Test drove the 2012 Mazdaspeed 3.....

[YZF-R6]

Just remember this... The GTI guys use our stock turbo (K04) as an UPGRADE. I dont think anymore has to be said about that.

[SpdDemon89]

The gti is for old guys, family guys who dont understand life, and for ricer boys who think 200 hp is fast.
the speed 3 is for people. dont make the wrong choice or you'll be all day.

easy enough, go drive a gti and a speed 3 back to back.

[fortressofcomfort]

Originally Posted by YZF-R6 Just remember this... The GTI guys use our stock turbo (K04) as an UPGRADE. I dont think anymore has to be said about that.

In my typical roundabout way that is what I was trying to say.

[ASHMS3]

So if I go BT I should sell my K04 on a VW forum. Got it, thanks.

[texasboy21]

Originally Posted by ASHMS3 So if I go BT I should sell my K04 on a VW forum. Got it, thanks.

You could sell it if flanges and inlet/outlets were universal, but they are not. The VWs use a 3 bolt exhaust flange that is tiny.

The VW will have much better build quality (plastics wont feel as cheap, you wont be able to pinch the door with your hand with the window down), you wont hear the road noise (suede on the fender liners), the placement of things is more ergonomic (better more convenient placement of switches/buttons). To me the two cars are in different leagues (coming from a VW/Audi enthusiast).

The MS3 is a eco box built for younger, and for lack of a better word, poorer folks to go fast and thats it. The VW is built to be a sporty car with a high quality fit and finish with creature comforts, tailored to the same age group, but intended for those who want more luxury and comfort out of their car.

My 03 A4 has power seats, auto windows, and a much better interior than the "nice" 2012 (an upgrade from the gen1s), and its three generations behind. the most current model's interior and build quality blow ours out of the water.

I hate to say it but going from a VW/Audi to a Mazda was hard. I gave up a lot, but it was a smart move for me. I needed a daily that I wont have the urge to mod, but keep a smile on my face, with a warranty. Plus each time I get in the Audi it makes me love it even more.

All of the above is my personal opinion based on my 5+ years in the VAG scene.

[YZF-R6]

nevermind

[smurugby12]

Originally Posted by texasboy21 You could sell it if flanges and inlet/outlets were universal, but they are not. The VWs use a 3 bolt exhaust flange that is tiny. The VW will have much better build quality (plastics wont feel as cheap, you wont be able to pinch the door with your hand with the window down), you wont hear the road noise (suede on the fender liners), the placement of things is more ergonomic (better more convenient placement of switches/buttons). To me the two cars are in different leagues (coming from a VW/Audi enthusiast). The MS3 is a eco box built for younger, and for lack of a better word, poorer folks to go fast and thats it. The VW is built to be a sporty car with a high quality fit and finish with creature comforts, tailored to the same age group, but intended for those who want more luxury and comfort out of their car. My 03 A4 has power seats, auto windows, and a much better interior than the "nice" 2012 (an upgrade from the gen1s), and its three generations behind. the most current model's interior and build quality blow ours out of the water. I hate to say it but going from a VW/Audi to a Mazda was hard. I gave up a lot, but it was a smart move for me. I needed a daily that I wont have the urge to mod, but keep a smile on my face, with a warranty. Plus each time I get in the Audi it makes me love it even more. All of the above is my personal opinion based on my 5+ years in the VAG scene.

Through and through a stock GTI will never keep up with a stock MS3. I'm guessing most people who buy the MS3 won't care for ergonomics like how the buttons are arranged on the steering wheel and dash, how the plastics feel, ect ect. They just want to go fast. To each their own but if I wanted nice suede interior and nice plastics, maybe I would have chosen the GTI (which I seriously considered). In the end, I wanted a go fast car that I could bring up to Road America for track days then drive back home, which can run rings around the GTI. I sacrificed some comforts for the performance but than again, I'm in my 20's so I dont give a shit about comforts right now.

[f-castrillo]

Originally Posted by smurugby12 Through and through a stock GTI will never keep up with a stock MS3. I'm guessing most people who buy the MS3 won't care for ergonomics like how the buttons are arranged on the steering wheel and dash, how the plastics feel, ect ect. They just want to go fast. To each their own but if I wanted nice suede interior and nice plastics, maybe I would have chosen the GTI (which I seriously considered). In the end, I wanted a go fast car that I could bring up to Road America for track days then drive back home, which can run rings around the GTI. I sacrificed some comforts for the performance but than again, I'm in my 20's so I dont give a shit about comforts right now.

Haven't sat in a current gen GTI, but what's so not ergonomic about the Pu interior? All the buttons are easily accessible, placement feels natural and makes sense, and I quite like the interior plastics.

The MS3 with tech package gives you almost as much conveniences as a fully loaded GTI for less $$$... plaid design and sunroof aside.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

[ASHMS3]

I forgot about the flanges.

[smurugby12]

Originally Posted by f-castrillo Haven't sat in a current gen GTI, but what's so not ergonomic about the Pu interior? All the buttons are easily accessible, placement feels natural and makes sense, and I quite like the interior plastics. The MS3 with tech package gives you almost as much conveniences as a fully loaded GTI for less $$$... plaid design and sunroof aside. Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

Absolutely nothing wrong with the MS3 interior. Some of the materials may be a bit nicer in the GTI and the GTI may have a better fit and finish, but again I don't find the MS3 lacking, especially for the price.

[texasboy21]

Originally Posted by f-castrillo Haven't sat in a current gen GTI, but what's so not ergonomic about the Pu interior? All the buttons are easily accessible, placement feels natural and makes sense, and I quite like the interior plastics. The MS3 with tech package gives you almost as much conveniences as a fully loaded GTI for less $$$... plaid design and sunroof aside. Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

The seat/steering wheel placement for one. I am still adjusting in an attempt to find the right spot.

Having to reach for anything is what I am talking about. VAG cars have thought long and hard on where to put things. They have teams, literal teams, set up as think tanks to design interiors. Placement of items, feel and products used are all throughly thought out. The windows, traction control light, radio and AC all are more accessible, by design, in VWs/Audis/Porsches compared to Mazdas, Hondas, etc.

I dont like being able to push on the dash and hear plastic creaking/binding, the panels flexing etc. That happens in my 2012 MS3 and not in the B6-B8 A4s, and their comparable VW counterparts.

Like smurugby12 said, the MS3 is for someone who doesnt care about the fit and finish, and overall quality, they just want to go fast. As for the quality one gets when basing a purchase of a new vehicle on how fast they can go, you get what you pay for.

All that said, I am not bashing. I purchased a Mazdaspeed over the GTI and many other cars! Its a blast, and sure it has its faults, but like the A4 its literally a car I will NEVER sell.

On a side note, a better more accurate comparison would be a chipped (ECU tuned) GTI vs the MS3. The MS3 obviously makes more power, but its a K04 at 16+ PSI. The GTI is a K03 which boosts about 10 PSI stock. A simple chip tune will about double the boost and net 20+HP and 40+ ftlbs.

[f-castrillo]

Originally Posted by texasboy21 The seat/steering wheel placement for one. I am still adjusting in an attempt to find the right spot. Having to reach for anything is what I am talking about. VAG cars have thought long and hard on where to put things. They have teams, literal teams, set up as think tanks to design interiors. Placement of items, feel and products used are all throughly thought out. The windows, traction control light, radio and AC all are more accessible, by design, in VWs/Audis/Porsches compared to Mazdas, Hondas, etc. I dont like being able to push on the dash and hear plastic creaking/binding, the panels flexing etc. That happens in my 2012 MS3 and not in the B6-B8 A4s, and their comparable VW counterparts. Like smurugby12 said, the MS3 is for someone who doesnt care about the fit and finish, and overall quality, they just want to go fast. As for the quality one gets when basing a purchase of a new vehicle on how fast they can go, you get what you pay for. All that said, I am not bashing. I purchased a Mazdaspeed over the GTI and many other cars! Its a blast, and sure it has its faults, but like the A4 its literally a car I will NEVER sell. On a side note, a better more accurate comparison would be a chipped (ECU tuned) GTI vs the MS3. The MS3 obviously makes more power, but its a K04 at 16+ PSI. The GTI is a K03 which boosts about 10 PSI stock. A simple chip tune will about double the boost and net 20+HP and 40+ ftlbs.

Different strokes for different folks, I guess. Lots of us like the pu interior, many others don't. I was just curious on other people's take on our interiors.

The GTI interior is no slouch, from what I can tell in the pictures, and friends that are owners of GTIs. It's probably just me liking the curvature and design language in the pu interior better than the VW.

That said, the Focus ST's interior is nice too. I'm a sucker for interiors that look like spaceships, this is no exception. Lights all around you and a center console that looks like command central lol

[Zoomspeed]

I lost to a stage 2 gti by maybe a car and I was stock

Those car suck

[CaptObvious75]

If you want shitty ergonomics go drive the mitsubishi lancer. the speed3 is ergonomically perfect compared to that heap

[HXC LOL]

The GTI interior is pretty well laid out in the manner that you don't have to get used to it.

But it is a breeding ground for creeks and rattles. And im sure after a week of driving the speed3, there would be no issue with interior layout.

Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

[wherewuat]

Originally Posted by Spoofmastafly Seriously asking about the GTI? It only won reviews against the speed because it doesn't have torque steer.. Because it is no were near as fast as a stock speed. Even with the basic upgrades that car doesn't compare. As for the bad smell.. I didn't have any of that and my car had 9 miles on it when I drove it off the lot. If you want high german maintenance and no speed buy the VW.

Plus they make the torque steer sound worse than it really is. it's actually pretty fun when it occurs tho

[PushingRedline]

Not sure how much different the Jetta is from the GTI but my brother just got rid of his 2008 Jetta for a 2006 civic coupe and he is so happy! Yeah the Jetta had heated seats and a sun roof but it also had a new electric issue each week, had some rattles and even the back door outside paneling came loose and was flapping while he was driving!

Sure maybe some nicer features on the inside but better quality is highly debatable! My old MS6 that was 2 years older and had alot more miles then his Jetta had less squeaks and never had an electrical problem.

[HXC LOL]

Originally Posted by PushingRedline Not sure how much different the Jetta is from the GTI but my brother just got rid of his 2008 Jetta for a 2006 civic coupe and he is so happy! Yeah the Jetta had heated seats and a sun roof but it also had a new electric issue each week, had some rattles and even the back door outside paneling came loose and was flapping while he was driving! Sure maybe some nicer features on the inside but better quality is highly debatable! My old MS6 that was 2 years older and had alot more miles then his Jetta had less squeaks and never had an electrical problem.

I've never heard of stuff like that happening to a Jetta or GTI, but regardless of rattles and a few nuances, I couldn't imagine a 2006 Civic being an upgrade from a Jetta. He could've just had some sort of dud. No electric issues I've heard of either. Maybe he had a Volvo lol.

I'm not one to swing from the VW nutsack over its "award-winning interiors" and "amazing german engineering," but I'd never go as far as to say a Civic beats it in quality. There's just no way lol.

[PushingRedline]

Originally Posted by HXC LOL I've never heard of stuff like that happening to a Jetta or GTI, but regardless of rattles and a few nuances, I couldn't imagine a 2006 Civic being an upgrade from a Jetta. He could've just had some sort of dud. No electric issues I've heard of either. Maybe he had a Volvo lol. I'm not one to swing from the VW nutsack over its "award-winning interiors" and "amazing german engineering," but I'd never go as far as to say a Civic beats it in quality. There's just no way lol.

I appreciate your opinion but the fact you even suggested that I don't know the difference between a Volvo and a VW is retarded. And you have never heard of a electrical issue with a VW before? Really!? My dad has an Audi A6 and nobody will install a remote car starter for him because the VW electrical is so messed up and confusing!

The Civic was an upgrade because of mpg's and it just works like it's suppose too.

[sd_e30er]

Did that guy say "build quality" and "vw/Audi" in the same post? Lol.

[HXC LOL]

Originally Posted by PushingRedline I appreciate your opinion but the fact you even suggested that I don't know the difference between a Volvo and a VW is retarded. And you have never heard of a electrical issue with a VW before? Really!? My dad has an Audi A6 and nobody will install a remote car starter for him because the VW electrical is so messed up and confusing! The Civic was an upgrade because of mpg's and it just works like it's suppose too.

Lol i was joking about the Volvo thing because theyre known for failing electrical parts. I wasnt questioning your intelligence, so sorry if I offended you.

I guess its just my experience but I havent had any electrical issues with my car, or any other newer VW ive dealt with.

Audi is a different story lol.

I guess I can understand the Civic working like its supposed to being a luxury after owning a VW haha.

Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

[Voltron]

Gti's are gay. Guys who own Gti's truly believe they has some insanely fast cars too. I know, as a former gti owner in the early 2000's. Few months back, I was coming home from
Dinner, with my fiancé and her brother in the car, euro duesche pulls up next to me, in a loud ass new body gti slammed and loud as fuck. We all waved bye bye to him in unison. And I never had to throw out my cigarette out either. And all I had at the time was the Sri and tp.

[PushingRedline]

Originally Posted by HXC LOL Lol i was joking about the Volvo thing because theyre known for failing electrical parts. I wasnt questioning your intelligence, so sorry if I offended you. I guess its just my experience but I havent had any electrical issues with my car, or any other newer VW ive dealt with. Audi is a different story lol. I guess I can understand the Civic working like its supposed to being a luxury after owning a VW haha. Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

LOL ok didn't get the joke but thanks for clarifying.

So VW and Audi use different wiring setups?

[HXC LOL]

Originally Posted by voltron Gti's are gay. Guys who own Gti's truly believe they has some insanely fast cars too. I know, as a former gti owner in the early 2000's. Few months back, I was coming home from Dinner, with my fiancé and her brother in the car, euro duesche pulls up next to me, in a loud ass new body gti slammed and loud as fuck. We all waved bye bye to him in unison. And I never had to throw out my cigarette out either. And all I had at the time was the Sri and tp.

LOL it depends on who you run into. There are a lot of newbs that think their GTI is the hottest shit, but the majority of the community understand that their little K03s aren't too capable.

Btw, it's spelled douche* lol.

Originally Posted by PushingRedline LOL ok didn't get the joke but thanks for clarifying. So VW and Audi use different wiring setups?

Audi definitely uses more complex electronics, and I would assume a lot of it is wired with the assumption that it would never again be touched by someone who doesn't have a doctorate in Audi Engineering.

[Dark_Signal]

I lightly considered a GTI when shopping for my current car but it's low power numbers plus VW's spotty reliability got rid of that thought real quick, lol.

It was really between the MS3, WRX, and the RallyArt for me. The MS3's interior is wwwaaayyy better than both those two other cars, lol.

[Voltron]

@HXC LOL

Oh believe me I know there are fast Gti's out there, just like there are plenty of fast cars period. My point I was trying to make was that the vast majority of gti owners, swear they got a factory racecar, and once it's got a few mods, watch the fuck out. I have yet to encounter a fast one out my way yet, but I've caught plenty of races with them out on the hwy. And as I said, yet to encounter a fast one.

[smurugby12]

Respect to HXC LOL for being a classy VW owner. I would have swung the GTI way if it weren't for the lack of power and shoddy quality when the warranty expires (funny how that happens).

[HXC LOL]

Originally Posted by voltron @HXC LOL Oh believe me I know there are fast Gti's out there, just like there are plenty of fast cars period. My point I was trying to make was that the vast majority of gti owners, swear they got a factory racecar, and once it's got a few mods, watch the fuck out. I have yet to encounter a fast one out my way yet, but I've caught plenty of races with them out on the hwy. And as I said, yet to encounter a fast one.

I wasn't trying to say there are fast GTIs (there are, but that's not the point lol), I was just saying the majority of the VW community understand that they do not own a racecar.

What you're saying is true of any ricer in any community. We all have them lol.

Originally Posted by smurugby12 Respect to HXC LOL for being a classy VW owner. I would have swung the GTI way if it weren't for the lack of power and shoddy quality when the warranty expires (funny how that happens).

Thanks man!

That's why I was almost gonna trade it in and buy a 2012 Speed3. But it's almost paid off and I'm only 22, so instead of having to owe a bunch more money to get the Speed, I'm just gonna do a build and give you all a run for your money

[Voltron]

@HXC LOL

Well, I also commend you for being a classy owner. And props for owning one, and joining this forum lol.

[HXC LOL]

Lol thanks. IMO, this forum is more fun than GolfMKV.

Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

[CincySpeed3]

Originally Posted by Sondra Kelley I'm a General Sales Manager at a Mazda VW dealership and I'm on my 4th Mazda in a row. If i had ten bucks for every time I got a recall email or a tsb on my desk from VW I'd be retired laying on a beach being fanned with a peacock tail by a gorgeous man in a g string. Buy the Mazda.

Wow, this is telling. Kind of unrelated but my girlfriend drives a 2005 Beetle that has literally fallen apart.

edit: tried to delete this comment since I didn't see that this was over a page ago

[Sondra Kelley]

Originally Posted by CincySpeed3 Wow, this is telling. Kind of unrelated but my girlfriend drives a 2005 Beetle that has literally fallen apart. edit: tried to delete this comment since I didn't see that this was over a page ago

Those things should come with mandatory extended warranties. ... get her in a 3 :-)