GTI vs Mazdaspeed 3

[willits8]

mazdaspeed 3, mazda 3s (hatchback) or GTI, Which would you pick and why?

[cbirgl]

GTI -

Drive both and you will notice the difference. Mazda drives like a tin can in comparison. Depends what you want though, Mazdaspeed should be cheaper to get a little bit faster.

[lk250f]

I wouldnt say the mazda drives like a tin can. Ive driven and ridden in my brothers speed 3 plenty of times and it still drives great, even with upwards of 40k on it. still drives the same and pulls like a mofo. I know we all have our opinions, and ive never driven a Gti but i dont see the mazda being of that much of a POS. New gti's have free maint tho? not a bad deal, mazda will be quicker stock by a good amount if thats what you want though.

Edit- see you said comparing the two, gti must drive like a benz then lol.

[cbirgl]

Yea in comparison. Mazda isn't horrible, but german cars are built "thicker" if that makes sense - more solid feel.

[92accordex]

Well speed 3's are the fastes. So if you want to go fast, get that or just for comforability I would probably get the gti. I wouldn't get a 3 if you can afford a speed 3. That's just silly

[Willdue]

GTi. Simply, quality.

[willits8]

yeah i was looking at used at theres alot of 3s which i think are faster then the regular 3 hatchback?

[Subie_sleeper]

I've seen GTI's & Speed3's come through our shop when getting traded for WRX's or STi's.....

Speed3 appraises for less.... but almost ALWAYS runs better & costs less to prep for resale.

EVERY SINGLE VW & AUDI that I have EVER sold as a pre-owned car has come back MULTIPLE TIMES. From electrical NIGHTMARES (replace a LOT of dash/gauges) to C.E.L. codes for all kinds of crap.

If you're buying new, & like VW, just don't keep it past it's warranty & you'll be fine.
A new Speed3 has more money in the drivetrain than creature comforts.
I've driven (& enjoyed) both @ a Subaru training event.

If you're buying used..... RUN, don't walk away from VW.

My .02 as a biased Subaru sales guy. ;)

[Fujito]

I'd buy the GTi so I could be in that VDUB magazine. I looked through it at the bookstore. It's exactly what I expected.

[cbirgl]

VW's get a bad reputation from people that don't know what they are doing working on them. If they are properly taken care of there are rarely any of these issues. Problem is it costs more to maintain them and people that are good with them normally charge more. That being said most people that own them find the drive is worth the expense.

If you just want something to rip around and beat on, the mazda is the way to go.

[Willdue]

Originally Posted by cbirgl

VW's get a bad reputation from people that don't know what they are doing working on them. If they are properly taken care of there are rarely any of these issues. Problem is it costs more to maintain them and people that are good with them normally charge more. That being said most people that own them find the drive is worth the expense.

If you just want something to rip around and beat on, the mazda is the way to go.

agree 100% chris.

[300zx_tt]

100% based on what you want, speed and a decent ride or slower and comfy ride

[Subie_sleeper]

Originally Posted by cbirgl

VW's get a bad reputation from people that don't know what they are doing working on them. If they are properly taken care of there are rarely any of these issues. Problem is it costs more to maintain them and people that are good with them normally charge more. That being said most people that own them find the drive is worth the expense.

The funny thing is, our shop sends the used German stuff to their respective local dealer for anything much more than an oil change & swapping obvious broken items.
I had an 88 Golf 3 door with 240k on it. I only added 20k. It was simple & ran till the second timing belt went. It was a free car, between my 97 Impreza OBS Wagon (totaled in 03) & my 00 2.5RS. The dash lights were always a problem, but other than that it was a great commuter car.
The NEW stuff........
I think they're time bombs once the warranty is gone. I base that from the few out of warranty VW / Audis that I've had experience with.

OP, good luck with whatever you choose *cough...SUBARU...cough* JK

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[Fujito]

Get a 2011 V6 Mustang

[Subie_sleeper]

Before anyone says anything, I'm 100 percent aware that Subies have their own god awful quirks too. Hahaha

[Subie_sleeper]

Originally Posted by Fujito

Get a 2011 V6 Mustang

AWESOME !!!

I can't even go into that thread anymore. It's hard to believe it's still open. LOL

[Fujito]

Originally Posted by Subie_sleeper

AWESOME !!!

I can't even go into that thread anymore. It's hard to believe it's still open. LOL

I feel ya. I can't even go into a Subaru dealership anymore.

[Subie_sleeper]

Originally Posted by Fujito

I feel ya. I can't even go into a Subaru dealership anymore.

Sure you can!

Test drives in pre owned lightly modded STis & WRXs are FUN.

Sorry OP. No more Subie talk.
I'd get a Speed3 based in the two cars you're looking at & what I've experienced with the two.

[mx931]

speed 3 mine has 75k and i havent had a problem....and ive cut many short cuts. except my struts are blown from lowering springs but ya whatever. i would get the speed though everyone who has one loves um. gtis are over played.....

actually get a celica, jesse will be able to tell you all the awesome stuff to supp it up

[inteva6184]

speed 3 for sure. Has vw built anything good since 1989? Plus do you really want to be associated with hella flush and rusty hoods? Be honest.