by "Long Live the Longdoor" (victoryred08)
Published 04/12/2017 at 10:11
by "Long Live the Longdoor" (victoryred08)
Published 04/12/2017 at 10:11
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STARS: 0
I’m continuing my search for manual cars to replace my Honda Accord Coupe (CVT); what does Oppo think of the Mazda 3 GT with a manual? Does it make for an entertaining daily driver?
Had anyone driven one? I’ve driven the 2.0L and thought the handling was pretty solid. How would the GT compare to something like the 2012+ Honda Civic Si?
"ToyotaFamily" (robbav35)
04/12/2017 at 10:15, STARS: 1
I’ve driven a couple of manual + 2.5 3's and they’re nice. Engine feels fine for the car, and since you’re getting the GT it has a ton of toys. The Si is a bit more fun to drive IMO because it’s got a engine that’s a bit more eager to rev and a solid shifter.
"Jarrett - [BRZ Boi]" (jarrettw)
04/12/2017 at 10:17, STARS: 1
I drove the auto version and it was great. Better than my ‘11 2.0 auto, miles better than my brother’s autotragic ‘12 civic (not an Si). It’s surprisingly quick.
"Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing." (granfury)
04/12/2017 at 10:30, STARS: 1
If my 2012 Mazda5 with a similar power train is a great drive, a newer, smaller yet similar car must be fantastic. Go for it!
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
04/12/2017 at 10:32, STARS: 1
The current 3 is great, definitely wish Mazda would make another Speed3 and make it just as bonkers as the last one!
"Vicente Esteve" (vicente-esteve)
04/12/2017 at 10:47, STARS: 1
The drivetrain of 2.5 + manual is pretty good. My choice would be GTI.
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
04/12/2017 at 11:10, STARS: 0
Personally I prefer the looks of the 6 in that time period and can’t decide if I like the rear of the hatch version but could be in the market for one of these in a few years
"Khalbali" (khalbali2)
04/12/2017 at 11:28, STARS: 1
I had a manual 2.0 2015 and while it wasn’t fast it was still an enjoyable DD. If you’re in the US though we didn’t get a manual 2014 2.5 fyi. (Former mazda sales guy current mazda tech)
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
04/12/2017 at 11:39, STARS: 0
My wife had a 2013 Civic LX. That 2012-15 Civic was an alright car although maybe a little flimsier than your typical Honda. The 2012 is kind of the orphan of that generation because it was so poorly reviewed that Honda did an “emergency” refresh for 2013.
The big difference between the Si and the 3 GT is that the Si is a more dedicated sporty car and has things like a close-ratio transmission with a short final drive ratio and an LSD. It suspension is stiffer and tuned towards neutral (for fwd) cornering.
The 3 GT will have more luxury features like leather and whatnot but it’s not as directly tailored towards sporty driving as the Si.
"Long Live the Longdoor" (victoryred08)
04/12/2017 at 12:17, STARS: 0
That’s for the info! That makes a bunch of sense and helps a lot.
"Long Live the Longdoor" (victoryred08)
04/12/2017 at 12:25, STARS: 1
Ditto, I think the rear hatch of the 3 tapers back a little bit too much for my liking; I needs a bigger spoiler or something, of they’re going to try and pull off that look. The 3 sedan just looks kinda smushed in the rear; the 6 definitely looks much better, but I like having a compact vehicle that’s a bit easier to park.
"Long Live the Longdoor" (victoryred08)
04/12/2017 at 12:27, STARS: 0
Right, I forgot about the 14 not having a manual, I think that was also to case here in Canada. That explains why I can’t find any 2014 GT manuals in my searches, duh. Thanks for the reminder!