Mazda6 or Upgraded Mazda3?

[Brinson]

So been debating this for the last few days. The mazda6 has a 184hp 2.5L engine, which is available as an upgrade on the Mazda3 starting at the S touring model.

The S touring Mazda3 and the Touring Mazda6 are both $23,845 MSRP.

So, for the exact same price as the Mazda6 touring, you'd have:

Same between them
-Engine
-Blindspot Monitoring w/ Rear Alert
-Same Gas Mileage

Pros of the Mazda3
-Active Display (Driving Directions projected onto windshield)
-Sirius
-Bose Speakers
-Heated Front Seats
-Navigation System
-MoonRoof
-Rearview Camera
-Heated Side Mirrors
-Touchscreen Display w/ Mazda Connect

Downside
-18 vs 19 inch wheels


Am I crazy for thinking the 3 is a better deal with the same engine?

 

[CurseTheSky]

I couldn't stand the aftermarket-looking screen in the Mazda3. It really looks like an afterthought and it doesn't blend in well at all. The Mazda6, on the other hand, was nice inside and out.

Keep in mind that you're looking at two different size classes. The Mazda3 is a compact, and it weights ~2900lbs. The Mazda6 is a mid-size and it weights ~3200lbs. The Mazda3 is likely to get 2-3 MPG more than the 6, all else being equal.

If you don't need the extra room (you'll never have older kids, teenagers, or adults in the back seat) and you don't mind the interior of the 3, go for it. I personally liked the 6 better.

 

[GTaudiophile]

What is the diff. in curb weight between the two?

M3 GT Sedan AT: 3001 lbs. (16.3 lbs / hp)
M3 GT Hatch AT: 3018 lbs. (16.4)
M6 GT Sedan AT: 3232 lbs. (17.5)

I prefer smaller cars, so it would be a no-brainer for me to go for a loaded M3 GT Sedan with MT. This is even lighter at 2947 lbs. (16.0 lbs / hp).

 

[jlee]

Speed3. :awe:

 

[Mermaidman]

19" wheels are a liability, IMO.

What's your commute like? I'd guess that the 6 is more comfortable and spacious.

 

[Tuanies]

The navigation system on the 3 is leagues better than the 6.

 

[ElFenix]

The navigation system on the 3 is leagues better than the 6.

c&d called it one of the best in the business.

 

[Tuanies]

It is the best in its class. I'm very fond of the Audi MMI Touch setup as the best but the Mazda 3 system borrows the Audi ergonomics but throws in a touch screen to keep things more cost effective. Its just a well thought out system.

However, I've been reading issues with constant crashes, but that may have been fixed already.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

3 hatchback would be my choice but hard to go wrong with either.

 

[xSkyDrAx]

Speed3. :awe:

this

 

[Kelvrick]

I couldn't stand the aftermarket-looking screen in the Mazda3. It really looks like an afterthought and it doesn't blend in well at all. The Mazda6, on the other hand, was nice inside and out.

The floating screen is similar to what you would get in the MB C-class, too. I agree that I don't like it, but I think it is more efficient at not blocking your vision.

Personally, I would get the 3 (hatch) over the 6.

 

[Demo24]

Speed3. :awe:

They've not released it yet for the new body style.

It is the best in its class. I'm very fond of the Audi MMI Touch setup as the best but the Mazda 3 system borrows the Audi ergonomics but throws in a touch screen to keep things more cost effective. Its just a well thought out system.

However, I've been reading issues with constant crashes, but that may have been fixed already.

I have one with the system, it does crash on occasion but its not frequent. The touch screen is mostly useless in my experience since it only works at park and to 5mph. However, the system itself works quite well and I've enjoyed having it in the car. Only downside is the annoying warning every time you start it up and it takes about 30 secs to be fluidly useable from startup.


I would never buy this car without the backup camera, its damn near impossible to see out since the c-pillars are so large.

 

[fleshconsumed]

Ignoring the techno gizmos and going simply by utility value, IMO
Mazda 3 Hatch > Mazda 6 Sedan > Mazda 3 Sedan

If prices are all about the same the 3 hatch will have the most utility space of the three so I'd chose that - you never know when you'll need to haul a bulky item that's just too tall for the trunk but fits in the hatch just fine. If you don't care about the hatch utility, then 6 IMO is better since it's a bigger car and will seat more people comfortably. I know some people prefer smaller cars (especially if you live in the city), so basically you'll have to ask yourself, what size works best for you and your living conditions, and do you care more about techno gizmos or size.

 

[T2urtle]

mid-sized sedan vs compact.

You feel the diffrence all else being the same. Kinda like the camry vs corolla or Accord vs civic. Mazda 6 vs 3.

Yea you get more stuff in the smaller car but if you need the space you just cant put a price on space.

Many people debate about this a lot. A friend of mines was shopping for cars online and was completely gaga over the civic but once he drove both, he came home in a accord because of space and how he felt driving it, also helped that civics were going for a prem vs accord was being discounted. Another thing to think about, sticker might be EXACTLY the same but what can you get it for out the door.

 

[toronado97]

I own and adore my 2014 Mazda 3s GT. If it's just you and one other person, there's more than enough space up front, even for larger people. If you're regularly toting around 4 people, the 6 would clearly be the smarter choice, but it's not exactly enormous in rear leg room anyway. The hatchback does provide a ton of usable cargo space.

 

[unokitty]

...
Am I crazy for thinking the 3 is a better deal with the same engine?

Life is short.

Buy the one you like best!

(Though, if it were me, I'd get the three.)

Best of luck,
Uno

 

[JCH13]

I couldn't stand the aftermarket-looking screen in the Mazda3. It really looks like an afterthought and it doesn't blend in well at all. The Mazda6, on the other hand, was nice inside and out.

Keep in mind that you're looking at two different size classes. The Mazda3 is a compact, and it weights ~2900lbs. The Mazda6 is a mid-size and it weights ~3200lbs. The Mazda3 is likely to get 2-3 MPG more than the 6, all else being equal.

If you don't need the extra room (you'll never have older kids, teenagers, or adults in the back seat) and you don't mind the interior of the 3, go for it. I personally liked the 6 better.

Adults of average size fit in the back of my 2009 MS3 just fine... have they really changed that much? I wouldn't want to go on a 5 hour trip in the back seat, but it's fine for 30-60 minute trips, no complaints so far.

Speed3. :awe:

Yup.

3 hatchback would be my choice but hard to go wrong with either.

Seconded.