Also they probably put ten times more R&D into the car and has already made excess of 400hp on stock block since it's been out through different companies with mere bot ons and tuning. Mazda hasn't proved itself to me again since the RX-7 and for 23Grand there's A LOT of nice used cars you could also find that you could probably count on more than the MS3. S2000, SRT-4, Evo8, 350Z, and G35s. These are my picks, I personally want to up to the real thing and get an Evo because for everything that people want or complain the MSP can't do, the Evo will. It's a true performance car, Mazda only get's there half way and you pay for what you get....Don't get me wrong the interior is nice, but so is the GTI's. They are about par just the MS3 has more room. Both cars hold different strong points, but if you are looking for reliability in design, go for the GTI all day. Ultimately it's up to you but look into issues like repair price (GTI>MS3) and aftermarket support if you are into that, time you plan to own, resale value(GTI>MS3). Good luck!!

 

[msp35]

Hasn't the regular 3 held it's value pretty well?

 

[B1GHAM]

Ok so heres the deal: My budget is around 23 grand and these two are at the top of the list. I dont like the si and I think the wrx will cost too much.

GTI advantages- I think the overall quality is higher, I like the gauges, pedals, and the general interior better than the MS3. I also like the two door configuration better than the 5 door MS3 and the dark grey color. However, it obviously is not as powerful as the MS3. I also like the fact that I can get an ipod adapter from vw instead of having to use an fm transmitter.

MS3 advantages- more power for same price, not as good quality as gti but still very close. Has a sleeper apeal since most would think its a regular 3.

I realize since this is a mazda forum and the opinions will probably be biased but whatever.

just so you know the MS3 has an ipod/mp3 link right in the center console.

My opinion, Mazda has come along way. They built this motor from the ground up with plans of turbocharging it. The engine is now strong.

Coming from someone who ALSO had a 2003 VW Jetta. I can tell you first hand that the VW wasnt that reliable, and if I ran out of warranty and something failed on me, I would have been screwed.

lets see.... 6 new midrange speakers (yeah, it was probably my fault), 1 adjustment of and 2 new window motors (known problem for that car). 1 water pump replaced for failure. New heatshield (old one broke and rattled), new Catylitic converters (failure). 2 transmissions. 1 due to a pressure valve malfunctioning (actually put a hole in the side of the trans). 1 replaced because whatever they didnt replace (I believe the flywheel needed to be resurfaced or the clutch replaced) caused the 2nd to fail. After all that? It was still hard to get into first and I had issues with reverse gear. Yes I ran the car hard everyonce in a while, but other than that I babied the hell out of that car.

Oh and their 24hr road side service? not really 24 hrs. When my first trans blew I wasnt even driving hard, we went to a waffle house @ like 3 in the morning. Came out, and trans fluid was all over the ground. I limped it over to wawa (right next door) and lifted the car. There was a hole big enough to fit 2 fingers in easy. Anyway, I called their roadside service, and they couldnt have anyone tow me till about 8 in the morning. Then when the car actually GETS to the dealership, the guy wants to give me some bulls*** about how I was probably racing the trans and blew it and that it wouldnt be covered. I know that was due to a bad dealership, but it didnt help the experience any. Oh, they lost the trans fight, and I had a new one under warranty.

I loved the jetta, my point is dont buy on reliability. I would honestly say the Mazda might be better, but @ the same time if something does fail, itll be cheaper.

Also, softer ride, smaller engine, and about 60-65 less HP and 70 lb/tq less.

I personally would choose the MS3 and thats without biase towards mazda. The only VW Ill probably ever buy will be the R32 MAYBE. or the R36, whichever I like more. Or and OLDSCHOOL VW for a project car. Never a daily driver, not again.

Sean

 

[boostdog]

plus vw's are known to have alot of electrical issues..somthing to think about

 

[jbiird317]

slightly biased here obviously, but I have driven both cars. I think that the ms3 has a much more refined interior, at least more comfortable for me. Most of the features are about the same. I couldnt stand the ugly 17" wheels that came on the GTI, the 18's were VERY nice (better looking than the ms3 wheels IMO), but the added price was wayy too much to make it worth it. I liked the louder exhaust of the ms3 and that without the one tiny badge on the back, the average person has NO CLUE about how fast the car is. The biggest selling point for me was raw power. Granted I never drove the ms3 before buying it, but the gti (and gli) really didnt have the "throw you back in your seat" factor. You could definitely go fast, but the raw power just wasnt tehre.

My opinion is, you really cant go wrong with either car, but I would go with the ms3. If you really want a fast v-dub, wait patiently for this: http://www.vwvortex.com/gallery/gallery2.php?mode=album&album=/Volkswagen/Concept%20-%20Design/Concept%20Vehicles/IROC#

 

[jtom]

Thanks for all the replies. I guess it will come down to actually driving them. Keep the poll goin!

 

[B1GHAM]

Thanks for all the replies. I guess it will come down to actually driving them. Keep the poll goin!

driving the ms3 may be dificult depending on your area... no where around us (within a reasonable distance) has any on the ground that arent spoken for.

drive the ms6 to get a feel for the motor if this is the case, then just imagine youre driving a fwd version with about 600 lbs shaved off, and a better clutch/exhaust note.

 

[jtom]

actually based on the inventory on mazdausa.com all the dealers near me have at least one so getting a test drive wont be a problem.

 

[CRZbrussian]

german cars are a complete biatch from hell to work on just ask redapex(i think that's his sn) on here. even putting on a cai takes more than 30min lol. i think the ms3 is a better pick..and plus u get more room and come on..mazda. well for 23k u can find a ms6 just don't to the flash for it, tremendously slows the car down!

 

[vcinsanity1523]

well personally i would def go with the Mazdaspeed 3 a much more sporty and refined car IMO. The GTI's are nice but the reliablity of the GTI is up in question it is still a Volkswagon. Performance for the $ the speed 3 wins hands down. Not knocking the GTI at all as it is a very nice car 2 but if you want a true performance car for the money I would go with the speed 3

 

[B1GHAM]

actually based on the inventory on mazdausa.com all the dealers near me have at least one so getting a test drive wont be a problem.

yeah but from what I am aware of, that doesnt account for those that have deposits on them.

 

[Hughes412]

You know, I just don't think power should be a factor when trying to decide on which turbo car to buy. The main reason is you can always up the boost to get more. Now I know it might not be that easy, but it it's not like an N/A car where you need to tear into the engine just to squeez out 20 hp.

So with that for me it would come down to looks. Now I haven't drove either car or even sat in them but I have always like the looks of the VW. The MS3 is a good looking car also. So it would come down to ergonomics. Oh and who had the better stock system. So far that would make mazda behind.

 

[jtom]

Yea I am really not sure on this one. I think the gti looks better and has better quality. However, you guys feel they are not reliable so I dont know.

 

[avarela86]

Get the Mazda.. 6 Speed and HP+++

The GTI are also 6 Speed. But yeah definately gotta drive the car to make my decision final as well. I lean towards the VW side more considering they've been turboing cars longer but it's like people have said above, there's no RAW power being felt in the GTI. You just see the speedo climb.

 

[jtom]

Really. Theres no aggressive feel from the GTI? I realize it wont be like the MS3 but I thought it would be decently aggressive sounding/feeling.

 

[jbiird317]

Really. Theres no aggressive feel from the GTI? I realize it wont be like the MS3 but I thought it would be decently aggressive sounding/feeling.

on my test drive, i remember saying, "wow, I didnt even know I was going that fast..." Now, at high speeds this is a good thing, and the ms3 has the same smooth ride at any speed too, but when I really stomped on the throttle it gave me all the performance I wanted, but something was off about the feel. Maybe thats the german engineering smoothing out the power band, but as fast as I was going, i still felt like the car was being held back almost.

 

[Hughes412]

The GTI are also 6 Speed. But yeah definately gotta drive the car to make my decision final as well. I lean towards the VW side more considering they've been turboing cars longer but it's like people have said above, there's no RAW power being felt in the GTI. You just see the speedo climb.

But that's called refinement! They know what they are doing. But both cars are going to be good. I just think there will be a bigger market for the VW as well.

But if you want my real opinion?
They are both kid cars. For the money you could hang on until Dec and then go get you a bigger car. With all of the losses that has hit the Ford, Dodge, and Chevy I'm waiting to see what kind of deals they give. If I can pick up a Magnum RT for 20-23k I'll be a dodge forum guy.