protege 5 or 3s hatchback

[msp10]

i'm looking for a new car. i prefer something easy to drive so i narrowed my options down to the protege5 and the mzda 3 hatch. i want something with atleast some aftermarket parts, easy to maintain, easy to do DIY mods on, and reliable. i might go on occasional road trips[2-3 time a year]. Going fast isn't necessary for me, i just want a overall solid car

 

[genericuser]

you might pay a little more for the 3 hatchback, but I like it a heck of a lot better. The 2.3 4 cyl has a lot of power you can unlock from it. The 3 is a little bigger too. I like the protege 5, but I like the 3 hatch a heck of a lot better.

 

[Donas64]

While seanmcsean is right about the motor, the 2.3 is a better motor than the stock P5 motor and the interior is nicer, I overall still prefer the P5. I've driven both and overall, I just like the driving feel of the P5 better and as far as styling goes, it's not even close . The P5 IMO is so much better looking. The 3 hatch looks stubby and well just.... odd. In fact I prefer the look of the 3 Sedan. So if a really snazzy interior and a solid motor are your thing, then get 3 hatch, but if you want a smooth looking wagon with supreme tossability, a decent interior and can live with the weaker motor, then P5 FTW!!!!

 

[Donas64]

So I guess it's down to our 2 opinions. Made a choice yet?

 

[Mr. 4500 RPM]

mazdaspeed 3 in 2 months......

 

[Donas64]

He said going fast isn't a priority for him. Besides we're not sure if thats in his price range. Besides, the MS3 suffers from the same fatal flaw as the 3 Hatch......It's just not very good looking. Great interior and motor though. *puts on anti flame suit*

 

[Mr. 4500 RPM]

i love the p5....but come on...to pass people i need to drop it to 4th and rev to 4-5k to actually get power...i love the protege5 but it needs more balls....

 

[pluto316]

I want the Mazd3 interior and engine swapped into a Protege5.

 

[Donas64]

You'll get no argument from me. My P5 is slow. I mean SLOOOOOOOOOWWW!!
But all is forgiven as I carve up my favorite strech of blacktop and I get out of the car and look at it. No to say the the 3 hatch is not an excellent handler as well. But it seems as though something has been lost. But what wills the 3 hatch for me is it's looks. I just can't get past them. I think the P5 is about 10X better looking. You know what irks me. The base 3 motor is just an FS-DE with tweaks to put out 150hp. Thats just about 15 off from the 2.3. I know it's not as smooth and it does not have VVT, but why oh why could they not have done that for the P5???

 

[Donas64]

I want the Mazd3 interior and engine swapped into a Protege5.

I'm with you 100 Percent on that. That would make it the UBER AFFORDABLE MAZDA.