GTI vs. MS#

[netsatwork]

After shopping both for the last few months I ended up putting a deposit on a 4 door GTI. I was really close to getting a MS3, but after taking two long test drives in the MS6 and the fact that I couldn't test drive the MS3, I went with the GTI. I, personally, am more of a German car kinda guy and the interior styling and extra touches of the GTI appeal to me more than the MS3. I thought the turbo in the GTI was much smoother than the MS6 and felt more refined. I liked the raw power of the MS6 sometimes, but it got annoying when I just wanted to drive normally. It just came down to a matter of personal taste, and I went with the GTI. I'm sure I'd enjoy the MS3 in different ways, but right now I am anxiously awaiting my GTI and have no regrets.

 

[CRZbrussian]

WEAK!!

haha j/k enjoy maybe post some pics eh

 

[Mspeed3]

I thought the new gti's were going to vr6's. Anyways my buddy has a 1.8T and I've driven in it. On the positive it feels solid, the interior is nice, and you can hear the turbo spool. The MS3 is awesome because you have a car that is fast and practical. You can get your friends in it and the cargo area gets the job done. Also the MS3 has got great reviews and is a limited production which will probably equal a better resale value down the road. People that have little knowledge about Mazda are quick to dismiss their cars, but every person that has seen and been in my car loved it, and ate their words about honda or acura being better. All this is my opinion and I really don't have anything against other car manufacturers just bought what I wanted and I feel is was a good decision that I enjoy everyday driving.

 

[FlyinMSP]

I did a test drive with the GTI a couple of weeks ago, and I was not impressed. Nice car, but I don't get that feeling of being very connected to the road

 

[DaveMS307]

Have to chime in on the reliability....
VWs are decent cars, but both Jettas I owned were terrible. Lemon lawed the first one, and second was in the shop constantly. Don't get me wrong - I liked the car, just don't buy the VW as being higher reliability.

Your mileage will vary...

 

[Canecreekfreak]

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

VW's quality and reliability ratings have been awful over the last few years. I wouldn't touch them w/a 10 foot pole.

 

[CTGrey02]

The woman that does MSN's reviews had the engine fan go with only about 2000 miles on the car during her review, she also quoted JD Power and Associates review of VWs reliability being horrible. Edmunds did head to heads with the Civic Si and the GTi and the Civic handed the GTi it's ass in handling and braking.

I went to the Hartford International auto show last night and sat in both of them, went through the cars. The MS3 is bigger and in my opinion was much more comfortable to sit in. Neither my Wife, friend or I could get used to the interrior of the GTi or it's lack of interrior space. I had no idea how small those cars were. Who ever designed the plad cloth seats should be keel hauled. Very rough on the eyes and just looks out of place.

The MazdaSpeed 3's GT interrior on the other hand, the seats wrapped me like a glove, the pedals were where I expected them (GTi had a clutchless manual... I dont care if it's faster, I cant get used to paddles) The storage space in the MSP3 is a wonderful thing to have as well, along with the extra two doors to easily access stuff shoved in deep, or allow people in or out. Getting people in and out of my Focus after I just get used to a nice driving seat position is getting pretty old. (I have the ZX3). 4 Doors will be welcome. My mustang has no back seat so that's not a problem there.

Now to see if I can get a chance to drive them before I buy.

 

[1Sleepy93]

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.

Look for a dyno on the GTI's and the curves are flat as a pancake. VW holds the motor back so it doesn't grenade itself supposedly.

 

[II-Savy]

Read the tests on the Internet and magizines. I believe the MS3 is lighter and has more HP and Tor.

 

[VermZ06]

Top Speed

MS3=162mph

GTi=140mph (if you're lucky)