MS6 or MS3!!!???

[MazdaTurboSpeed]

I am a newbie and will be buying either a MS6 or MS3. I went to my local dealership tonight..... 23K for a MS6 without even starting negotiations. I could take delivery tomorrow if I wanted. Or....they have a black MS3 sport coming in 5 weeks that will be basically the same price. I could put a deposit on that. Hard to say if the 06 MS6's will still be sitting on the lots by then(these rebates are great!).
What do you all think?? I drove the MS6 by myself for nearly 30 mins..(yes i beat on a car with 20 miles and almost felt bad,..almost). It launched great but seemed to die after 5500rpms. I assume this is normal as the boost drops before redline. In the turns, the car definitely didnt feel "small" like my brother's 03.5 MSP. I live near Philly so we do get a little bit of snow in the winter but with Bridgestone summer tires I'm not sure that even awd will help. Any input is appreciated.

 

[Rotary_Powered]

It died off because dealerships use 89 and 91 octane gas. You really need 93 to get the full power from the engine. It's been "prooven" a few times. Regardless of anyone's bias, both are great cars in thier own right. The MS3 could be marked up when it comes out and that MS6 is a very good deal. It's up to you the MS6 is better off the line but predictions say the MS3 will pass it at a higher speed cause of less drivetrain loss and less wieght. That being said AWD is very nice to have mid corner, thought the MS3 has a LSD. It's a coin toss IMHO. What do you want? The MS3 is more of a sport compact while the MS6 is more Grand Touring.

 

[WildChild]

I am kinda in the same situation. I like the AWD, standard features, and sophistication of the MS6. But don't like the weight or lack of a folding back seat(I know you can mod it and make a small opening)

In the MS3 I like the raw straight line performance numbers, versatility, and size. But I don't like torque steer, The terrible color choices, or the leather seats of the GT(I want the GT options without the leather)

I think for the money the MS6 is a better deal. Standard HID,Bose,AWD and DSC for 23k? Didn't SRT-4s sell for close to that a few years ago, and all they had was a nice engine.

 

[trees]

I was in the same boat about 2 months ago. Had a speed3 on order, but after weighing the choices I went with the speed6. AWD, standard features, and sophistication all played a big part in my choice. good luck (drive2)

 

[JJxUSAF]

Get the 6...the 3 is a station wagon with a turbo engine.

And just remember how you were abusing someone else's car when you're driving off the lot in your new car that was probably test driven a dozen times or so...

 

[MazdaTurboSpeed]

I forgot about the rear seat not folding down. I think I have made my mind up...I want the MS3! I am not looking to take the car to the track, and rarely ever launch my cars, so off the line performance doesn't matter as much. I prefer to just roll on and then punch it.
Also, I have a large dog who will appreciate the MS3 with the seats folded down. My deposit will keep the MS3 scheduled to arrive from being test driven at all...I know the sales person,..and have made it clear. It comes off the truck, through the shop to get ready, and then parked...for me