Givin the option..would you trade your p5 for a mazda3 hb?

[paranoidxe]

I was just curious, if both cars had equal mileage, and ZERO problems would you trade straight acrossed your P5 for a Mazda3 Wagon?

[Kansei]

I was just curious, if both cars had equal mileage, and ZERO problems would you trade straight acrossed your P5 for a Mazda3 Wagon?

Oh hell no. Look at a Protege5, and then look at a Mazda3

One has agressive, edgy styling, the other is round and bulbous and looks downright obese from some angles. The Mazda3 HB looks really big next to a Protege5 too, and while some people might like that I sure don't.

I like the looks of the Mazda3 sedan, but the hood/grille of the hatchback completely ruins it for me. It reminds me of a horse, I can't put my finger on why though.

I don't like that the dash design prohibits an aftermarket head unit from looking at all decent. I like the Protege5 steering wheel a lot more too, though audio controls are nice I'd much rather a wheel like the Mazda6 wheel for that.

I don't like the cable actuated shifter, it feels numb. I don't like the taillights, the style is a bit overplayed if you ask me. The LED taillights on the SP23 are cool though. But why doesn't the Mazda3 HB have an LED high mount stop light? weird.

I don't like looking at the rear of the Mazda3 HB, the hatch area looks way too damn empty since they moved the license plate down below.

I don't like how the exhaust system is set up on the car because from what I've read it's like all one piece back from the exhaust manifold so it's a pain to replace without wrecking the stock one.

The general proportions of the car look off to me, and it just doesn't look at all sporty. The angle of the last pillar looks bad to me too, but of course this is all just my opinion.

Look at the side profile of a Protege5, and then look at the Mazda3.

http://www.msprotege.com/members/zverg/DSC04082resized.jpg

There's the P5 side profile for reference, I don't have a pic of a Mazda3 handy.

To me, the current Mazda3 hatchback is the equivalent of making a Mazda Protege LX wagon. Don't get me wrong, I actually rather like the LX/ES.. but you know what I mean. The Protege5 has the agressive styling of the MP3 and Mazdaspeed and I think it does a great job getting the "sport wagon" theme across.

I'm going to stop my rant now. Most of what I don't like in the hatchback is proper in the sedan, like the proportions, the front/rear styling, etc. Yeah it's not agressive looking, but it looks damn nice.

EDIT: oh and the handling is painfully mushy if you ask me. Even thinking back to how my car was stock the 3 just feels heavier and damn it seems to lean a lot. The tires are gahbage too, same crap that ford puts on the Focus.

They aren't bad cars, they just definitely aren't for me.

EDIT2: the lack of a roof rack bothers me as well, I think it was rather well executed on the Protege5 from a style standpoint.

[NoRotor,NoMotor]

no way, a mazda 6 hatch maybe, but not a 3

[Kansei]

no way, a mazda 6 hatch maybe, but not a 3

Yeah the 6 hatch is pimp.

I'd consider a Mazda5 even though I have no use for anything more than 2 seats, but the storage space would be nice. The styling is great on the 5 aside from the aweful taillights the USDM ones get.

Mazda, bring back the MX-6! I'd get one

[Pretzellogic]

no way, a mazda 6 hatch maybe, but not a 3
I might take a 6 wagon as well.

[NoRotor,NoMotor]

I might take a 6 wagon as well.

ya thats what i meant

[MP5_509]

3 HB. Hell no. 6wagon YES!

zverg: im assuming thats your P5, if so holy crap that thing is sweet lookin. The drop is perfect. What are you using and whats your bike set up on your stock rack?

[JOMO]

I wouldn't trade the p5 in for a 3. Even though it has more power and is bigger, I dont think the design is for me. Its to bulky for me. I like the p5's styling more, bodylines and almost everything else. The 3's nice, but trade the p5 in for one,no way.

[RedPro5808]

Before I bought the P5 I was waiting to see how the mazda3 sedan and hatch would look like. When I finally saw how the mazda 3 looked like I really didn't like it. I bought the P5 and been loving her ever since.

[Mr. Win]

Yes

[i12drivemyMP5]

Negative, no can do, not even close, don't ask, uhuh & all of the above...except yes

[Mmmmmken]

I like them both, but I like the P5 better... more aggressive looking.

I'm suprised so many like the 6 wagon... reminds me of my dad's old station wagons. *yawn*

If I traded up, it would be to a Mazdaspeed 6!

[anarchistchiken]

I'm not a huge fan of the 6 wagon in stock form, but with some nice wheels and that amazingly sexy DG lip. Definately owuld not be able to trade the p5 in for a 3.

[Nomad]

I like the P5 styling the best.
I like the extra room in the Mazda 3. I could deal with the radio as I'd just add an amp to it.
I like the 3's power and braking. I do not like the heavy wheels.

I'd like a 2.3 in the P5. But that's what turbos are for.

In another 6 years I might pick up a Mazda 3, but like others said, the Mazda 6 will be comparable if not cheaper price wise.

[cheapmiata1600]

no

[altspace]

Waiting for MP3 to decide.

[Johnnybass]

i've only seen one mp3 that i like...the rear window (ugly triangular window befthe the hatch) was covered by plastic...it looked hot

but still, i wouldn't trade it up...love the p5 too much...not even for a 6 wagon...maybe the mazdeaspeed 6...that's a tough one though

[hookdupdelsol]

Before I bought my P5, I was in love with the 3's. Almost once every month I would go test drive the sedan just to see if I would like them or not. I could never make up my mind. Than I realized that if I am going to buy one, I want everything. Navi and all. Well, needless to say, I wasn't ready to drop 25k on a extremely fully loaded M3. So I bought my Vivid Yellow P5 and well, I am very happy. I don't like the looks of the hatch on the Mazda3. Whats up with the crease? WHY did they have to make it look like it was creased?

I think the Mazda3's interior seemed a little more sturdy or solid, but I think I made the right decision on buying my P5. Oh and did I mention my P5 was 10k less than the Mazda3 that I wanted and the only things that the Mazda3 would have had that my P5 doesn't is a Navagation System and the extra oomph from the engine.

EDIT: Not to mention, the Yellow on the Mazda3 will NEVER compare to the Yellow on the P5. The Vivid Yellow(with Black leather) is what makes me smile(and wince) everytime I look at it!

[Robot Romeo]

Look at the side profile of a Protege5, and then look at the Mazda3.

(werd)

[jonlong]

I would not trade my P5 in for a 3 wagon, but I would trade it for a 3 sedan in a heartbeat.

The 3 wagon is too bulky, but I like everything about the 3 sedan, especially if it's lowered a little.

[lasermp5]

Stock for stock... heck no. Not even for a 2.3. Considering all the time/money/headaches I've put into my car, I would consider a trade for a 230hp> AWR or RWD Mazdaspeed version... if it looked good.

[khaosman]

Nope, for the same reasons everyone mentioned. That is why I bought the P5 in the first place. Granted it was a good deal cheaper too :D

However if there were a MSP 3 with good power and whatnot... that might sway my thinking.

[Pro5Monkey]

Hmmm... Trade the Pro5 on a...

3 Hatch? NO

3 Sedan? Maybe

6 Wagon? V6 + 5 speed.. YES... oh wait.. that's a Taurus motor? GOD DAMN IT, forget it

[paranoidxe]

Kind of surprised at some of the responses, I can't believe some of you would take a Mazda6 Wagon, those things look like the 90's Subaru Station Wagons!
On top of that, carrying a Ford Motor.

[Johnnybass]

Kind of surprised at some of the responses, I can't believe some of you would take a Mazda6 Wagon, those things look like the 90's Subaru Station Wagons!
On top of that, carrying a Ford Motor.


i agree...the 6 wagon is just too....umm...non-sporty? if that describes it well

the p5 kills it

[SkinnyJoint]

Oh hell no. Look at a Protege5, and then look at a Mazda3

One has agressive, edgy styling, the other is round and bulbous and looks downright obese from some angles

hahah amen bro

[jdm_mp5]

Not for the Mazda3 Wagon. I've always loved the way the Mazda6 Wagon looks.

[Kansei]

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one :P

[chuyler1]

I'd prolly consider trading it in for a MazdaSpeed6 or perhaps a Mazda5 (if I had a family to think about) but not for a Mazda3 or any other cars in Mazda's current lineup. I like the new Miata but I couldn't replace my Protege5 with it. The RX8 is pretty bold but its a little too big and doesn't have enough power for the price.

[Replica]

Test drive them both....

I thought the 3 felt like a fat P5.

[nKukoly333]

I prefer the look of the P5, but the handling of a 3HB.

But I would prefer the Mazda 6 over either of them.

My opinion.

[Hy8us]

No i dont want a 3, if i had to trade a mazda stock for stock i would get a new mazdaspeed miata but in reality,i want an STi (first) , or at least a suburblue hatch.

Make a poll

[anarchistchiken]

i want an STi, or at least a suburblue hatch.



It's called World Rally Blue yo.

[Hy8us]

It's called World Rally Blue yo.
me < pwned

[uiuc240]

I would trade the P5 in a split second for a shiny new 3s hatch. It's better in every way in my opinion...except cost, which is why I don't own one. I could have two of my P5s for the price of one loaded 2006 3s.

Eric

[InFlames]

No, I couldnt do it. I really dislike the rear quarter panel and point on the back of the hatch. Its just not as aggressive looking imo.

[Kansei]

No, I couldnt do it. I really dislike the rear quarter panel and point on the back of the hatch. Its just not as aggressive looking imo.

It's just fat and round. I'll wait for them to come out with a meaner version, they probably will. It's like the ES in 99.. yeah it's nice, but then look at the 2001 MP3.. wow.

[Lord_Zath]

I don't like the 3 hatch.

I like the 6 wagon, but don't like gas mileage/pickup.

I like the mazdaspeed 6, but don't like the fact it's a sedan.

Mazdaspeed6 wagon = <3

[clicknext]

Yes I would, they're both good cars, but the 3 seems to be a small step up in quality. I'm not sure exactly what it is, perhaps interior, perhaps ride improvements, but it just feels like a slightly better car to me. Of course, this is assuming the 3 has all the exact same options. Based on looks my opinion about the two is pretty much even. I slightly prefer the front of the P5, but prefer the back of the 3 as well as its headlights. I'd definitely be getting the non-sport front grille for the 3, though, because I think it looks a lot better.

[MyZmZm]

I don't like the 3 hatch.

I like the 6 wagon, but don't like gas mileage/pickup.

I like the mazdaspeed 6, but don't like the fact it's a sedan.

Mazdaspeed6 wagon = <3
I like the way you think Zath! I have to agree. Though if they'd made a MSP5, I would have sold my soul to get one. I almost traded my P5 in on a spicy MSP, but just couldn't bring myself to do it because it wasn't a hatchback.

I would NEVER trade my P5 in on a 3 hatch. IMHO, the P5 looks tons better, handles better (stock form), and is more rare than the 3. I know Hondas still reign as far as how many you see each and every day, but it's getting almost as bad with the 3. Yes, I do see P5's around, but not every day, and definitely not into the double-digits.

I don't like the styling of the ass-end, either when looking at it straight on (the taillights bulge to much) or from the side (the roof line slopes too much), and talk about a blind spot where our rear quarter panel window is - the 3 doesn't even have one.

What really is a step down, IMO, is the hatch opening in the 3: I can fit the box for a 27" tv through my hatch door. It fits, just barely and I have to put the back seats down to close the door, but it DOES fit. This is also helped by the fact that the roofline on the P5 is nearly straight. Try doing that with a 3. I hope your tv is round, because that's the only way you'll get it in your car!

I do like the interior a bit better in the 3 - it does feel more upscale - and the more powerful engine is nice too, but I'll stick with my beast thank you very much. Rattles, clutch chatter and all. :)

[Lord_Zath]

The interior is nice, but I don't like the audio/hvac panels. It's a cool idea to integrate it all together, but it's also gotta be a bitch to change to an aftermarket head unit.

[Kansei]

The interior is nice, but I don't like the audio/hvac panels. It's a cool idea to integrate it all together, but it's also gotta be a bitch to change to an aftermarket head unit.

It is a bitch. It looks like CRAP when you do it. The dash kit I've seen for the Mazda6 wasn't too bad though, but the dash kit was very expensive because it has to replace so much.

[solid_snake]

Mazda 3 HB

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/images/vehicles/gallery/M3H/pho_gallery_M3H_ext8.jpg
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/images/vehicles/gallery/M3H/pho_gallery_M3H_ext5.jpg
Mazda Protege5

http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/evox/stills/gallery/752_46.jpg
http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/evox/stills/gallery/752_47.jpg

[Replica]

Mazda 3 has that big PT crusier grill....

[WetsuitxNinja]

hmm this was a toughy. I did (lurk)

I do miss the agressive style of the p5, my 3 will have it when I figure out what I want to do with it. As far as it being faster, HONESTLY it doesnt feel much faster, still a pretty slow car. I DO think it handles as well as the p5 though.

[WetsuitxNinja]

It is a bitch. It looks like CRAP when you do it. The dash kit I've seen for the Mazda6 wasn't too bad though, but the dash kit was very expensive because it has to replace so much.

Wasnt tough at all, easier than changing out the p5's. And yes the dash kits leave something to be desired, they leave alot of blank plastic spaces, and you lose the tempature display etc. Maybe ill get the urge to fiberglass something sweet someday

[Replica]

hmm this was a toughy. I did (lurk)

I do miss the agressive style of the p5, my 3 will have it when I figure out what I want to do with it. As far as it being faster, HONESTLY it doesnt feel much faster, still a pretty slow car. I DO think it handles as well as the p5 though.
I didn't notice much of a difference in power either....(uhm)

[WetsuitxNinja]

Im in CA and here they have pzev, which puts ~140 to the wheels. After putting the intake and exhaust on, (replaced a stock cat w\ hiflow) I noticed a decent jump. Stock it felt the same, The gearing is taller, crusing at ~70 is below 3k rpms, and second gear really sucks. Im sure that has alot to do with it. Replica are you refering to your SI or the 3? I was going between the SI and 3, but I wanted the extra doors...

[Replica]

Im in CA and here they have pzev, which puts ~140 to the wheels. After putting the intake and exhaust on, (replaced a stock cat w\ hiflow) I noticed a decent jump. Stock it felt the same, The gearing is taller, crusing at ~70 is below 3k rpms, and second gear really sucks. Im sure that has alot to do with it. Replica are you refering to your SI or the 3? I was going between the SI and 3, but I wanted the extra doors...
The Mazda 3.

I love the SI, pretty quick on the freeway, the gearing helps a ton, the final ratio is 4.71 (boom06) Having two doors is really annoying, i have to slide my seats forward everytime....then it takes days to get it back in the perfect position when driving. (boom07)

[WetsuitxNinja]

Im always toting friends to the beach, so I didnt want monkeys climbing through the front doors, I know they would scratch the shit out of the side of my car with their gay carabeener w\ keys off their belt loop.

-I want a 6th gear. I drove my uncles mini for a day, its real nice being able to shift and not really feel the car bog down like the 3 does. So far that is my only REAL complaint about the 3

[Replica]

Im always toting friends to the beach, so I didnt want monkeys climbing through the front doors, I know they would scratch the shit out of the side of my car with their gay carabeener w\ keys off their belt loop.

-I want a 6th gear. I drove my uncles mini for a day, its real nice being able to shift and not really feel the car bog down like the 3 does. So far that is my only REAL complaint about the 3
If you're moving people around...a 02-05 Si would be horrible. The back seat sucks.

[D-rock240]

I don't like the 3 hatch.

I like the 6 wagon, but don't like gas mileage/pickup.

I like the mazdaspeed 6, but don't like the fact it's a sedan.

Mazdaspeed6 wagon = <3

I agree, that would be awesome. A 6 wagon modded looks hot!

[Replica]

I try and like Mazda 6 Wagons....but it just doesn't happen....I really like 5 door hatches and euro wagons.

[ebmp5]

um i like both but like my better

[WetsuitxNinja]

lol everyone, well most everyone will like what they have better. my insurance is cheaper on the 3.... I win.

[FunkyBuddha]

No I would not trade the p5 for a 3 hatch nor a sedan. The p5 just looks way better, it's more of a driver's car since there aren't as much electronics as a 3, and it just looks better LOL.

[altspace]

Opps....I meant to say that I'm waiting for the Mazdaspeed 3 to make judgement on this one.

[Johnnybass]

I agree, that would be awesome. A 6 wagon modded looks hot!

sweet...that actually looks really nice...very clean...don't like the grill tho

i still think th p5 has a meaner/better look

[Phoenix5]

Naw!!That's a small jump in hp,plus The P5 looks better than the 3.The only thing that I like about the 3 is the VVt-i and the stock 17",that's it!

If I trade my P5 for another car,it better look good and perform better than the P5 such as the MX-5.Yes,I know it's a small jump in hp too but handling is wayy better than out P5.

[luckyP5]

you're preaching to the choir. go over to the mazda3 side of this forum and ask their opinions.....let me guess? they prefer the 3?

i bought my P5 used and have a lot of seat time driving a friend's 3 HB. that said, the 3 is light years ahead of the P5 in terms of quality, refinement, handling and power. BUT, it also feels a bit chunky when tossing it around, isn't as 'exciting' and more isolating from the driving experience, the drive by wire throttle sucks and yeah the P5 looks a little better but more dated.

if i had the money i'd take the 3. otherwise, the P5 is a great used car.

[Kansei]

you're preaching to the choir. go over to the mazda3 side of this forum and ask their opinions.....let me guess? they prefer the 3?

i bought my P5 used and have a lot of seat time driving a friend's 3 HB. that said, the 3 is light years ahead of the P5 in terms of quality, refinement, handling and power. BUT, it also feels a bit chunky when tossing it around, isn't as 'exciting' and more isolating from the driving experience, the drive by wire throttle sucks and yeah the P5 looks a little better but more dated.

if i had the money i'd take the 3. otherwise, the P5 is a great used car.

Oh hell no the 3 is not "light years ahead" of the P5 in the handling department. ugh I drove a 3 HB and it was very disappointing. "Isolated" is the word I use to describe my experience with the 3.. steering, brakes, shifter (cable actuated), handling.. I want to feel like I'm driving.

[MyZmZm]

Oh hell no the 3 is not "light years ahead" of the P5 in the handling department. ugh I drove a 3 HB and it was very disappointing. "Isolated" is the word I use to describe my experience with the 3.. steering, brakes, shifter (cable actuated), handling.. I want to feel like I'm driving.
This is probably one of the biggest reasons I'm so hooked on my car - I just feel so in tune with the car and the road. I feel so disconnected in any other car.

I've driven the RX8 briefly - I'd love to have more time with it to see what that car can do - but I have yet to drive the miata. There's no snow right now so the roads are dry; wonder if the boss man would let me take the miata from the show-room out for a spin....
(drive2)

[Black_Protege_5]

The only car I would trade for my P5 is an evo. But still then I probably wouldnt trade it and find a way to have both. When I was looking for a new car I didnt even know about the Protege. But when I drove on the lot and saw it and black. I had to have it and never regreted buying it. It handles so well, a Volvo S40 turbo couldnt even keep up on turns. I just need more power(sad2)

[Lord_Zath]

I had an audi a4 driving 45 in a 50 mph zone this morning. So I got close behind him, and he did the bastard brake to 40 maneuver. I tried passing him, and his 1.8 turbo kicked in. So I got back behind him, and he started hitting the brakes again.

I proceeded to lay on the horn. He let off the brake, sped up a little, then later hit the brake again. I gave him the horn from the moment his brake lights came on to the moment they came off. After that, he went 55. Sometimes you don't need to be the strongest - just the loudest. BTW, I have dualtone horns in the car (not the wimpy Mazda horn).

[Phoenix5]

Oh hell no the 3 is not "light years ahead" of the P5 in the handling department. ugh I drove a 3 HB and it was very disappointing. "Isolated" is the word I use to describe my experience with the 3.. steering, brakes, shifter (cable actuated), handling.. I want to feel like I'm driving.

BTW,does the 3 hatch even come w/ a strut bar or is that optional(lol2)???I know the sedan doesn't come w/ one.

[Dimitrios]

Oh hell no the 3 is not "light years ahead" of the P5 in the handling department. ugh I drove a 3 HB and it was very disappointing. "Isolated" is the word I use to describe my experience with the 3.. steering, brakes, shifter (cable actuated), handling.. I want to feel like I'm driving.

I took an A3 out a few months ago and while it's literally "light years ahead" of my Pro5 and the Mz3, the cable actuated shifter was the deal breaker for me (not even sure a short shifter would solve the mushiness).

That said, I'm not sure I would consider an "old platform" given the option of moving ahead with something newer, even given the limitations of the new design.

............ok, I'd keep my Pro5 :-)

[JOS3]

you're preaching to the choir. go over to the mazda3 side of this forum and ask their opinions.....let me guess? they prefer the 3?

i bought my P5 used and have a lot of seat time driving a friend's 3 HB. that said, the 3 is light years ahead of the P5 in terms of quality, refinement, handling and power. BUT, it also feels a bit chunky when tossing it around, isn't as 'exciting' and more isolating from the driving experience, the drive by wire throttle sucks and yeah the P5 looks a little better but more dated.

if i had the money i'd take the 3. otherwise, the P5 is a great used car.

it took 4 pages to get an intelligent response.

i use to have a p5 that i loved to death. i swore i would never get rid of it. then it started to rust like crazy and it had to go. i never wanted a 3, but once i started to look at them i thought it was ok. i didnt like the 3 at all when i test drove it so i bought an rx-8 on impulse. once i realize that i made a mistake buying a $30,000 car on impulse, i drove the 3 a few more times and it was completely different from my first impression. the p5 looks a little better, but the 3 is far superior to the p5 in every other way. the only weak argument that p5 owners have is that the p5 looks sportier. yeah, get over it. the 3 is not ugly by any means and besides, how good is the p5 going to look when it rusts from the inside out.

btw, making absurd claims like, "the only car i would trade my p5 in for is an evo," is going overboard. if you truly feel this way, you need to get out and drive more cars because there are better cars than the p5.

[Hy8us]

on another side note the p5 has a better back area for hauling stuff, ive fit a 32inch tv in there in the box, a golds gym power tower in the box, 2 coolers stacker on top of each other with 4 full sized duffel bags and a suitcase with room to spare. couldnt see out the back but i hauled a crap load to the beach.

this car rocks cruising around in the summer at the beach!

[aMaff]

good for hauling tires / tools to an auto-x too (thumb)

[Black_Protege_5]

btw, making absurd claims like, "the only car i would trade my p5 in for is an evo," is going overboard. if you truly feel this way, you need to get out and drive more cars because there are better cars than the p5.

Well Its true. If I am going to get rid of my car its going to be for something I want. Not some pos mz3. I am getting tired of front wheel drive and I have driven the mz3 and stock on stock the P5 feels more secure. If I'm gonna go overboard I'll say something like I would only trade my car for a lamborghini.

[aMaff]

Well Its true. If I am going to get rid of my car its going to be for something I want. Not some pos mz3. I am getting tired of front wheel drive and I have driven the mz3 and stock on stock the P5 feels more secure. If I'm gonna go overboard I'll something like I would only trade my car for a lamborghini.
Agreed. I've driven a few threes...they don't feel nearly as tight as the P5 (I've got stock everything but rims/tires btw...until I auto-x...then even the rims are stock...) There's really no comparisson b/w the 2.

[ronin12]

I want to trade my 98' audi A4 for another P5

[slkt]

No way.

[Canecreekfreak]

All things being equal, no, I wouldn't make that trade. But since the 3 would be newer than my P5, as well as having the stronger engine, stiffer body, etc, I'd probably do it. I don't like the styling of the 3 nearly as much, but having a newer and more solid car would probably convince me to do it.

[luckyP5]

Oh hell no the 3 is not "light years ahead" of the P5 in the handling department. ugh I drove a 3 HB and it was very disappointing. "Isolated" is the word I use to describe my experience with the 3.. steering, brakes, shifter (cable actuated), handling.. I want to feel like I'm driving.


let me clarify, in the handling department, i found the 3 has higher limits. it still feels like a boat in comparison to a P5 though. :) but if you ever hooked a corner fast, i felt the 3 would do it faster......with a lot more body roll :)

the P5 impressed me in that it still feels like an early to mid 90's small Japanese car. lightweight and nimble with a low cowl and sporty, direct feel to the driving experience. let's face it this is no sports car but at least it's fun to drive. today's cars have gone all bloated and too cushy and numb to be any fun. so it's nice that the P5 was out there.

again, if i had the cash, i'd of bought a 3. i already own a proper sports car and needed something for everyday use. the P5 is extremely practical and fun to drive.

[romecandleboy]

The only 'new car' (in my price range) i'd trade the P5 for is an MX-5 Miata.