Mazda 3 vs Mazda 6?

[JeepinJeff]

I'm still about 11 months away, but after the Jeep is paid for I'll be in the market for a new vehicle.

Where's a good site to compare the 3 to the 6? The only thing I know for sure is that the 6 has a larger engine. Apart from that, I'd like to know the differences.

[bart99gt]

The 6 has a little bit more interior room and has a V6/6 speed automatic option. The option list is more or less the same as the 3 from what I can tell. My Wife and I have a 5 door Mazda3 Touring and we love it. Plenty of power, enough room for us and 2 others in the back and a nice hatch area that's more than large enough to carry the groceries or whatnot back home.

[whiterabbit05]

the 6 is 100x cooler than the 3

[kpatz]

My wife has a 6 wagon and I've test driven a 3S. The 6 is larger and more refined than the 3. The 3 has more of a small car/economy car feel than the 6, but the 3 is still a fun car (preferably with a manual tranny), and it handles nicely--it's built on the same platform as the Volvo S40.

Either car can be optioned up nicely. The 3 GT edition includes things like leather, Bose stereo, automatic Xenon lights, and rain-sensing wipers, options you don't see on small cars often.

[jwardell]

I've testdriven both, and have two frineds with a 6 and one with a 3.

The 3 is a newer platform, and has amazing handling that you won't find on the 6. Other things are more up-to-date as well like the interior. They do both share the same engines, just massaged slightly different. The three comes in sedan and spaceship form. The 6 in sedan, hatch, and wagon forms. I think the 6 hatch is the best looking as well as the most versatile of all of them. There are other major differences for example the center stack in the three is too wide and really impedes on your kneeroom.
For handling, power, etc the MazdaSpeed 3 takes the cake, and pretty much blows away any other car in its price range as well. If you do your research you'll find it almost amazing how many reviews are unanimously in favor of the three. It's just really well done at a great price. But test drive them all and make up your own mind. The two are actually quite different.

[<<JAZZY>>]

2006 Mazda MAZDASPEED 6, 5.8 14.6 (MT Feb '06)
2007 Mazdaspeed 3 5.4 14.0 (C&D May '07)

2004 Mazda 3 8.0 16.3 (R&T July 04)
2004 Mazda 6s 3.0L 5 speed 6.4 15.1 (C&D June 04)

[JeepinJeff]

Good info. Thanks to all.

[wanderingmind]

I know you're looking for some resources....check out some mazda forums.

My vote goes for the 6, sooooo hot.

[Stealthcb]

Well, I have driven a V6 Mazda 6 for three years. I LOVE it. It's a mid-size sedan with 6.5-7.2 second 0-60 (MT vs AT) and outstanding handling. Very well-balanced. Lacks low-end torque and HP, though -- so if you liek 0-60, try something else.

The 3 I have driven twice. It is a bit slower than the 6 and doesn't have the room, but at 6'1", I was comfortable in it. As said above, not as refined, but still a lot of fun.

If you're looking at a Speed6 or Speed3, it depends what you want. The Speed6 is only available in sedan (no hatch) and the Speed 3 is onlyu available in Hatch. The Speed 6 is AWD, the Speed3 is FWD.

Personally, i'd go with a 6S Manual tranny, sport package. Don't get the Bose -- have Car Toys or someone upgrade the sound system.

Oh, and if you're looking to mod, look elsewhere. No one has cracked the code on the 6 ECU yet, so the mod list is limited and most CAIs throw a CEL.

[RadarRick]

Both are great. Start test driving buddy :wink:
RR