2014 Mazda3 vs 2014 Mazda6

"ZHP Sparky, the 5th" (e30s2k)
01/13/2014 at 12:20 • Filed to: None

Which would you buy?

Casually considering both these cars as a replacement for my current car over the next few months. Both have great styling, I like the interiors, and supposedly drive very well. Great gas mileage on both models too...AND they're priced too closely to not cross-shop.

Two cars available locally to me, both manuals of course:

Mazda3 GT Hatch $24,040 -

http://www.capitolmazda.com/new/Mazda/2014…

Mazda6 i Touring $24,440 -

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

I like hatchbacks (currently own a wagon) and the interior of the 3 (floating screen, HUD, etc.)...the 6 is a better looking and more spacious car though, although the 5.8" display looks dated - apart from that it all LOOKS great I think.

How do they both drive? Is the 3 significantly more chuckable than the 6? Any other considerations? For $400 more are you really getting more car in the Mazda6, or is this a case of bigger isn't always better?

DISCUSSION (34)

Storz > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
01/13/2014 at 12:24

Neither

Kinja'd!!!

carcrasher88 > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
01/13/2014 at 12:26

Ooh...tough call.

I love them both, it makes it a very tough decision.

I'd just BARELY lean towards the 3 hatch.

Of course, if I had the money, I'd get both.

jariten1781 > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
01/13/2014 at 12:27

If it's only going to be 2 or less people in the car most of the time then the 3. Three or more people the 6.

TheOnelectronic > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
01/13/2014 at 12:32

Having seen the 6 in person...

666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666

SO BEAUTIFUL

JACU - I've got bonifides. > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
01/13/2014 at 12:35

My wife and were shopping for her new car back in November and cross-shopped these vehicles (both automatics however). She ended up with the 6 GT. The 3 was indeed a bit more "chuckable", but there's only so much chucking you can do before the salesperson wants to upchuck, so I had to keep the test-drive reasonable. If I were buying, I would get the 3 hatch and channel it's inner Ferrari FF.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Storz
01/13/2014 at 12:42

Great car, but I'm not completely sold on the interior. Plus I'm leaning towards something a little less crazy and fuel-efficient.

I'm hanging on to my BMW E30 for track day fun, so this purchase would ideally be a highish MPG/respectable-but not insane HP commuter vehicle.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > JACU - I've got bonifides.
01/13/2014 at 12:44

It's really surprising how closely these two cars are priced, makes it very difficult to choose.

I'd be on the same boat as you...the 6 is bigger and probably more comfortable, but the 3 has plenty space and seems perfectly comfortable...and more FUN.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > TheOnelectronic
01/13/2014 at 12:44

Agreed, been seeing a lot of them lately. Walked by a black one parked outside my apt yesterday and have been thinking about it ever since...they're gorgeous cars.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > jariten1781
01/13/2014 at 12:47

Yup, most of the time it's just me, maybe + the lady, the 3 really is the car I should get. Plus with the hatch it'd be nice to be able to throw a bike in the back or take it car camping (she has a Jeep for that... but MPGs, so would be nice to have another option).

The 6 is just a really pretty and classy looking car, which for such a tiny amount more is really tempting.

Storz > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
01/13/2014 at 12:49

Ah ok, having a 2nd fun car makes all the difference. I'd opt for the 3 then, just like hatchbacks more than sedans I guess.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > JACU - I've got bonifides.
01/13/2014 at 12:50

How's the automatic, btw? It's a traditional torque converter, yes? Shifts fast enough, smooth, and holds gears when you want it to?

I swore off automatics after my 94 Mazda Protege..I know they've come a long way so perhaps I should consider it? I have an old BMW with a stick for auto-x, weekend fun, etc...so I suppose if it's not truly horrible an automatic would be a good commuter option (which the lady would be able to drive too)?

cazzyodo > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
01/13/2014 at 12:50

What's your concern on interior? I'm just curious cuz I have one and always like hearing people's impressions to compare to mine (full disclosure, I am critical of my own vehicle haha).

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > carcrasher88
01/13/2014 at 12:51

Agreed, the 3 is really the car for me to get. Just that with the 6 being priced so close it's really tempting and should at least be considered I think.

nataku83 > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
01/13/2014 at 12:51

I would get the 3 hatch, IF I could have it with the 2.5L and a stick shift. If I'm not mistaken, the 3, 6 and CX-5 all share a platform, and the 3 is the lightest of the bunch. I was under the impression that the 3 was only available with the automatic when you opt for the 2.5L motor. If that's correct, I'd probably opt for the 6 Touring. I have a friend who bought an auto version - and the vinyl interior is really very nice. Cost is competitive at under 25k (I think the stick may move it down to the 23 range). If only they sold it over here with a wagon form factor...

SonorousSpeedJoe > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
01/13/2014 at 12:55

The only thing I don't like about the 3 is that its Kodo grill seems a bit too big compared to the ones on the 6 and CX-5.

Beyond that, if it's a loaded 3 with the HUD (the 3's interior is much better looking IMO) vs. a semi-loaded 6 and you don't need the extra power & space in the 6, I think the 3 is the better choice.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > nataku83
01/13/2014 at 12:56

Yup, unfortunately the 2.5 in the 3 only comes as an automatic :( This car would be a commuter so as long as the gas mileage isn't significantly worse than the smaller motor, a 2.5 with an automatic wouldn't be too horrible an option for me (I also have an old BMW E30 with a stick for weekend fun, etc.)

It's really a shame the 2.5 doesn't come with a stick though....or just sell the damn 6 in wagon form already!

Textured Soy Protein > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
01/13/2014 at 13:10

It's a mostly traditional automatic transmission with one exception: it has both a torque converter and a wet clutch.

I really hated this transmission in a 2013 3i that I had as a service loaner. It would go to as high of a gear as possible as quick as possible in order to achieve the best possible fuel economy. So if you wanted to accelerate, the engine is loafing along at like 1500 rpm and you need to really get on the gas pedal to let the car know "hey yes I actually want to downshift and accelerate please thankyouverymuch."

Supposedly the transmission programming has been refined on the new 3 and 6. I would definitely drive the car before making a decision.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
01/13/2014 at 13:14

I chose a 2013 3 over the 2014 because I hated how it looked—both inside and out. The 6 carries the design language much better. Go with the 6.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
01/13/2014 at 13:19

3 GT with manual transmission that's coming next year for the 2.5.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather
01/13/2014 at 13:30

Good to know, will make the decision making even that much more difficult :)

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
01/13/2014 at 13:33

It's a good problem to have lol

WolfmanJimCBW > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
01/13/2014 at 13:34

I like the 3.

The Transporter > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
01/13/2014 at 13:39

Maybe the 100 lb weight reduction and 14 extra horses changes things compared to the 2012 MY, but I've always found the 6's performance to be rather underwhelming compared to the 3.

JACU - I've got bonifides. > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
01/13/2014 at 15:18

The automatic is a 6 speed, and at least in the GT it can be put into "Sport" mode and paddle shifted. The 3 I drove was not a GT and didn't have the Sport mode, so I can't vouch for it. Whenever I drive my wife's car I put the transmission in Sport mode and shift with the paddles. It doesn't shift as quick as I would like, but does shift quicker than I expected it to when I first drove it. It's still a lot of fun.

BTW if carrying capacity is a big deal to you, keep in mind that with the rear seats up, the 3 Hatchback's cargo space is tiny. The 6 on the other hand has a huge trunk.

Rico > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
01/13/2014 at 15:31

Think about what 10 years of automotive research on automatic transmissions has produced.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Rico
01/13/2014 at 15:43

Of course, I completely understand and realize that autos from the 90s are absolutely no comparison to what automatics are like these days. Hence the reason I'm quite open to buying an automatic car, when making my next purchase.

whyknot > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather
01/15/2014 at 01:01

Agreed. Having test-driven both cars, the Mazda6 feels spirited... for its size. With the same 2.5L engine, the smaller 3 had more go, noticeably quicker handling, and better MPG. On identical roads, the noise levels and ride quality even seemed slightly better, which surprised me. What's not to like?
Before buying a 3 myself, I'm waiting for the 2.5 with manual configuration, which will apparently start shipping in spring. But it must be said that Mazda's automatics are very, very good—some find them superior in these cars.

bdron > whyknot
03/12/2014 at 17:38

Shipping this spring, as in the next few months?!

Are you sure? How do you know?

Right now I'm dreading my lease ending on my 2011 Mazda 3 mt, because I thought this wasn't going to be an option 'til 2015.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
04/04/2014 at 08:31

The 3 will be a bit more sporty, more tossable. But it is a bit lower level, in status and quailty.

The 6 is more luxurious and plush. It'll still be fun, but not as fun.

Id go with the 6 because I prefer more luxury and comfiness.

NotUnlessRoundIsFunny > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
06/28/2014 at 14:50

While I'd personally lean toward the 3, they both look like great options. Seems you need an extended test drive of both and see which one "speaks to you."

samssun > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
07/15/2014 at 06:26

It's a shame the very attractive 6 is wasted on this "Skyactiv" crap. Having your midsize sedan try to compete on driving experience (suspension) while only offering it in FWD/4-banger is a big mistake.

Heaven forbid they give it AWD and a >300hp V6. Imagine a Mazdaspeed 6 with Ecoboost TT V6!

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > samssun
07/15/2014 at 11:06

I'm curious if they'll try another Mazdaspeed 6 again anytime soon - given how much of a flop the first generation was. And I agree - while the fuel economy, driving characteristics, and overall style of the Mazda6 are great it'd be good for them to have a more potent top spec model - even if it doesn't sell nearly as many units, as a (not quite) halo car.

Given their previous financial problems I guess Mazda hasn't had that the luxury of being able to experiment so much - but they seem to be selling very well now and hopefully with that financial success they'll have the flexibility to get a little crazy again.

kis_ev > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
07/31/2014 at 20:44

My 64 year old mom needs a new car and we are going test driving tonight. She really wants another manual and is leaning towards the 6, but we will try the 3 also. Her old 97 Maxima 5-speed got sideswiped by a redlight runner. That VQ had more power than any FWD should have had.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > kis_ev
08/01/2014 at 11:04

Your mom has great priorities and taste in cars. I'm not sure if I should feel concerned that my preferences in cars is starting to line up with those of a 64 year old lady :)

I think the 6 will be a great choice for her - great mileage, comfortable, and spacious, yet also very stylish.