mazda 3 vs VW Jetta mk. V

[PeteyBoy3K]

More pics and an article from VW Vortex

Link to description


What are your thoughts? I've always thought of the Maz3 as a "Jetta killer". now it looks like VW is trying to make their jetta a "bmw 3/5 series killer". I'm not sure whether it'll be successful as VW wants it to be.

also, lemme start by saying I really hate VW. I inherited a 1999.5 (mark IV) golf and loved it at first. But after dumping more and more money into keeping the /base model/ running, my love turned into burning, fiery hatred.

Now they are trying to go upscale. The phaeton and tuareg (which the V8 model has a worse green score than a hummer) were the first steps. now with the new Jetta they got an audi nose, a bmw ass, and the corolla's tippy-top-heavy-ness combined into a larger, lamer package.

I feel the only engine that will be worth any salt will be the TDI's. The FSI and 2.5 litre "base" 5-cyl will be too new in the US to not suck. And they are mated to a shiny new auto-manual gearbox that will probably combine the worst of both worlds rather than the better (look, we tell you you are buying the fuel economy of a manual with the ease of an auto... but you're actually getting the replace-every-two-years clutch of a manual and repair costs that tower above those of a normal automatic (dark) ). All the other new engines get new transmissions too.

Sorry for all the bias. I just really, really dislike that company. I make sure to tell anyone interested in buying one to not plan to keep it for the long haul and NEVER buy used without a warranty.

 

[kid_ding]

I don't really like it all that much. Looks like a Camry to me. I think VW should have just kept the original Jetta look. Reminds me of the way the Nissan Altima changed from an average size to Maxima size. Just my thoughts.

 

[P5 Rally]

there are many reason why VW sales keep increasing. The electrical problems with the 3rd generation cars have been dealt with. they do need to work on customer satisfaction because they suck in that department. VW since the inception of the 4th gen cars, has been trying to move up-scale and their top end models certainly show it. They have been developing great new power plants especially in the diesel sector. I dont really like the new jetta, but then again I said the same thing about the 4th gen

 

[Mazda3ofKent]

Yeha I never seen a jetta go over 65mph i dont think this thing will be any diffrent

 

[daKiNeP5]

I didn't feel like reading all that this late at night but based on looks alone I really like it better than the current jetta.

 

[Badger Biker]

Series 3 Jetta is still my favorite body design.

This one ... just is a total turnoff.

 

[lumlum83]

haha i hate VW Golfs, speaking from my personal experiences! That's why i sold my 02 Golf in January 2004.

 

[RHAGEL]

Ha, Ha, Ha. It looks like an over sized Corolla. I like the tail lights though, kinda like the Phaetons. The LA Auto show is in 5 weeks, so I can see for myself in person. It may look better with some 18's.

 

[Jake1]

Yeah, it does look a lot like a Toyota (i.e. cheap as hell). I wish they would've stuck to the boxier look. Even the new GTI looks like a piece now.

 

[goku4658]

i actually liked the previous jetta, this is teh lame tho!!

 

[GimmeA3S]

if it's as big as that picture makes it look, doesn't it outsize the current Passat? Those wheels look CHEEEEEEEEEEAP.

 

[Mikey444]

That thing looks rediculous!

 

[ZOOMZOOMZOOM]

I can settle this once and for all...
Jetta made in MEXICO!!! (German?!) I don't think so!

Mazda3 made in Japan! (Enough said) (blah)

 

[RHAGEL]

I got a chance to see the new jetta at the LA Auto show and was pretty impressed. As I mentioned on another forum, They had a silver one with 18's, body kit, lowered suspension, spoiler and clear tail lights. It looked all right. It does look much better in person. The interior is identical to the new Audi A3 so it was nice for a compact. Unfortunately they said that the 2.0t will not be out until late 05, early 06. I dont know if the 5 banger will do it for me. Though they said that it has a lot of potential, so I guess we will see. I am still leaning towards an sp23 which looked pretty good at the show.

 

[mobomelter]

heres my take on vws they look very nice and perform pretty well for the most part... except when it comes to electronics. my friends beetle used to short fuses at random and do all sorts of fun stuff like keep the windows down when it was 15 degrees out. i've also seen alot of brand new vws driving around with blown headlights. i don't know about anyone else but headlights blowing in a brand new car is not a good thing. just my .02 cents.

 

[M3 5MT]

VW's are starting to compete with Audi's, and its the same company...it's like GM Trucks and Chevy Trucks....Soon, the only difference between the two will be the Audi has AWD.

A Jetta a 3-series killer? WTF?

The G35 is the only successful 3-series killer, and its still having trouble beating the bimmer in sales.

 

[t3ase]

Yeha I never seen a jetta go over 65mph i dont think this thing will be any diffrent

You've obviously been looking in the wrong places then. There are a few 12second Jettas around here, with one talking of trying to make 10s next season.

 

[Mazda3ofKent]

You've obviously been looking in the wrong places then. There are a few 12second Jettas around here, with one talking of trying to make 10s next season.

they need to teach the other jettas that trick, becuse they get on 480 and porceed to lurk around at 60mph

 

[mazkiller]

I can settle this once and for all...
Jetta made in MEXICO!!! (German?!) I don't think so!

Mazda3 made in Japan! (Enough said) (blah)

get your facts right..ur lil mazda is not made in japan..the only thing japan bout that car is the company. mazda 3 has the body styling of the volvo S40 and is powered by the ford focus! Mazda3 Japan? sorry to burst your bubble, its more american than japanese. regardless of where its made, a euro car WILL ALWAYS be safer than a japanese car!

 

[tsunami]

wow way to resurrect a 2 year old thread with a s*** ass comment that isn't true... mazda 3's are made in japan... and further more this is your first post so i am closing this thing down to aviod the flame war you want to start...


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