Mazda 3s vs. Scion tC

[PeteyBoy3K]

The TRD supercharger is a lot like the mazdaspeed miata turbocharger...

you are gaining 40 HP for $3000....

sounds more like a way for Toyota to make money off of boyracers than any type of true performance modification.

The 3 I think has more performance potential, esp since the mazdaspeed 6 and sleeper kits I've read about on these boards boost the 2.3 engine up to 270/280 for that $3000... I think it's more nimble and less gimicky (big sunroof that leads to rattles, uncomfortable 45% angling seats, cheap flimsy panels on the stereo... But it is a better value if it feels right...

 

[barod60]

Here in Puerto Rico, the aftermarket & dealerships totally neglect anything
out of Mazda unless it has a rotary. I've had my 3 for more than a year now
and haven't found anything other than tints and vent visors. Scion on the other
hand, has already Sponsered A HIN show. evertime a new honda comes out,
the shelves change at our local speed shop. Mazda has left us out in the cold
we it comes to aftermarket mods. Its hard to beat a factory boosted hot rod
with full warranty vs an add on with no warranty at all. i suspect the mazdaspeed
3 will be way out of my budget. I'd known the tc was going to have 200 hp potencial
for close to the price i paid for my aspirated 3 i would have purchased the scion hands
down. both have similar hanldling & looks but you can't be HORSEPOWER!!!!!!!

 

[sonik]

both have similar hanldling & looks but you can't be HORSEPOWER!!!!!!!

I was with ya until the handling comment. The TC's handling straight sux. Push it hard into a corner and it bucks like a pissed off bronco. I was not impressed. On one of the test drives I took a TC through a mellow corner at about 80mph and it started complaining heavily. I drove the 3 and the spec V I ended up buying just as hard and got no complaints. The TC looks great but it really isn't an enthusiasts car.

 

[FrigginGLI]

This has alot to do with the tires they put on the car as well.

 

[Mazda3Zoomer]

the SpecV sucks! for all its fancyness on paper, its just dosent feel like nissan tuned all the systems to work together!...

 

[sonik]

the SpecV sucks! for all its fancyness on paper, its just dosent feel like nissan tuned all the systems to work together!...

Obviously you haven't driven one. All you'll see is my taillights. Granted it doesn't handle quite as well, but the 3 just doesn't have the torque. And the TC doesn't handle or have torque. I would definately take the mazda anyday over the TC.

 

[sonik]

This has alot to do with the tires they put on the car as well.

From what I see it has more to do with weight distribution and suspension....Tires aren't going to make it buck like that.

 

[P5w3kids]

The Spec V is good for torque (and torque steer), the 3 for handling. Depends on which one gets you off, torque or handling. For me (P5 owner) it's obviously handling.

I'd go into more detail, but I've reviewed all of these cars at Epinions.com:
Mazda3
Nissan Sentra SE-R
Scion tC
I encourage everyone here to write their own reviews there. If you do, let me know.

That said, I'm pretty much with the consensus here. A bit shocked at that checklist in the tC's favor. But then overall impressions are what really matter, and the overall seemed to be in the right place.

For quick, thorough price comparisons check out the site I recently started, www.truedelta.com. I currently recruiting people to join a vehicle reliability panel. I'm going to be collecting data on trips to / day in the shop. I think this will put reliability in the most relevant possible terms. If you'd like this info and would like to help make it possible, please consider joining the panel. In addition to the warm fuzzy feeling you'll get from helping provide the world with better reliability info, members will receive more detailed info than non-members.

 

[ZOOMZOOMSPEED]

Whatdya think? obviously these cars are in a slightly different bracket, but have similar engine sizes, horsepower, and quality interiors. Also, stock 17s, good looks, and sporty nature. The tC has the edge in cost, torque, and Toyota resale, but a 3 hatch can carry more stuff, has more desireable options (tpms, xenons, leather) and has more head room.

Is anyone else considering these two vehicles?

I bought myself the Mazda3 5 speed 2005 and i love it dam thing can move.

 

[ZOOMZOOMSPEED]

Whatdya think? obviously these cars are in a slightly different bracket, but have similar engine sizes, horsepower, and quality interiors. Also, stock 17s, good looks, and sporty nature. The tC has the edge in cost, torque, and Toyota resale, but a 3 hatch can carry more stuff, has more desireable options (tpms, xenons, leather) and has more head room.

Is anyone else considering these two vehicles?

Im new here But this is what i think. I think that between both cars meaning the scion and mazda3s is up to the individual. I like both but i bought the mazda3s complete with all no navigation cost $20,000 big ones.
5 speed 6 airbags 6 cd indash changer abs brake system the works.
I feel that the mazda3s handles dam good on turns drives great and turns closer than anyother car i'ved owned.
Both cars are great looking cars and each has it's own styling.
however my choice was mazda and with the upcoming turbocharge kit is a plus. Whoever buys a scion or MZ3 enjoy cause cars are only getting better.
Peace!!!!!!!!!!!