since i HAVE to see these ads for the 2014 mazda 3, here is my comparison. we have a 2013 mazda 3. i hate it
2013 mazda 3
handles better, quicker response/steeering. stereo is better
a/c SUCKS bigtime. ride is like a TRUCK. more road noise. acceleration, if you can call it that, can be described as near heart pounding, especially when entering the freeway. braking is not quite as good. did i mention the ride SUCKS. visibility poor. transmission is 5 spd with tiptronic, and the shift points are well suited for the low output engine. interior seats are very much like my old recaros. very firm. again, the a/c is about the same as driving the millenia with one window open. also, the vents really suck for air distribution. the center vents cannot blow the air down, straight out or up high. almost useless. on a short trip, like around town, maybe 20 miles, the 3 is better for stuff like getting in and out of tight spaces, maneuvering around traffic, but you will sweat a lot trying to keep cool. on a long trip, the 3 is just plain tiring. oh, and the fuel economy is better in the 3(27 mpg vs 22 mpg, regular gas vs premium). are we sorry we got the mazda 3? yup. will we be keeping the millenias a lot longer? yup
update: tried to change oil and filter today. notice i said TRIED. i would like to kick the butt of the effing gorilla who put the filter on. and, of course, it is a strange size that no filter socket will fit. and, no, the mazda dealers wont sell the tool. call them up, and they immediately know, "everyone wants that tool". well, i hope the otc tool i have coming fits it. and there is no place to jack the car up, except the rocker panels. but that's ok, i got 2 jacks. ok, so the tool dont quite fit, but i made it fit. finally got the filter off. it is the correct size, 76.5mm, 14 flutes.