Mazda3 Sport GT or Subaru Impreza 2.5RS Sport?

[Qube]

Assuming they are essentially outfitted the same (ie, A/C, moonroof...), major differences notwithstanding (all-wheel drive).

Given if price was very nearly the same, which would you choose? :) Fire away!

"IMHO, the Impreza may perform better, but the Mazda3 Sport is... decked out a bit better in terms of styling. Now this may not be true if we compared it to the WRX STi for example, but IMHO in this case. Your opinions?

I assume the Impreza holds it's value a bit better in the long run?"

Does either vehicle hold enough value to be a viable 36/48mo lease option?

http://us.autos1.yimg.com/img.autos.yahoo.com/aic/subaru_impreza_25rssportpackagesedan_2005_385x192. jpg http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/images/04mazda3_1-1.jpg

[champ91]

sabaru, i hv a mazda car, not great experience w/ it

just my opinion

[scarface]

id take either,subaru is probably faster, but there both pretty nice cars

[manixc]

Subaru, because of AWD

[Qube]

IMHO, the Impreza may perform better, but the Mazda3 Sport is... decked out a bit better in terms of styling. Now this may not be true if we compared it to the WRX STi for example, but IMHO in this case. Your opinions?

I assume the Impreza holds it's value a bit better in the long run?

[JayPatel]

Mazda3, but im kinda partial to it since I own the Mazda6 Sport

[DavidY]

IMO, I think that the base model of the Subaru Impreza 2.5 is among the best valued vehicles to boot in the low $20,000 range (for a new car purchase)....AWD is worth having too. I would pick the Subie over the Mazda3. The Mazda3 is no slouch either.

Dave

[plucky duck]

Subaru because of AWD as well.

[warpdrive]

Hmm tough choice

I drive a 2002 WRX, and I love it, but the Mazda 3 is a great car.

The Mazda 3 looks better, and feels more upscale. The engine is smoother, and the ride and comfort is top notch. It *feels* more expensive than it is. Subarus (except the new Legacy) have always felt a bit more mechanical, a bit more raw.

But I wouldn't give that up for AWD. After owning a bunch of FWD cars, and buying a Subaru, I can say that I will never buy a FWD car again...AWD is just so much more fun.

However, if you're considering the RS sedan, the Mazda 3 hatchback, the Mazda 3 wins out in usefulness to haul bulky items.

Reliability wise, both should be pretty good. Not Toyota or Honda class, but still above average. Parts and service costs for both cars are a bit higher than average, but comparable.

So the Subaru wins out due to AWD. I feel everybody should own an AWD car, you may never go back to FWD.

[Qube]

The Mazda 3 looks better, and feels more upscale... Subarus... have always felt a bit more mechanical, a bit more raw.

That's exactly what I'm thinking :)

I like the sound of the boxer engine.

[vacitah]

does AWD give better 'performence' in the snow than the FWD and does ABS help

[terribly]

Oh what I wouldn't give for a Subaru WRX ...

Or any WRX for that matter.

And yes - AWD will perform better (faster, possibly handle better) so long as you don't punch the gas and send it sideways out of a corner :)

[junglebass]

does AWD give better 'performence' in the snow than the FWD and does ABS help

AWD give better 'performence' when the road has less traction ie. wet, snow, gravel... also much easier to "lunch" awd cars

i love rwd tho, and twisty roads

had two fwd and dont think ill ever buy another unless forced somehow


so id pick the SUBI, wanted the sti for years, but now id rather get EVO RS :)
comeon lotterie :-0

[sixer]

Mazda.

Subaru is very expensive to fix when stuff starts to break down.

[Qube]

Mazda.

Subaru is very expensive to fix when stuff starts to break down.

I've heard contrary (Mazda3 more in this case), but comment noted ;)

[WildPegasus]

For the same money as the Impreza RS Sport package, you could get a Forester instead. It's a lot more versatile.

[Qube]

For the same money as the Impreza RS Sport package, you could get a Forester instead. It's a lot more versatile.

You're right, but it's about styling now ;) plus, I am getting below costs on the Subaru's.

[warpdrive]

That's exactly what I'm thinking :)

I like the sound of the boxer engine.

Yes, the boxer rumble, I know it well. Nothing else sounds like it. If you're sitting at a light, you feel a slight lumpiness to the idle. And you can hear a bit of the low pitched rumble....like an old fashioned V8. As I said, the Subarus are a bit more mechanical. This is a good thing or bad thing depending on your perspective. It's a good thing to me :)

The Mazda, OTOH, is a bit more classy, like it's wearing a tuxedo...all dressed up, and ready for a night on the town. The Subaru is like a car still wearing Gap jeans, and runners. Me, I'm a casual type of guy, jeans and runners for me.

[kingsley]

Get the subaru. Make sure you get manual so you get true 50/50 AWD and not some fake 90/10 torque split automatic. Plus manual is more fun. :eek:

[cummer]

if you're looking at all wheel drive there's also audi a4. same size car.

[cummer]

IMHO, the Impreza may perform better, but the Mazda3 Sport is... decked out a bit better in terms of styling. Now this may not be true if we compared it to the WRX STi for example, but IMHO in this case. Your opinions?

I assume the Impreza holds it's value a bit better in the long run?

subaru resell value is atrocious.

[Qube]

Can you get a car with such a nice rumble under the hood AND a refined overall package as well... for $25k before taxes and all that goodness? :)

Perhaps I'll have to get one of each.

I was considering the Mazda6 but for that price, you'd only get the near base model.

[WildPegasus]

You're right, but it's about styling now ;) plus, I am getting below costs on the Subaru's.

Yes. And a Forester is a Subaru. The Forester X has the same MSRP as the Impreza RS Sport.

[Qube]

Yes. And a Forester is a Subaru. The Forester X has the same MSRP as the Impreza RS Sport.

I realize that. My statement is unclear, and not meant to compare those two.

Is the residual value (among other things) for the Mz3 or Impreza good enough to make 36/48 leasing a viable option?

[aquariaguy]

if you're looking at all wheel drive there's also audi a4. same size car.

You're ****ing stupid you know that. Read the post before you post dumbass. Look at the price range. Damn you're ****ing annoying.

[cozmo]

Remember to take into account fuel economy and safety...# of airbags,crash test ratings,etc. I think the Mazda is slightly better on gas.

Don't forget the 3 has auto wipers & auto headlights...always nice to have :)
I know it's not on your list but have you considered an RSX or RSX-S?

[blue_xii]

My brother owns a Mazda 3 sport GT and I think it is a fantastic car. I can't really comment about the subaru because I don't have the first hand experience.

I have thought of this same comparison myself and ultimately I picked the Mazda. I think all wheel drive is nice but it adds a lot of weight to the car which drops fuel economy. Also, repairs on the subaru would probably cost more agan given the awd setup. I like the styling and interior of the Mazda more. Also, the Mazda 3 costs less when you look at dealer pricing.

Ultimately I believe the Mazda 3 has better styling, lower cost of ownership and better pricing so that's why I'd pick it.

[aquariaguy]

Whats the fuel mileage on both cars per 100km ?

[Neb]

I have a Protege5, great car, lacks power. The Mazda 3 is all that but better. I looked at the Subby before my purchase also, if it wasn't for the high insurance cost, it would have been the imprezza. My vote will go to the Subby once again because of teh AWD and boxer engine.

[grant]

Are you buying a car to stare at, or to drive??

Get in the seats and find out for yourself which you like better!

[r1lee]

The Mazda3 looks very nice, but because you live in toronto or even if you don't the Subaru would be my choice. AWD(one of the best in the world), Very good quality (#1 selling manufacturer in Japan) and the RS engine is very very preppy and powerful.

[lasallejai]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, styling wise the Mazda 3 is a bit more refined inside and out than the Impreza, but then when the AWD system comes into the picture my choice is definitely the Subaru. My very first car was a RWD, then a FWD, and then a FWD again and back to a RWD, but suddenly I turned to the Legacy and never looked back since. The boxer engine produces minimal vibration during hard acceleration and since the centre of gravity of the car is much lower due to the low profile shape of the boxer engine the Subaru's are very agile in cornering. My mom is still driving the Legacy I bought, and now I am using another AWD car with a lot more HP. I doubt I can go back to FWD again for daily driving, and my second car is a RWD and it is fun in the summer only for being a resident of Toronto.

[Kevin T]

I'd get the RS, I drove the Mazda 3 Sport... its not "preppy" enough for a 160HP car.

[confused]

Lance Armstrong drives a subbie.. so it must be good!!!11

[Qube]

I have yet to see a post remarking "All-wheel drive sucks"... just those "tried an AWD and never looked back".

I'm going to try them both out this weekend and have a decision in the next two weeks.

My question... is either a good candidate for 36/48 leasing? I haven't run them through the calculators (for lack of rates and numbers) so I'm not certain.

[cummer]

awd eats up a lot of gas. be prepared to pay a lot more for gas. subaru takes premium too I think.

[lasallejai]

It is a fallacy that AWD cars consume more gas; maybe for the SUV due to their non-aerodynamic shape and weight, but for normal passenger sedan or coupe with AWD system the consumption of gasoline is not that bad at all. The Legacy I bought in 1995, that my Mom still drives, averages 8L on Hwy and 10L per 100K in city. Yes, it drinks a little bit more due to the fact that AWD cars have a centre differential that adds more weight to the car, and when all four tires have driving grip that means more friction from the roling of the tires. What I am trying to say though, the difference in gas consumption is worth it for the traction and drivibility. I am driving another make of AWD coupe and my car weighs about 3200 pounds but I can still get about 10L per 100KM with combined city and hwy driving: of course mine is with a standard transmission so it is better on gas in caomparison.

[warpdrive]

subaru takes premium too I think.
No

[CSR]

Mazda 3 looks way better in the pic/pic comparison....

Id say go for a test drive at the dealer/

[lasallejai]

A day like today in Toronto you would be smiling if you had the Impreza. My friend who owns a brand new Mazda 3 GT had to put on snow tires recently because the stock 205/50 R17 Eagle RSA tires are just terrible on snow. I am sure he is glad he has done so. I made a hugh mistake going out with my RWD car last night so driving out there aftwr midnight was a scary experience in down town. Today though, with my AWD one I drove so confidently with ease.

[Jumbotron]

Was making almost the same comparison in July 2004...

Mazda3 Sport G (something)
Subaru TS (need a hatch or wagon)

Ended driving home with the TS -

better financing
not a new car (Mazda3 has some issue with trim and paint peeling)
better resale
traction control & awd rock the world
wish it had a sunroof though

the Mazda3 stereo is just gross - it's like the entire centre console. Changing the Subaru OEM deck was just a matter of popping in a DIN unit.

The other downside is that there are so many Mazda3's around - and no deals to be had.

With a big dump or snow we had a few weeks ago and some of the gravel dirt roads we drive on in the Gulf Islands - AWD was the right choice.

If I could do it over again, it would another Subie, not a WRX or STI, but probably a turbo Legacy or Forester - can you spell S-L-E-E-P-E-R ?

[Jumbotron]

Out of curiosity... what's an aftermarket roof on Subie worth? Is that done at the dealer? Is it a pop-up or electric sliding?

[rluc]

I have a Mazda3 Sport GT. Great car. :razz: Yes the stock tires were horrible (17" Eagle RSAs) but guess what tires you are getting on the Subaru RS? Haha...the Potenza RE092 which if you check the internet feedback, its the 2nd worst tire next to the RSA. All OEM tires suck.

[DavidY]

Based on posts at the Canadian Driver Forum, I understand that the Subaru with auto splits the power 90/10 front-rear (if true, this is not a true AWD IMO :( )....with the manual, it does a power split of 50/50. Can anyone confirm this? Does the power split change with the auto if the road conditions (automatically or user induced) change to wet, snow or icy conditions?

I know that a lot of the smaller SUVs like the Honda CRV does something similar (ie., real time AWD = primarily FWD until the road conditions change...which results in more power directed to the rear). I understand that the newer Toyota RAV4 does the 50/50 split all the time.

Dave

[kingsley]

Yeah, for Subarus, the automatic transmission cars are 90/10 and the manual transmission are 50/50 all the time. Another good reason to get manual. Automatic = teh suxors.

[SAS-1]

I have a Mazda3 GT and love it. Appearance wise, it's definitely above the Subuar IMO. However, with the stock tries, mine was handling like **** in the snow. With winter tires it was much better but nothing like what the Subaru AWD could do.

[warpdrive]

Based on posts at the Canadian Driver Forum, I understand that the Subaru with auto splits the power 90/10 front-rear (if true, this is not a true AWD IMO :( )....with the manual, it does a power split of 50/50. Can anyone confirm this? Does the power split change with the auto if the road conditions (automatically or user induced) change to wet, snow or icy conditions?


Yes, it's true that the standard automatic is 90f/10r which can lock at 50/50 on demand when wheel slippage happens.

The basic Subaru manual tranmission is split 50/50.

STi's are different. Manual STi's have user controllable torque split (the default mode starts off at 65/35) Some other flavours of STi have a different defaults (e.g 45F/55R for the RA Spec C)

Automatic WRX's, Forester XT's, Outback 3.0's have a VTD automatic system which is 45(f)/55(r)full time.

So depending on the Subaru you buy, you can get any number of default torque splits. Confusing to be sure.

[DavidY]

Yes, it's true that the standard automatic is 90f/10r which can lock at 50/50 on demand when wheel slippage happens.

The basic Subaru manual tranmission is split 50/50.

STi's are different. Manual STi's have user controllable torque split (the default mode starts off at 65/35) Some other flavours of STi have a different defaults (e.g 45F/55R for the RA Spec C)

Automatic WRX's, Forester XT's, Outback 3.0's have a VTD automatic system which is 45(f)/55(r)full time.

So depending on the Subaru you buy, you can get any number of default torque splits. Confusing to be sure.

Thanks for the info, Warpdrive and Kingsley. Am I correct to assume that the auto Impreza (base RS) does the split by itself or other? Anything about the split ratio for the new Legacy's with auto?

Dave

[chickenbones]

A day like today in Toronto you would be smiling if you had the Impreza. My friend who owns a brand new Mazda 3 GT had to put on snow tires recently because the stock 205/50 R17 Eagle RSA tires are just terrible on snow. I am sure he is glad he has done so. I made a hugh mistake going out with my RWD car last night so driving out there aftwr midnight was a scary experience in down town. Today though, with my AWD one I drove so confidently with ease.

FWD with snowies are better than an AWD with all seasons in snow/low traction conditions. No all seasons are good on snow, not when compared to dedicated winter tires. I guarantee you'll have even better experience if you have winter tires on your AWD.

[blackhawk]

long time mazda owner since '91 so I like them, solid, mechanically and design

no subaru experience but I know they're popular across the river in PQ, probably cause of the awd

[Master]

I test drove both....I'm by no means a car professional. These two are comparable in prices.

Subaru Impreza RS auto (No Sports package)

1. Acceleration good
2. AWD!
3. The build quality feels better...I like the heavy sound of the slamming door
4. Better crash test than Mazda 3


Mazda 3 GT auto (no GFX)

1. Exterior looks better
2. Interior looks better, more updated, and more feature (auto sensing wiper, steering audio and cruise control, telescopic steeling, etc)
3. Acceleration is just as good as Subie probably because it is lighter in weight
4. Better fuel mileage
5. Cheaper Insurance
6. The back seats folds down well unlike the subie which gives you a small hole access
7. Cheaper than Subie by around $1500

These are two great cars. At the end I went for the Mazda 3. The 16" wheel GT handles quite well in snow. I opted not to go for the GFX because of the 17" wheel.

[warpdrive]

Thanks for the info, Warpdrive and Kingsley. Am I correct to assume that the auto Impreza (base RS) does the split by itself or other? Anything about the split ratio for the new Legacy's with auto?

Dave

5 speed automatic Legacy GT gets VTD (45/55), but the base Legacy (4 speed automatic) has to make do with the the regular AWD system which I assume is still 90/10.

The base Impreza RS auto also gets the 90/10 split. The automatic's AWD system is electronically controlled with a continuously variable transfer clutch, so it will transfer torque on demand.

Which makes sense since the GT is a full $6000+ more than the base Legacy, so that $$$ buys you a better AWD system besides the turbo power. Manual GT's get the performance oriented limited slip diffy