Mazda 3 vs. Nissan SE-R Spec V

[ucdchan]

I've been looking for a new year for awhile now. I was leaning toward the SE-R Spec V (175HP 185torque) because they have a $2000 cash back promotion, which drop the price to $14,000 (My friend got $15,600 out the door price in US, California). Anyways, Since they lower the Cash back now ($1500 now), I've been looking around for other options. The Mazda 3 seems to be a good choice after reading through tons of reviews.

So what you guys think? How does the two compare(Pros/Cons)? If you were given a choice to own one of these car, which one would you go for?

 

[Dave2521]

Both a great cars, but it depends on what you are looking for. If its overall look then go with the 3 (either 5 or 4 door), if you want just a LITTLE more performance then go with the SE-R. To me the SE-R looks to plain thats why i went towards the 3. but there is no wrong choice here, pick the one YOU will like more, dont go by what anyone elses says just pick the one you think you will be happy with.

 

[frenzy2223]

I love my Mazda 3!!! My buddy has a 2003 Nissan SE-R Spec V and it is a nice car. I think it looks a bit outdated and generic, but still a nice car! (shrug)

 

[r1ceburner]

SE-R SpecV can go fast in a straight line, but would not be as competitive in the twisties, nor in stopping power. Government issue styling also make it a big yawn to look at.

 

[ucdchan]

Yeah, the SE-R does look generic. I like the looks on the 3 better. Haven't test drove it yet, but from the pictures I've seen, it's pretty nice. I didn't put much consideration on the twisties vs. straight line performances, and now that I think about it, the 3 would probably suit me better.

 

[frenzy2223]

Well, drive both and see what you think! You really can't go wrong!

 

[spec5protege]

Umm... are you guys looking at the 2004 model? The hp/torque increase over the mazda 3 are significant. Also, it has a Brembo brake kit as an option - I don't see how that kind of stopping power would be inferior to a mazda 3??

 

[Swerny]

SE-R SpecV can go fast in a straight line, but would not be as competitive in the twisties, nor in stopping power. Government issue styling also make it a big yawn to look at.

The Spec V will be faster, handle better and brake better with the Brembo package than any Mazda 3.
I think the styling is outdated on the Spec V though and it's about to be replaced, so I would buy a 3 or look for a killer deal on a MSP.

 

[TiGrayMsp716]

The 3 has a lot more options than the nissan.... navi, leather, hid's...

 

[frenzy2223]

It might be faster and stop shorter, but it is still not very good looking!!!(cheers)

 

[Poseur]

I posted in the other thread as well, but I'm pretty animate about the suspension difference.. the nissan is a FREAKING SOLID BEAM REAR! put whatever dealie-bobs and dodads and spiffy monikers on it you want, you can't deny it. I've got a good friend who has one, I've driven it hot, it feel vague to say the least. Even though it is SUPER stiff and has big wheels and all, I still don't like it. See if you cna get ahold of a MSP. there's still some left, and they are going for a similar $ to that which those specv's are. PLUS they don't look like a Ricer got ahold of an egg.

 

[Airman Jack]

what we REALLY need is a Brembo package for the 3, with an intake and exhaust kit, I doubt a spec-V would be much trouble at all

 

[mikeyb]

Well as an owner of an 03 Sentra SE-R and a 03 Protege5. I would personally go with the Mazda 3. Because the Sentra is alittle long in the tooth. It was introduced in late 99 as an 00 model. The Sentra's replacement is not scheduled to arrive in late 05 as an 06. Also the fit and finish are not up to par with Mazdas. The materials are so much better in the Mazda 3 then the Sentra. A few things the Sentra has over the Mazda 3 is the hp and tq and the rebates. Another thing is that the B15 chassis Sentra has been on the market for 4 years so most of the bugs have been worked out of it where the Mazda 3 is in its first year of production. The Sentra has an 3yr/36,000 bumper to bumper warranty and 5/60,000 powertrain warranty.

I actually was behind a brand new Mazda 3 in the SE-R and I had no problem keeping up with him.

 

[rodslinger]

So what you guys think? How does the two compare(Pros/Cons)? If you were given a choice to own one of these car, which one would you go for?

I have both a Spec-V and a 3s Sedan. The Spec has a slight edge in accelleration, cornering and braking. For everything else, I prefer the 3. The 3 is more comfortable, more features, better quality. But it's also a more expensive vehicle.

Regarding the Spec having a beam axle... Big deal. There are pros and cons to both solid and independent rear suspensions.

 

[Excitmnt94]

back in the day when comparing cars i tried to find an SE-R Spec-V with ABS...that really didn't happen. about 80% of the time the 3 will have better braking performance because of the ABS. i mean seriously...what car doesn't have ABS standard anymore?

 

[Installshield 2]

I don't own either...But I have been around Spec V's for a while and never found anything too too bad, or too too good...Just a "decent" car I would say...nothing too special about the engine...The engine's 100mm of stroke or so make it feel like a truck engine put into a small lightweight car...lots of lowend torque, and not much going on upstairs...The suspension was never impressive too me either though, but it was nothing awful...The steering is pretty vague...The stock tires where adequate...the suspension was stiff, but needs some better damping...and the rear beam axle gives you a horrible rear wheel lift on slalom weight shifts...The stock wheels look good...the potato rear does not...I don't care too much for the ront either...the gearbox used to be a disgrace to the engine's powerband...but they toyed with the gear ratio's a bit to make 1st and 2nd a little longer, and third a little shorter...makes it feel like a different car...but all in all I would say it whats you get for around 15 grand...I would never pay what they originally were asking for it 2 years ago...but it makes a decent option with the rebates available now...

The 3 is much softer than the BJ proteges...but the chassis is much much better than the sentras (and stiffer than any proteges)...If you plan on any mods...a set of springs would more than make up for the 3's shortcoming in handling to the sentra (which will never be said to "handle" greatly with any upgrades)...

The 3 is more expensive, hence more refined...its quieter...the engine (both options) are smoother, and seem to be much more linear...The interior appears like a swedish living room compared to the Spec's...and its overall more fun to drive...

Overall like mentioned above you should go with what you want...definately try to drive both within the sam day...Honestly I would go with the 3 if price wasn't a problem...But in both situations you get what you pay for...a little less for some cheese...and a little more for some refinement...

 

[MazdaDryvr]

I have a friend with an 02 Spec-v and a friend with a new Mazda3 sedan GT. Having drivin both for a bit I would say the sentra has the edge with performance but the 3 is a much higher level of quality in and out. I would take the 3 in a heartbeat. I think the nissan is ugly outside and bland inside and it feels cheap. But on top of that, I would get an MSP over either of them. Wait a minute, I do own an MSP.