Mazda 3 wagon performance

[donaldafm]

I'm thinking seriously about buying a Mazda 3 wagon, but in test drives the performance has been a little disappointing. I also drove a Matrix XRS, which seemed to be faster 0 to 60. I don't understand though why that should be.

Mazda 3 numbers: 160hp @ 6,500rpm, 150ft lb @ 4,500rpm

Matrix XRS: 173hp @ 7,600rpm, 127ft lb of torque @4,400rpm

Wouldn't the Matrix's low torque mean less acceleration even with more horsepower at high rev? Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks guys,

Donald

 

[willy65000]

I'm thinking seriously about buying a Mazda 3 wagon, but in test drives the performance has been a little disappointing. I also drove a Matrix XRS, which seemed to be faster 0 to 60. I don't understand though why that should be.

Mazda 3 numbers: 160hp @ 6,500rpm, 150ft lb @ 4,500rpm

Matrix XRS: 173hp @ 7,600rpm, 127ft lb of torque @4,400rpm

Wouldn't the Matrix's low torque mean less acceleration even with more horsepower at high rev? Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks guys,

Donald

I'm not sure about exact numbers but acceleration should be verry close between the 3s with the 2.3 and the matrix XRS. The test report that I read on the Matrix XRS concluded that the motor in the XRS (being an engine that requires such high revs to make descent power) is not well suited for such a heavy car. The bottom line, in my opinion is that the 3 is a much easier car to go fast in because you don't have to keep the engine in the upper revs to accelerate quickly. I persinally like the Matrix with the standard corolla motor but I think the camry motor would've been a better one for the XRS model. Not to mention the fact that there's been some reliability issues with the engine used in the XRS.

 

[wongpres]

I haven't driven a Matrix but have driven a Celica GTS (so same engine). My opinion corresponds to those of reviews of this engine and that is the engine is absolutely torqueless and keeping the revs up is extremely important. And the Matrix is even heavier than a Celica.

My Mazda3 2.3l has a lot more torque down low than the Toyota engine. One explanation for possibly why it 'feels' as if the Mazda3 is slower is that the Mazda3 (and even the 2.3l) is more refined than the Matrix XRS you tried. This Car and Driver review of the Mazda3 best summarizes what I'm referring to on the Mazda3:
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=7566&page_number=1

The Mazda3 is incredibly refined and even when going fast it really feels like its not.

 

[Jake1]

The Mazda3 is incredibly refined and even when going fast it really feels like its not.

That's true! I've driven a few BMWs, and I think the handling in the 3 is really comprable. Even at high speeds, I still feel in control. Haven't driven a whole lot of 4 cylinders, but to me the 3 feels surprisingly powerful: I was completely hooked after the test drive. Go with the 3!!!

 

[Mikey444]

I am beging you, please do not call it a "wagon"

 

[Badger Biker]

I've owned a Vibe, which is the sister car to the Matrix.

It was only a base model, but I was able to get time in with the GT/XRS. Send me an IM if you want to talk, I know a lot about both cars and I'll give you mu best opinions to the questions ya have

I do wish to say this:
Fastest 1/4mile times for each vehicle that I have seen has been 15.3 for both. Each time only a single person has been able to produce these results. I'd say they are fairly equal as far as engine goes. It WILL be easier to mod the 2.3L though, because it doesn't have that insanely high compression that the VVTL-i has.

 

[djltoronto]

I am beging you, please do not call it a "wagon"

I concur...
it's not a "wagon"

 

[stupiud]

wagons are longer.

the 5door is same lenth as the sedan.

'hatchback' refers to 2 door cars with the 'hatch' as a trunk.

 

[donaldafm]

First, thanks for all the responses, I appreciate it guys.

In deference to those wiser than I, I won't use the 'W' word anymore. However, Consumer Reports and Edmunds use the term for the Mazda3 5 door. And the Subaru Imprezza Sports W*gon is the same length as the Imprezza sedan. No one objects to the WRX rocket being called a W*gon.

I've run across the term CUV a couple of times. Is that something people use for the Mazda3 5 door?

 

[Roywhitep5]

I am beging you, please do not call it a "wagon"

yeah!!! its "station wagon" yo!

 

[Nymisus]

I have only driven the mazda 3 and can't coment on the other car, I will say it doesn't feel like you are going as fast as you really are...on the test drive I was doing 85 and thought I was going maybe 60 until I looked down at the spedometer....thats when I said, I want this one

 

[Badger Biker]

I will chime in about Subaru:

They themselves call it a Sport Wagon.

They aren't cool enough to be a hatchback.

 

[shibaman]

used to own a Vibe

I'm thinking seriously about buying a Mazda 3 wagon, but in test drives the performance has been a little disappointing. I also drove a Matrix XRS, which seemed to be faster 0 to 60. I don't understand though why that should be.

Mazda 3 numbers: 160hp @ 6,500rpm, 150ft lb @ 4,500rpm

Matrix XRS: 173hp @ 7,600rpm, 127ft lb of torque @4,400rpm

Wouldn't the Matrix's low torque mean less acceleration even with more horsepower at high rev? Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks guys,

Donald

I traded in my 03 Vibe for a 04 Mazda 3 hatch. My vibe was an auto with all the suspension, intake, exhaust, etc. I decided that I wanted a stick so I spent time driving the Matrix xrs and the Vibe GT. Great cars but no power until you hit lift at 5800 rpm. Low low end torque. These cars eat clutches because they use the same engine, tranny, and clutch as a Celica that weighs 400 lbs. less. Slipp that clutch!
The 3 has low end torque for every day driving. They are deceptivly fast. I have never driven a 4 banger that could smoke the tires like this. My stock 3 handles better that my modded Vibe did and rides well. Multi link rear suspension, acurate steering, lower body. better looks- all good!

 

[donaldafm]

Ok then second question....

I'm sure this has been discussed at length and I don't want to ask a bunch of questions you guys have beaten to death. But I *have* gone through the message boards here and don't find exactly what I'm looking for. So point me to a previous thread if it's appropriate by all means.

How could I boost the Mazda3 *5 door* a bit if:

1) I have to stay within California smog
2) Am a complete dweeb when it comes to car repairs
3) Don't want to spend more than maybe $500

I've read a lot on the web about CAI kits for example, but I see conflicting reports about whether they actually do anything. Also I've seen things about having to cut metal on the car, which is just something I ain't doing. Would a performance shop do something like that at a reasonable price?

Thanks again guys, you have no idea how much I appreciate your input.

Take care,

Donald

 

[Mazda3Zoomer]

I'm thinking seriously about buying a Mazda 3 wagon, but in test drives the performance has been a little disappointing. I also drove a Matrix XRS, which seemed to be faster 0 to 60. I don't understand though why that should be.

Mazda 3 numbers: 160hp @ 6,500rpm, 150ft lb @ 4,500rpm

Matrix XRS: 173hp @ 7,600rpm, 127ft lb of torque @4,400rpm

Wouldn't the Matrix's low torque mean less acceleration even with more horsepower at high rev? Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks guys,

Donald

also dont forget that the XRS matrix has a 6speed manual while the Mazda3 only has a 5 speed shifter.... closer gear ratios help alot esp if ur fast with the shifting....

 

[eting_pro5]

This is where the Protege owns the 3. It's less refined, thus its inferior engine tricks you into thinking you're moving quickly and produces more smiles. Yay for unrefined, underpowered cars!

I haven't driven a Matrix but have driven a Celica GTS (so same engine). My opinion corresponds to those of reviews of this engine and that is the engine is absolutely torqueless and keeping the revs up is extremely important. And the Matrix is even heavier than a Celica.

My Mazda3 2.3l has a lot more torque down low than the Toyota engine. One explanation for possibly why it 'feels' as if the Mazda3 is slower is that the Mazda3 (and even the 2.3l) is more refined than the Matrix XRS you tried. This Car and Driver review of the Mazda3 best summarizes what I'm referring to on the Mazda3:
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=7566&page_number=1

The Mazda3 is incredibly refined and even when going fast it really feels like its not.