Mazdaspeed3 vs. Altima

[Young Roids]

(boom04) Could the 270hp altima really be better than the Mazdaspeed3? Some quick stats the Altima does 0-60 in 6.0 it gets 21/29mpg and it is naturally aspirated. It costs $24000 wich is right about what a MS3gt costs.
(cryhard) (nervous) please tell me some reasons why the MS3 is better.

 

[Rotary_Powered]

The MS3 is faster, has LSD, a track tuned suspension. The Altima suspension isn't very dialed in and no LSD Plus they are in different classes the Altima is the class of the MS6.

 

[CTGrey02]

I wish we had a package with all the hi-tech gadgets the Altima coupe has. That things gonna give the new Accord a run for it's money.

 

[Karma_hunden]

The altima coupe is in the MS6 class? isnt it FWD?

Either way, I read somewhere it did a weak 6.4-6.5sec 0-60mph; cant be that powerful. Probably another overratted car by Nissan, just like the 350Z (with the exception of the 07 models which are actually fast). I like the start up button system though. That's cool!

 

[Young Roids]

The MS3 is faster, has LSD, a track tuned suspension. The Altima suspension isn't very dialed in and no LSD Plus they are in different classes the Altima is the class of the MS6.

Road and track reports a 5.7 second 0-60 with the altima and they report a 6 second time with the MS3. While it is in another class than the MS3 it can be had for roughly the same price as the MS3gt so it is comparable that way. But I suppose you are right about the MS3 handling better, that seems to be the saving grace of the ms3 in this comparo.

 

[Kosh]

0-60 times isn't really all that big of a deal. NA engines are naturally better at this sort of acceleration because they don't have to build boost. I bet our cars will smoke this altima on highway or from any gear above third. Our cars aren't made to be killer from a dig so it isn't really a concern for me.

 

[zoom-zoomhatch]

And altima's aren't turbo... I strictly enjoy driving a turbo car over one that is n/a, just a personal preference.

 

[Kosh]

And altima's aren't turbo... I strictly enjoy driving a turbo car over one that is n/a, just a personal preference.

(mswerd)

 

[Rotary_Powered]

Road and track reports a 5.7 second 0-60 with the altima and they report a 6 second time with the MS3. While it is in another class than the MS3 it can be had for roughly the same price as the MS3gt so it is comparable that way. But I suppose you are right about the MS3 handling better, that seems to be the saving grace of the ms3 in this comparo.

0-60 is driver dependent. The Max MS3 time seems to be about 5.5 seconds the max Altima time seems to be 5.9 seconds.

I know the prices are comparable but the cars are still in different classes (the compact and midsize class). The MS3 technical direct competitor is the Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V (with does have serious suspension tuning) which is another compact.

The Altima will be picked up by a lot of people who just want a quick car, or who can't drive manual. (Or who love the build/look of the car) It's a nice quick car, but I the MS3 and even Sentra SE-R V are much more hard core handle better and are quicker around a track, and should be much more appealing to the enthusiast.

 

[mistermatt]

car and driver did a test on the new altima coupe se and it ran a 5.8 0-60 with a 14.6 1/4 mile. i think .82g and the actual price of the car was 31k.

i dont think its in our league.

 

[civic si hb]

It's going to vary by driver, i just went to barnes and nobles a few days ago and picked up motor trend and they got the new altima coupe to do a 14.2 @101mph. So it seems like with the right driver it'll go pretty go. Is it a threat to the MS3.......... I'd say NO!!!

 

[Hypnotized]

The MS3 can be tuned, its turbo, its faster and the suspension setup is tight. You can always make the MS3 faster, the Altima you cannot at least without allot of money.

 

[94jedi]

Ok, here's the deal. I just test drove the MS3 and the Altima back to back. there is no comparison. I'm an enthusiast and the difference was night and day for me. the altima felt like a boat. I felt like I was half asleep while driving...I couldn't feel the road, steering was terribly uncommunicative...and it "felt" slow. I don't know where they got 270 hp from but it has to be an inflated figure. the MS3 is a true drivers car. Mazda has somehow taken "german engineering" and packaged in into their cars. I don't know how but the MS3 is better in every category except maybe the gadgets. Even the plain mazda 6 manual felt so much better to me than the Altima. The Altima might be a great car but not if you love driving and actually being one with your vehichle (as cliche as it sounds). Coming from a background of an Audi A4 Quattro (Big Turbo 1.8T, all the supporting mods and about 300 awhp), numerous MK2 VW GTi's, and even the raw power of 2 highly modified Fox Body Mustang 5.0's(1 with a built motor and nitrous), I am thoroughly impressed with Mazda vehicles....especially the MS3.

 

[MX6toMS3]

I wish we had a package with all the hi-tech gadgets the Altima coupe has. That things gonna give the new Accord a run for it's money.

Yup. That commercial where it talked about the push-button ignition and the bluetooth set up makes me jealous. Seems like some easy things they could have put in the MS3.

My boyfriend works at Nissan and drives them everyday so I'll find out what he thinks.

 

[Donas64]

I'd be hard pressed to take the MS3 over an Altima SE-R especially if I can find one for similar price. In the end, I'm more partial to the MS3 but the Altima SE-R is not a bad piece of it.

Build quality : MS3 has the edge
Handling: MS3 has the Edge
Looks: Altima SE-R has the edge for me
Engines: While the 2.3 DISI is VERY nice, the VQ35DE is a GREAT motor as well and I like power delivery and reliability of NA motors over turbo motors.

Both cars are relatively rare and very roomy. At the end of the day I might end up buying the MS3 but just barely. But don't get me wrong, the MS3 is the higher quality more fun car. But the Altima SE-R is not a bad product.

 

[Donas64]

Ok, here's the deal. I just test drove the MS3 and the Altima back to back. there is no comparison. I'm an enthusiast and the difference was night and day for me. the altima felt like a boat. I felt like I was half asleep while driving...I couldn't feel the road, steering was terribly uncommunicative...and it "felt" slow. I don't know where they got 270 hp from but it has to be an inflated figure. the MS3 is a true drivers car. Mazda has somehow taken "german engineering" and packaged in into their cars. I don't know how but the MS3 is better in every category except maybe the gadgets. Even the plain mazda 6 manual felt so much better to me than the Altima. The Altima might be a great car but not if you love driving and actually being one with your vehichle (as cliche as it sounds). Coming from a background of an Audi A4 Quattro (Big Turbo 1.8T, all the supporting mods and about 300 awhp), numerous MK2 VW GTi's, and even the raw power of 2 highly modified Fox Body Mustang 5.0's(1 with a built motor and nitrous), I am thoroughly impressed with Mazda vehicles....especially the MS3.

I have to agree with you. Mazdas have FAR superior driving and tactile feel than Nissans.

 

[nvmsp]

You guys are really sleeping on the altima. Atleast you don't have to worry about the engine falling.(sssh)

 

[Hypnotized]

The price of the that Altima is over 24K. It looks to sell for near 28K. This car is no contest for the MS3.

 

[94jedi]

The price of the that Altima is over 24K. It looks to sell for near 28K. This car is no contest for the MS3.

that's another key point. I couldn't get the Altima spec'd out like the GT (non-nav) MS3 for less than 27k or so. 3k doesn't sound like alot but if I can find a better value then, I'm going to take it.

The Altima had some really soft sidewall 16" tires and ugly wheels too.

 

[Donas64]

You guys are really sleeping on the altima. Atleast you don't have to worry about the engine falling.(sssh)

I'm not sleeping on it. I've driven and ridden in Several Altima SE-Rs and I love them. The way depreciation hit them though, you should be able to get a fine example for MS3 money.