Poor man's 3 series
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
Poor man's 3 series
Do you guys think the Mazda3 is the poor man's 3 series? I like my car but its too big at times. I would love to own a 2010 3 with the 2.0 engine and in manual. I like smaller engines that rev quick.
#3
Senior Moderator
Right now I'm in a 328i Loaner which is pretty basic and I hate it! The car has power and is nimble, however it rattles, the audio system sucks, no HID's, no power seats, etc. How people justify 30+K for this astounds me. The mazda 2 is a great car. Compared to the 3 series some aspects may appear tacky, but for nearly 2/3rds the price I wouldn't care. If anything I'd suggest you look at 1st Gen TSX with 6sp Manual. It'll be an upgrade from the accord in terms of luxury and as well have power, 6MT and won't be huge.
#4
dɐɹɔ ǝɥʇ ʇɐɥʍ
This reminds me of the old saying "What type of sandwich isn't too fattening?" the answer "half of a sandwich" you want a poor mans 3 series buy a used one.
#7
Senior Moderator
That's EXACTLY what I thought after my first drive in the prior generation Mazda3: IT felt dynamically similar (to me) to the 3-series. (I sort of recall posting that a Mazdaspeed3 sedan would make for a great poor man's 335i.)
Trending Topics
#9
The Box
#11
Senior Moderator
I driven tons of cars and the Mazda3 is the closest thing to come close to the handling characteristics of a BMW in that price range. It has a comfortable drive but when you want to throw it into a corner then the handling is sharp.
TSX is just too bouncy when cruising. Handles well but isnt very comfortable. IMO
Never driven a mazdaspeed3 but im sure it would be fantastic.
TSX is just too bouncy when cruising. Handles well but isnt very comfortable. IMO
Never driven a mazdaspeed3 but im sure it would be fantastic.
#12
Three Wheelin'
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Somewhere out there
Age: 46
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I driven tons of cars and the Mazda3 is the closest thing to come close to the handling characteristics of a BMW in that price range. It has a comfortable drive but when you want to throw it into a corner then the handling is sharp.
TSX is just too bouncy when cruising. Handles well but isnt very comfortable. IMO
Never driven a mazdaspeed3 but im sure it would be fantastic.
TSX is just too bouncy when cruising. Handles well but isnt very comfortable. IMO
Never driven a mazdaspeed3 but im sure it would be fantastic.
trust the mods
#13
I ♡ PEK PEK
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Across the River from Manhattan
Posts: 988
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think he meant the driving dynamics of the car. I had an '06 Mazda 3 HB 5 sp, I let my boss(who was a huge BMW zealot) drive it and he said the steering response and the reflexes was very much like his 3 series BMW.
My wife wanted a 3 series and we test drove a 2008 328i and IMO, my Mazda drove a lot better.
#14
Senior Moderator
I think he meant the driving dynamics of the car. I had an '06 Mazda 3 HB 5 sp, I let my boss(who was a huge BMW zealot) drive it and he said the steering response and the reflexes was very much like his 3 series BMW.
My wife wanted a 3 series and we test drove a 2008 328i and IMO, my Mazda drove a lot better.
My wife wanted a 3 series and we test drove a 2008 328i and IMO, my Mazda drove a lot better.
And just so as to not upset BMW purists with the comparison, 99.9% of us would probably take the 3-series (any trim) over the Mazda3 without even blinking. So don't get upset about the beloved 3 Series being compared to a Japanese compact sedan. We're not recommending that people cross shop a 335i and a Mazda3 sedan. (Even if the MS3 did come in sedan form, it would be an odd xshop with the 335i.)
The original Mazda3 was developed in Europe and likely used the E46 as a benchmark in its development which would explain this 3 series-like dynamic to which we're referring.
#15
Three Wheelin'
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Somewhere out there
Age: 46
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
And just so as to not upset BMW purists with the comparison, 99.9% of us would probably take the 3-series (any trim) over the Mazda3 without even blinking. So don't get upset about the beloved 3 Series being compared to a Japanese compact sedan. We're not recommending that people cross shop a 335i and a Mazda3 sedan. (Even if the MS3 did come in sedan form, it would be an odd xshop with the 335i.)
The original Mazda3 was developed in Europe and likely used the E46 as a benchmark in its development which would explain this 3 series-like dynamic to which we're referring.
#16
Pro
Thread Starter
I know the Focus had European Sports car handling. I had a 2001 ZX3 Hatch and the steering sharpness was awesome. I just didnt care for the lame 2.0 Zetc engine and the stiff clutch. They revised it with a new 2.0 and clutch years ago, I should have bought that one.
#19
In the Mid-South meow
iTrader: (2)
Right now I'm in a 328i Loaner which is pretty basic and I hate it! The car has power and is nimble, however it rattles, the audio system sucks, no HID's, no power seats, etc. How people justify 30+K for this astounds me. The mazda 2 is a great car. Compared to the 3 series some aspects may appear tacky, but for nearly 2/3rds the price I wouldn't care. If anything I'd suggest you look at 1st Gen TSX with 6sp Manual. It'll be an upgrade from the accord in terms of luxury and as well have power, 6MT and won't be huge.
#20
In the Mid-South meow
iTrader: (2)
Calgary, I really think you should look into some simple mods for your Accord. You already have a great start by it being a 6mt. Small things on our cars can make a huge difference. For around 3 bills you can get an AEM V2 and a TL rear sway and it'll be a whole different car. Just a suggestion. I know you've mentioned a few times about getting something new, so just something to throw out there.
#22
Disinformation Terminator
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: NorCal
Age: 54
Posts: 1,930
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My '04 Mazda 3 hatch was a terrific car, but it was a front wheel driver with OK steering feel and a decently developed chassis...no more, no less. It handled well, but it had none of the "secret sauce" that makes the RWD BMW platforms so special.
#23
Bonki' Ehrite!
iTrader: (2)
I couldnt agree more! I have done a good amount of work on my buddies 03 Cooper S...It is a sick little car. Wicked quick, handles amazing, and it is quite sturdy as well...Not "tinny" at all....And I personally cant stand the look of the front facia of the new mazdas.
#24
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
OP, I paid $23.5K for my 2010 MS3. You won't find a better performance hatch in that price range. I did so much research prior to my purchase. You should go for it. I went MS3 from 3G TL. I love it everything about it.
BUT, keep in mind that it's a FWD, so I think you are better off concentrating on upgrading suspension mods than performance mods. It has enough punch in a stock form anyway.
BUT, keep in mind that it's a FWD, so I think you are better off concentrating on upgrading suspension mods than performance mods. It has enough punch in a stock form anyway.
#25
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Mini S becomes very pricey if you put some options, that's the only downside. The car itself is fantastic though.
#26
Instructor
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Seattle
Age: 47
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
+1 My co-worker bought a 09 Clubman. Not even an S model and paid 33 sticker. Amazing that Mini dealers always say the car sells itself and they see no reason to wiggle more than $500 off sticker price.
I thought about the MS3 before I bought my CL if I was going to get another new car but premium fuel and under 25 mpg told me not again. Then I remember as much as I love turbo, my old Audi with turbo upgrade registered 11 mpg at times and averaged 18 mpg. Hell, I even saw 9.6 mpg once granted I was really getting on it.
I can squeeze around 380 miles on a full tank in my CLS6 and when I go to fill it up, pump always says I'm putting 14 gallons in it so I know I can break 400 miles just scared to run out of fuel lol
I thought about the MS3 before I bought my CL if I was going to get another new car but premium fuel and under 25 mpg told me not again. Then I remember as much as I love turbo, my old Audi with turbo upgrade registered 11 mpg at times and averaged 18 mpg. Hell, I even saw 9.6 mpg once granted I was really getting on it.
I can squeeze around 380 miles on a full tank in my CLS6 and when I go to fill it up, pump always says I'm putting 14 gallons in it so I know I can break 400 miles just scared to run out of fuel lol
#28
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
^ true
#29
Senior Moderator
#31
Senior Moderator
#32
Fahrvergnügen'd
I think he meant the driving dynamics of the car. I had an '06 Mazda 3 HB 5 sp, I let my boss(who was a huge BMW zealot) drive it and he said the steering response and the reflexes was very much like his 3 series BMW.
My wife wanted a 3 series and we test drove a 2008 328i and IMO, my Mazda drove a lot better.
My wife wanted a 3 series and we test drove a 2008 328i and IMO, my Mazda drove a lot better.
The regular Mazda 3S with the 2.3L NA 4-cylinder is not a BMW. It may handle great for a FWD econobox but having driven something much better the Mazda is probably way ahead of the curve because everything else in that price range is a piece of shit as a driver's car.
The Mazdaspeed3 on the other hand? That is much closer IMO. Yeah it still has issues with putting down power around turns and such but as a car the extra 100hp the MS3 has over the MZ3 makes a huge difference. It's fast as shit, handles really well laterally (lane changes, etc), and feels better built than the car it's based upon if that makes sense.
Plus the MS3 had stability and traction control that my 2008 doesn't. I think that helps.
But, IMO, if you wanted to say "X" is a poor man's BMW, then I think it has to be the MS3.
The regular Mazda is just a better-than-average cheap-ish car.
#33
In the Mid-South meow
iTrader: (2)
G35
#34
Senior Moderator
#37
The sizzle in the Steak
Answer to the OP's question:
#40
doesn't a G37 cost even more than a 328i with similar options?