First post

[PGJ]

I am considering a new sedan and it's between the Mazda 6 Touring and the Ford Fusion Titanium. The Mazda wins hands down in looks. Simply a beautiful car that reminds me of a Jaguar or a Maserati. But the Fusion has a turbo 4 that gets 240hp, 270lb torque (almost 100lbs more than the 6). You can tell a big difference in power in the Fusion. However, aesthetics are big to me (and I like the 36mpg) so the Mazda leads right now. I was wondering if anyone knows of some good engine mods to beef up the 6 engine a little... CAI, computer chip, aftermarket turbo...?

I also would like to know if anyone has lowered their 6 or added wheel spacers for a more aggressive stance.

Thanks.

 

[Canadian-ES-GT]

The 2014 is a very new car, so it'll take a while before people start modding it. There is currently no aftermarket turbo for the 2.0 litre skyactiv gas engine (has been out since 2012) because of its high compression ratio and probably other things making it too complicated.I doubt we'll see a turbo in the 2.5 gas any time soon.

The 6 has less power, but is much lighter and better handling than the Fusion.

 

[GoBackToSleep]

I would easily pick the Mazda 6 over the Aston Martin-ripoff front-end, confusing array of buttons and gadgets, and heavier Ford Fusion. Sure, there are a few different engine options and the Fusion isn't shy toward a bit of performance-oriented driving (my choice would be the 1.6L turbo with six-speed manual transmission), but it just seems excessive all-around to me - the weight (which means it NEEDS more power), the technology, the dimensions, and more.

Although I'm happy with my Sky 3, if I were in the market for the 6 sedan, I'd hold out for the availability of the six-speed manual transmission in the Touring trim later this year. Hell, if Mazda decides to add at least a Bluetooth option to the Sport (my manual 3i Touring even has it), that would be more than enough for me as the Touring adds "leatherette" seats and tech options I have no business using behind the wheel. Another thing to consider would be waiting until later this year when the 170 HP/310 TQ diesel hits our shores. Just a consideration.

As far as performance enhancement is concerned, the 2.5L Skyactiv motor has just launched in the US market for 2013. As the above poster said, it's much too new for strong aftermarket support (it'll build for sure), but I wouldn't readily expect forced induction options due to the higher compression ratios of these engines. As for the Sky 3 hatch I have currently, although it is stock, I do have a couple options at my disposal. First of all, the Bridgestone Turanza tires need to be ditched immediately for a better set. Secondly, Corksport has already designed and made available a short-ram air intake and aftermarket exhaust for vehicles that have the 2.0L Skyactiv motor like mine. Sure, it could add a few horses or whatever, but fuel economy will actually increase under normal driving conditions (I can't wait to get this done). There may be some more options on the market now (these became available in 2012), but at least the 2.0L 3 and CX-5 are starting to be covered.

Good luck on the car search!

 

[PGJ]

The 2014 is a very new car, so it'll take a while before people start modding it. There is currently no aftermarket turbo for the 2.0 litre skyactiv gas engine (has been out since 2012) because of its high compression ratio and probably other things making it too complicated.I doubt we'll see a turbo in the 2.5 gas any time soon.

The 6 has less power, but is much lighter and better handling than the Fusion.

I figure a CAI would boost it maybe 10HP. I didn't get a real long test drive, but I noticed right away that it is pretty sluggish off the line. I should add that my current car is a 99 BMW M3 and I've been driving BMW's for about 20 years. I just don't like the new 3's. And with base models going for around $40K, they are not worth it. I will say the new 3-series I4 Turbo is really nice. Much better than the Fusion Turbo.

 

[PGJ]

I would easily pick the Mazda 6 over the Aston Martin-ripoff front-end, confusing array of buttons and gadgets, and heavier Ford Fusion. Sure, there are a few different engine options and the Fusion isn't shy toward a bit of performance-oriented driving (my choice would be the 1.6L turbo with six-speed manual transmission), but it just seems excessive all-around to me - the weight (which means it NEEDS more power), the technology, the dimensions, and more.

Although I'm happy with my Sky 3, if I were in the market for the 6 sedan, I'd hold out for the availability of the six-speed manual transmission in the Touring trim later this year. Hell, if Mazda decides to add at least a Bluetooth option to the Sport (my manual 3i Touring even has it), that would be more than enough for me as the Touring adds "leatherette" seats and tech options I have no business using behind the wheel. Another thing to consider would be waiting until later this year when the 170 HP/310 TQ diesel hits our shores. Just a consideration.

As far as performance enhancement is concerned, the 2.5L Skyactiv motor has just launched in the US market for 2013. As the above poster said, it's much too new for strong aftermarket support (it'll build for sure), but I wouldn't readily expect forced induction options due to the higher compression ratios of these engines. As for the Sky 3 hatch I have currently, although it is stock, I do have a couple options at my disposal. First of all, the Bridgestone Turanza tires need to be ditched immediately for a better set. Secondly, Corksport has already designed and made available a short-ram air intake and aftermarket exhaust for vehicles that have the 2.0L Skyactiv motor like mine. Sure, it could add a few horses or whatever, but fuel economy will actually increase under normal driving conditions (I can't wait to get this done). There may be some more options on the market now (these became available in 2012), but at least the 2.0L 3 and CX-5 are starting to be covered.

Good luck on the car search!

I will say that the cockpit of the Fusion is quite intimidating. Way too much information on display. It's wall-to-wall buttons and gadgets all the way from the shifter up to the dash. I like the simplicity of the 6 Touring interior is displays.

I like to noodle around a bit with my cars and personalize them. I just can't drive stock. If I get this car the first thing I would do is add spacers to the 19" wheels and maybe drop it an inch. I assume there will be some performance mods available shortly like a CAI, chip reprogram, sway bars, high-performance exhaust...I'm not trying to make it a stop-light racer (that's not how I drive), but the car does feel a bit underpowered in general.

 

[trueace]

My co worker bought a white fusion about a month ago. Its a nice car but the mazda just looks better on the interior. The exterior goes without saying. I might be a lil bias though lol.

 

[PGJ]

My co worker bought a white fusion about a month ago. Its a nice car but the mazda just looks better on the interior. The exterior goes without saying. I might be a lil bias though lol.

I think I have eliminated the Fusion from the selection. Looks like there are some Mercedes, Lexus and Infiniti's that are pretty close in price to the 6. So, the choice is top of the line Mazda or basic entry-level luxury sedan. If the 6 came with a turbo, it would win hands down. It's the best looking sedan on the market. My main concern is still the weak engine.

 

[icyblueyez]

^Don't forget to include fuel/insurance costs in your calculations when considering entry level luxury.