need some engine choosing help 2.0 Skyactiv vs 2.5

which one is more worth it? im looking at getting a new mazda 3 hatch and the only thing that im stumped on is which engine to choose..2.0 Skyactiv vs 2.5
 
This depends on what is more important to you, economy or performance. If you are more about economy (think MPG) get the skyactive it gets much better miliage. The 2.5 will get better performance but from what I've read not by a whole lot. For the moment the 2.5 has more options for upgrades so if you are into upgrading the 2.5 is the best bet for now. The skyactive will have its share of intakes headers and manifolds over time but that could take some time. You best bet is to brave the sales people and test drive both engines to see which you like better.
 
I had the same issue. I went with the 2.0 skyactiv
It depends what car you are coming from. I came from an awd vibe which was a slug. So the skyactiv is a nice bump for me.
 
I love the Skyactiv, I get an average of 35-36 MPG on 4 tankfuls of fuel so far. The engine has good pick up and merges fine on the highway. It's a lighter car than the 2.5, so the power difference is negligible.
 
I love the Skyactiv, I get an average of 35-36 MPG on 4 tankfuls of fuel so far. The engine has good pick up and merges fine on the highway. It's a lighter car than the 2.5, so the power difference is negligible.

That is true. We are working on a number of upgrades for the Skyactiv engine. The Mazda3 2.0 or 2.5 are both not a "race" car by any means but they are both fun to drive good handling cars. So it really depends on what you are wanting to do with the car as to what engine you should go with.
 
im coming from a mazdaspeed 3 going to a skyactiv lol... the only thing i dislike about the itouring is the mushy tires, but overall its not bad
 
Interesting how relative things are. I just got a 3i Touring and having trouble getting used to the harsh ride of the stiff low profile tires. Same tires you thought were mushy, but I'm coming from a Ford Escort :)
 
well, the speed has almost 0 body roll, and rolls on 18s with 235/40/18, its like driving a gocart, its great, until you get a crappy road
 
I chose the 2.0 and am happy with it. You have to spin it up a bit to get good acceleration, but it seems quite willing. I have not run it anywhere near redline, it's still pretty new. If you're thinking of nitrous or forced induction, the higher compression of the 2.0 might be a problem. I'd also say it's a bit smoother than I expected from a four-banger.
 
I went from a 2008 Mazdaspeed 3 Sport in cosmic blue mica to a graphite mica 2012 Mazda 3i Touring hatch, with the six-speed manual transmission. The manual in the new car is so painless to drive (especially compared to the performance-heavy Speed) that it kind of feels like an automatic in smoothness and ease anyway. Sure, I have to get used to revving more (the MS3 had a lot of torque so I barely ever shifted) and possibly using one gear lower in turns and quick passes, but I'm up for the challenge of getting the most out of this vehicle. Plus, the $200-300 savings in monthly car-related expenses has me smiling more than the car's front end. I did test-drive the automatic Grand Touring hatch on Monday, so I must give credit where credit's due for how good that transmission is compared to other automatics. However, having driven only manual for over six years and the fact that I just LOVE having control while driving, I'm happier for sticking with a manual. Unless I'm paralyzed or disabled in some other way that keeps me from doing my own shifting and footwork, I will never own an automatic.
 
A few statistics about the 2.0 skyactive and the 2.5 mzr

I looked at the 8 options of 2.5L and 2.0L, HB and sedan, ATX and MTX, then looked at the HP/lb and TQ/lb of the cars.

2.5L HB 2.0L HB 2.5L Sedan 2.0L Sedan
cost 23400 23150 22900 22550
HP 167 155 167 155
TQ 168 148 168 148
millieage 23 32 23 33
weight (atx) 3104 2969 3103 2950
weight (mtx) 3048 2896 3046 3048


HP/lb (atx) 0.054 0.052 0.054 0.053
HB/lb (mtx) 0.055 0.054 0.055 0.051
TQ/lb (atx) 0.054 0.050 0.054 0.050
TQ/lb (mtx) 0.055 0.051 0.055 0.049


It would seem that the 2.5L still have an overall better power and torque to weight ratio than the 2.0L skyactive, which shows in its better 1/4 mile times and quicker 0-60 times. But, the 2.0L skyactive in a sedan has nearly the same HP/lb and a 2.5L engine, but when it comes to torque the difference is a little more consistent.

This does not take into account the fact that the transmissions are different, and if the skyactive car's transmission is better at putting power to the ground, then it could end up on top, but the aforementioned track times would suggest that the 2.5L is still the reigning champion, but not by much.
 
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Get the skyactiv, I came from the 2.3 and while the torque is missed, the gas mileage more than makes up for it. For not a whole lot more performance, the 2.0 has MUCH better gas mileage.
 
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