Mazda6 2.3 vs Mazda3 2.3

[Monzsta]

Okay, my 3i is in the shop for a/c diffuser and fuel pump, so they give me a 2.3l 6 as a loaner. Right out of the box I notice 1st and 2nd gear feel stronger then my wife's 2.3 3S. In manual mode I'm crashing into the rev limiter all over the place, where in her 3s it'll go forever. Not to mention the 6's motor sounds a LOT more eager then her 3. Are there differences in HP, or is it in the exhaust, intake boxes and tranny?
I have a route where my 3i (2.0) gets to 85 mph in about a 1/4 mile slightly uphill. The 6 can only muster 78 mph.

Also, being similar cars, anyone tried grafting the "duals" from the 6 onto the 3?
(shady)

 

[TomH]

The engines are exactly the same. The only differences are the ones you mentioned (exhaust, intake, etc.).

 

[mica3speedy]

the 6i has the jdm final drive of 4.388, while our 3's have a final drive of 4.11. Shorter gearing will make it feel quicker. never mind, your comparing autos here (bang)

 

[Monzsta]

(peep) Hmmm... tranny swap... rental... Think they'd notice? LOL

 

[fam]

I own a 3i and 3s, I also drove the 2.3 6. The 6 is the slower car. The 6 is a bigger car and I think it may make you feel like your going faster but its just not true!

 

[Monzsta]

As an aside, I was really digging the "angel eyes" little mood light that passes for a marker light in the front of the 6. When I got my car back, I happened to look in the front, and LO! There is a flat spot with a corresponding socket on the 3's high beam reflector! Just drill and insert a 194 side marker, and wire to the clearance light!

As soon as I do it, I'll post pics.

 

[Solo2Protege]

there is no correspoding socket, i didn't see a harness nearby either.

You'd need to drill the lens and the hole for a socket, the MZ6 socket may just work too. But when i did my DDE install, i looked this over.

also, if i remember correctly, the 6i and 3s aren't that much different in weight. I think the diff is merely an extra passenger, maybe slightly more.

 

[TheMAN]

the european version has that light, and it's for the parking light.... the corner bulb is used for turn signals only on that version

 

[Monzsta]

No' it's not drilled, or wired, but the recess where one would be is there. The rest is easy.