Greetings all.. I currently have an 02' Dodge Stratus R/T (AT 200hp, 205 lb torque)...

I'm looking to "potentially" purchase either a Mazda 6 or MS 3 in the future... Most likely used, maybe of the 2008 variety...

I am curious about true owner reviews of the MS3... i've "heard/read" that the shifter is notchy...and isn't as good as the Honda SI gearbox? Again, I haven't driven any of these care..i'm just looking for information.

I hope to learn good info here, and Definitely am considering Mazda..(one reason i'm shying away from the SI...is the anemic 135 LB of torque...) i'm looking at the MS6 with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder generating 170 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque.

Sorry for the long, winded newbie post...i'm just full of curiosity

 

Yes the shifter is a little notchy. It's a 6-sp and the spacing is close, but comparing it to the Honda, the Mazda is only a click behind which says a lot since Honda's have long been known for a good shifter feel and besides, that can be cured with new shifter mount bushings, and/or a short shifter install. The 5-sp, such as that in my own 3 series car, is less so and has a bit more room between gates.


The MS6 (Mazdaspeed6) is a discontinued model, only out for 2 yrs, and came w/a 244hp 2.3L turbocharged 4-cyl. I think you mean the Mz6i, 2.5L NA engine and 6-sp manual trans, am I right?

Both are nice cars, but nearly worlds apart. Both are torque monsters compared to all Honda's and many other 4-cyl cars. If it's 4-cyl economy you want and V8 torque, relatively speaking, the Mazda is for you.

The MS3 is a wild child... an SRT-4 killer... a train on rails, but is not as comfortable or as roomy as the 6 series cars.
The Mz6 is a very nice family sedan with some sportiness to it. It will "feel" better than most of it's competition to a drivers driver, but is NOT a sports car. The 6 has many little amenities the 3 does not have in equivalent trim. The 6 has more passenger and cargo room and, to me at least, a wonderful ride as well as good handling. It would make a very nice DD, whereas the 3 makes for an acceptable DD and a very good w/e track car.
See the difference? It's really all about your personal needs and what compromises you are willing to, or need to make.

 

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