mazda3 vs mazda6

[Roxy25]

I am thinking about getting a 3 I just wanted to know what you m6 owners think about the difference in driving for both only if you have driven both thanks. I know the 6 has more power but how does it handle etc....

[BlackCherry06]

This depends on what 3 and 6 you're looking at. A 6i doesn't have any more power than a 3S. A 3i is the least powerful, but only by a few hp. I prefer the 6 because for me, it's the perfect size. Room for 4-5 adults but not a tank. My 02 Altima was too big, my 3 was too small, but my 6 is perfect.

I was impressed with the 3's nimblness when I bought it, and it got even better when I upgraded wheels and tires. It cornered like it was on rails with 225 series tires on 17" wheels. It was a good looking car, but ended up being a little too small for what I needed, although it has more room than some of it's competition.

I think the 6i has a ride / handling characteristic that leans towards the soft side for comfort, although the ones I've driven handled fine. I've never driven a 6S. My MS6 handles wonderfully, but does have a choppy ride.

[Roxy25]

This depends on what 3 and 6 you're looking at. A 6i doesn't have any more power than a 3S. A 3i is the least powerful, but only by a few hp. I prefer the 6 because for me, it's the perfect size. Room for 4-5 adults but not a tank. My 02 Altima was too big, my 3 was too small, but my 6 is perfect.

I was impressed with the 3's nimblness when I bought it, and it got even better when I upgraded wheels and tires. It cornered like it was on rails with 225 series tires on 17" wheels. It was a good looking car, but ended up being a little too small for what I needed, although it has more room than some of it's competition.

I think the 6i has a ride / handling characteristic that leans towards the soft side for comfort, although the ones I've driven handled fine. I've never driven a 6S. My MS6 handles wonderfully, but does have a choppy ride.


O if I where to consider a mazda6 it would be the s series with 3.0 engine of course used.

[NCZ13]

O if I where to consider a mazda6 it would be the s series with 3.0 engine of course used.

i had an 06 s

handled great, and it was pretty quick too. cant go wrong with it.

[wipedawg]

my sister has a 3s hatchback, and i have a 6s. In my opinion.. you will be into the 6 a little bit more on the money, they get about the same gas mileage, the 6 has a lot more power, and more room for everything you need. And when you turn on the a/c you don't feel your horsepower disappear.

[mazda6irl]

Go for the 6s... I had an 03 and LOVED it! I would still have her if it wasnt for my speed... had to upgrade.. but the 6 was super quick, especially if you get an intake on it.. lots of room and more features.. unless you want a little car.. then go for the 3.. but if I had the choice, 6 would take it, hands down!!! I live in vegas, had the air on all the time, full blast and no loss of power, ever!

[Nealio]

Besides the spaciousness of the 6, I didn't take a liking to the 3s dash. I don't know why, but it just didn't suit me. I also didn't like the styling of the 3 Sedan, but the Hatch looks good. I've had 2 sixes, the first had a I4, and my new car has the V6. Just remember when you look at the 6s, is that there is 3 body styles. A sedan, A hatch (which looks very similar to the sedan), and a Wagon.

[wipedawg]

but the 6 was super quick, especially if you get an intake on it.. !

Yeah that adds like 100 hp doesn't it? It's what all honda owners depend on too. :)

[CX-7owner]

I had my CX-7 in twice, on different occasions I had one 3, then the 6, both base models, both auto transmissions.

The 4spd does NO favors for the m3, it has a huge dead spot after the first gear, I kept in in manual mode so it wouldn't feel SO power sapped, the m6's 5spd is better, but still has that dead spot, the m3 in the sedan form now has the 5spd so that should improve the dead spot.
The brakes on the m3 are better, just the feel of it was better, and so was the interior, the m6 is just too cheap inside, sure it has more padded surfaces but it's still really cheap inside, considering it's a step up, it wasn't a big enough step up, and it handles like a boat, compared to the m3 and m7.
It wallows too, the m3 doesn't have such a problem.
I even liked the gauges more on the m3, maybe because they're more attractive.
I was unimpressed by the m6, I'm awaiting the redesign.
Do you need the auto?
If not the ms3 sport is calling!

[Dragon Queen]

I was impressed by the 3s hatch myself. A Very quick and nimble car, I believe that it is faster than a 6i, and has the potential with a couple of bolt on mods to be faster than a 6s.

[3+5]

I traded an 05 3Hatch for my MS6. When I bought the 3, I also drove a 6s Hatch. It was for my wife, and she ended up with a 5! I liked the 6 a lot. More car, more powerful & the 6 hatch still had the carry space of the 3 hatch. The determining factor was that the 6's hatch mechanism reduced headroom in the back seat. This was not a problem in the 3 Hatch. I liked the looks of both. After We bought the 5, I came back & got the 3 for myself. That time, price was the factor and the 3 won out over the 6. I found the 3 excellent to drive & own, except in the snow. People commented on it all the time, all positive. The glovebox is so big you can put a laptop in it. My 6 barely fits the owner's manual. I only traded the 3 for the MS6 because of the obvious performance gain & AWD. If a 3 hatch and 6s hatch were side by side, money no object... it would be the 6 for me still. If you want economy & practicality the most, it's the 3 Hatch. If economy is your only concern, the 3i is the way to go.

They're all still available new, so my advise would be to go drive each on the same day at the dealership. Nobody says you have to buy a new one, and they may have used ones available too, or even find one for you.

[mazda6irl]

Yeah that adds like 100 hp doesn't it? It's what all honda owners depend on too
Um, I didnt depend on it.. it gave it a few extra horses where you needed it most- on the take off and it sounded sick..

[Roxy25]

Thanks for the replies I test drove a 3 but I am still waiting to test a 6 I think the 3 is more in my price range. I also do not like the way the 6 dash looks it looks cheap IMO.

I would have to get auto not because I don't know how to drive stick but I live in Los Angeles traffic is horrible I would probably get annoyed with stick quickly. lol

[flipstylex]

hhmm... i guess ur a girl... anyways, i always feel that the 3 is better that the 6

3 = for girls
6 = for men

no offense just my opinion

[flipstylex]

*cough* mazdaspeed 3 is an exeption ;) turbo=for men hehe

[Scott P]

Since both cars are at the dealership, why not test drive them both?

[Roxy25]

hhmm... i guess ur a girl... anyways, i always feel that the 3 is better that the 6

3 = for girls
6 = for men

no offense just my opinion

I have a cutlass .........
I am only considering the 3 because its cheaper HAHAHAH , But I would not mind the 6 if i found one at the same price

[Roxy25]

Since both cars are at the dealership, why not test drive them both?

it is not at a mazda lot that I test drove the car at. so they only had one mazda which was the 3.

[Dragon Queen]

hhmm... i guess ur a girl... anyways, i always feel that the 3 is better that the 6

3 = for girls
6 = for men

no offense just my opinion

That's really Sexist..I know females that have faster and bigger cars than some of you guys here..

[3+5]

Yup, just met one the other day. 04 6s, black, with turbo, exhaust, lowered, rims intake, eyelids, audio, etc. Great looking hatch, must haul ass.

[flipstylex]

That's really Sexist..I know females that have faster and bigger cars than some of you guys here..

yadiyadiya, it's called "OPINION" my friend don't take it personal ;) and i did mention "NO OFFENSE"......

plus, what does this thing have to do with girls going faster than other guys here.....personally....who gives a shit ;)(google)(flame)

[Killer]

yadiyadiya, it's called "OPINION" my friend don't take it personal ;) and i did mention "NO OFFENSE"......

plus, what does this thing have to do with girls going faster than other guys here.....personally....who gives a shit ;)(google)(flame)

Easy tiger...

back on topic please. :)

[mazda6irl]

*cough* mazdaspeed 3 is an exeption turbo=for men hehe

Personally, I am a girl, who drives a 6, a TURBO 6 (MS6), which also means its manul...... and I do like to go faster then the boys...
Anyway- both the 3 and 6 are nice. The dash is just as cheap looking on both.. the 6 has more room. I have had 2 and love them both. BUT alot of my friends have 3's and they love it. The bottom line is get in BOTH, drive them BOTH and see what fits YOU best. but I would say to NOT go for the 6i, it has to be the 6s.
I wish you good luck and keep us updated on your decision.

[Powerslave]

comeone now everyone knows guys are better drivers than girls...lol

[Powerslave]

just joken around.. in theory women would have an advantage cuase they are typically lighter than men..

[Dumb_Dog]

comeone now everyone knows guys are better drivers than girls...lol

oh, i would hate to see danica patrick next to me at a red light...
btw, i think she has a lambo gallardo, now, thats an AWD...(alright)

[Roxy25]

I am still deciding I just think the 3's look better, but I guess anything will look better than my old cutlass at this point LOL.

I have been going crazy trying to decide hatchback or sedan on the 3.
For some odd reason I can not find a black hatchback used in my area thats not asking a ridiculous price.

I will post on friday on what I find I am about to look at this black sedan and maybe go to cerritos auto square to drive a 6 and see what deals they can give me.

[snooky]

In my opinion they are both crazy cars. I find the styling and size of the MS6 is more luxurious and would fit an older aged crowd, (not saying you have to be old to drive it, im 22, and im also not saying the 3 is for young people either). On the other hand I find the styling of the MS3 to be just ballsy! I mean look at the car it has a mesh grill on the bumper and a huge spoiler on the back, one would assume it would be more sporty and racy than luxury right?

[snooky]

both cars are crazy fast, and a total bang for the buck!

good luck hope i helped

[Karma_hunden]

I used to own a mazda3i and a mazda6i...traded both cars for a mazdaspeed6 GT and a mazda3s and bought a cx-7. Yeah, lots of Mazdas...not to mention I owned a protege prior to the mazda3i.

I have also driven the MazdaSpeed3.

You're a girl, so I'm gonna go right ahead and tell you to go with a mazda3 just like the rest of the female population lol. The 6 is harder and more of a boat and those arent the things girls look for...the look for a small cute little car that is easy going. You can either buy a honda civic, a vw beetle/rabbit, a mini cooper or the mazda3. Your pick.

If you're performance oriented (like a real enthusiast), go with the civic si, the mini cooper s or the mazdaspeed3.

[gooniac33]

O if I where to consider a mazda6 it would be the s series with 3.0 engine of course used.

I have a speed6 and the wifey has a Madzda6S wagon. It is a great car! Fun quiet and fast. If you like gas mileage then don't get it. It will only get like 19 in the city and about 28 on the highway where as the 4cyl will get much better.
Go drive them all and compare for yourself. Just start with the 3 and work your way up....

[Amen_MS6]

I have a speed6 and the wifey has a Madzda6S wagon. It is a great car! Fun quiet and fast. If you like gas mileage then don't get it. It will only get like 19 in the city and about 28 on the highway where as the 4cyl will get much better.
Go drive them all and compare for yourself. Just start with the 3 and work your way up....

I just wanted to ask, do you mean test drive them... or actually buy them. Test driving I can understand, but if you meant buy a 3 and work your way up... I dunno how well ppl's budgets are. Just a quazzi question.

[gooniac33]

I just wanted to ask, do you mean test drive them... or actually buy them. Test driving I can understand, but if you meant buy a 3 and work your way up... I dunno how well ppl's budgets are. Just a quazzi question.

you are kidding right? Of course I mean "test" drive them. It is easy at a dealer where they have all the cars you would be interested in. test drive!!

[MS6S2K]

Both great in their own way. Really just subcompact vs midsize here. I think the 6 is most certainly the more mature looking of the two, but I think the 3 is sportier. Can't go wrong either way, so like stated above, test drive both, and see what you like.

It's all subjective, so no matter what car you choose, regardless of your gender or age, the only thing that matters is that the car fits you, and you love it. That's what the best car is. :) This is said for any make or model as well IMO, not just Mazda. DRIVE ON!!! ;)