Is the 2.0 good enough or is the 2.3 a fantastic deal?

[GOT]

I'm planning on getting a Mazda3 in a month or so. Looking at the 3i-Touring (with ABS option) or the 3s (only about $500 more than the 3iT and it come standard with ABS, the 2.3 and a few other things).

What I'm wondering, is the 2.3 motor worth $500 more? My wife says things like, "but it's only 10 more horses and that's not worth it" (bang) I try to explain to her the torque diffs and what not.

I've read the 2.3 info on Mazda's site and it looks like it's worth it to me. But there's not much info (that I can find) that celebrates and parades on about the 2.0 (it's can't be that low tech could it?).

Is the 2.0 just as good or is the 2.3 a fantastic deal?

And what about mods, are there more mods for one or the other?

Thanks... glad I found this place!

 

[JOMO]

I think you should go with the 2.3. The motor has alot of potential if your going to mod it, and is very strong.

 

[Captain KRM P5]

actually juan's opinion is that overall the 2.0 is better for boost, stronger. volumetrically speaking the 2.3 makes more power per psi however.

either way you go, i would recommend the 2.3 liter. i have driven both in stick and automatic setups and would happily take the extra oomph on the freeway. i would take the 2.3 regardless of whether i was going to modify the car or not.

 

[JOS3]

2.3

 

[jbass]

take the 2.0l, with the money you save, you could then invest that money to make your 3 as quick as the 2.3 if not more...

 

[Kooldino]

Does anyone have pics of the internals of these motors?

 

[mazda3zoom]

ide say go with the 2.3L, so far the 2L hasnt been getting as much attention from the aftermarket suppliers (at least from what ive seen). And the 2.3 comes with xenon headlights and its got a different front end (looks better IMO).

 

[mazda3zoom]

Does anyone have pics of the internals of these motors?

Yes sir i do (unfortunately).lol
http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123613034&highlight=inside+2.3
http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123616600&page=2&pp=15

 

[tsunami]

2.3l.... tq... nuff said

 

[BC3I]

well put it this way. i have a 2.0L i like it.....but i test drove the 2.3L and loved it. in my case $$$ was the deciding factor. so if it is only $500 more go for the 2.3L espescially if you are gonna be doing heavy modding. i mean dont get me wrong, the 2.0L (given that if you did enough to it) could be as fast if not faster than a 2.3L but off the lot the 2.3L is that much better.

 

[keleko]

i can't see a reason to get the low-end engine in ANY car unless you're on a stupidly strict budget - in which case you're also not gonna get a sunroof, or power anything or- well you get the idea, or you're looking to buy an econobox


2.3L FTW

if there was a bigger engine, i would have gotten that, i now have to save $$$$$$$$$ for a hiboost kit
kinda wish i had waited another year and get the mazdaspeed 3, but i needed a car *now* and i didn't wanna wait or drive a beater /ever/ again



















however when i blow my 2.3 after i install the hiboost and tweak it too far, i might end up doing just that while i wait to save $ to fix it lol

 

[BC3I]

actually my 2.0L came standard w/ power everything no sunroof because its pointless(i think its just a target for birds to s*** on the inside of your car)steering wheel controls etc...

i can't see a reason to get the low-end engine in ANY car unless you're on a stupidly strict budget - in which case you're also not gonna get a sunroof, or power anything or- well you get the idea, or you're looking to buy an econobox


2.3L FTW

if there was a bigger engine, i would have gotten that, i now have to save $$$$$$$$$ for a hiboost kit
kinda wish i had waited another year and get the mazdaspeed 3, but i needed a car *now* and i didn't wanna wait or drive a beater /ever/ again



















however when i blow my 2.3 after i install the hiboost and tweak it too far, i might end up doing just that while i wait to save $ to fix it lol

 

[Wizno]

I have a 2.0 and I'm very content with the power/torque. 2.0 = 75hp / liter while 2.3 = 70hp/liter

I have a trubendz exhaust on it and i'm pulling 16.3 on the 1320 but I could definately break 15's if i learned to launch a bit better.

 

[cbc]

2.3 cuz bigger is better!

 

[Mazda3Rookie]

I'm planning on getting a Mazda3 in a month or so. Looking at the 3i-Touring (with ABS option) or the 3s (only about $500 more than the 3iT and it come standard with ABS, the 2.3 and a few other things).

What I'm wondering, is the 2.3 motor worth $500 more? My wife says things like, "but it's only 10 more horses and that's not worth it" (bang) I try to explain to her the torque diffs and what not....

I have a 2006 3S 5-door, and those come only with the 2.3, which I really like. Having said that, the 2.0 for 2006 has VVT, just like the 2.3 (didn't have it in the previous Model Year). That should supposedely improve the torque band, although it is still lower than in the 2.3L.

Going with the 2.0 will give a bit more mileage too, especially if you get a manual transmission (GET A MANUAL ANYWAY!!!!!!! THAT'S THE WAY A CAR LIKE A MAZDA3 BEG TO BE DRIVEN)

I'd suggest you drive both and decide.

 

[GOT]

And the 2.3 comes with xenon headlights and its got a different front end (looks better IMO).

Yeah, I like the front grill better too. I hate moon/sun-roofs (had one on a Golf and the stupid think leaked and the dealer could NEVER fix it!!!).

i can't see a reason to get the low-end engine in ANY car unless you're on a stupidly strict budget - in which case you're also not gonna get a sunroof, or power anything or- well you get the idea, or you're looking to buy an econobox

And yes, I'm on one of those "stupidly strict budgets"... can you say, "Ramen noodles"? (boom07)

Going with the 2.0 will give a bit more mileage too, especially if you get a manual transmission (GET A MANUAL ANYWAY!!!!!!! THAT'S THE WAY A CAR LIKE A MAZDA3 BEG TO BE DRIVEN)

Unfortunately I can't get my wife to learn the manual for anything (bang) So I'm also interested in the 5-speed-auto.

So it's either the:
3i with 2.0 and 4-speed, and ABS-option.
or
3s with 2.3 and 5-speed and no options.

I've driven the 2.0. Will wait to take a 2.3 out so I can show up at the dealer ready-to-deal or split to another city (Omaha) to deal. The sales people at the local Mazda dealer in Lincoln were jerks the first time (when i took the 2.0 for a test). Will give them a second chance and see if they don't screw themselves again.

 

[racer x 3]

options? ...we don't need no stinking options!

2.3l 5spd auto..... do it.... please do it...

...especially when your clipping the highway and the car is politely hinting that you upshift from 4th gear.... i have that problem...

the 2.3 is the best way to go... imo...

 

[racer x 3]

i often find myself wishing for that 5th gear...

 

[cbc]

Actually, the auto tranny *is* an option, to the tune of about $950.00

 

[case sensitive]

get a new wife. or teach her to drive stick. either way, get the 2.3.