G35, or save some money and get a Mazdaspeed3?

[mikepro]

So, I've been on this forum for a while reading about the G. Drove it a few weeks back. Sweet car, nice value, (especially compared to BMW 335i). Only thing holding me back has been waiting for VPP pricing, and a few reservations about the car. Some reservations I have are wish the rear seats folded down, not sure if I want the manual (concerned about shifter vibrations, not great clutch/shift action), music box limitations. Also, wish the auto was a 6 speed.

Anyways, I really like the G.... but, last night I went and checked out a Mazdaspeed3. (Rode in with salesman, will get to drive it tonight). I have to say, as a whole, the car is a compelling package for the price, (much like the G).

I wish that the cabin was a bit quieter, and there was less road noise. (I'm coming from a Volvo S60 2.5T now, so it is a pretty quiet car). Still, I think that would just fade to the background. I definitely need to drive the speed3, get a sense for how it feels, shifts, and see how bad the torque steer is, ride quality, etc. Hopefully I'll judge it acceptable as a daily driver. I also want to see how nimble the Mazda feels, my Volvo is kind of a boat with a lousy turning radius. It was certainly a blast to ride in, seats felt great, nice power, etc.


But, I'm trying to decide if I should get the speed3, or spend the extra 7-10 grand and get a G35 or G35x. The speed3 offers a lot of nice features for 25k, (263 HP, 280lbft torque, HID's, rain sensing wipers, bose stereo, etc), but not quite to the extent of the G35, especially the techno packed version. The G35 has awesome power, great driving dynamics, RWD, and certainly a step up in the luxury department over the Mazda. The speed3 has more utility being a hatch, and having the ability to fold the rear seats down, and also is no slouch in the power and driving dynamic dept. Wish the seats folded down in the G. I sometimes need to haul long pieces of lumber for my woodworking hobby. I can live without that ability if I had too, (that's what friends' cars are for!).

I want something that is more fun to drive than my Volvo, but I do like the luxury touches and upscale bits it has to offer. Some of these I would lose in the speed3, (quietness, smoother ride). Just not sure I like these features to the tune of an extra 7 to 10 grand. The extra cost isn't really a problem, as I could afford it, since it is close to what I'm paying for my Volvo now. Still, saving some money is always nice. I certainly wouldn't mind having that money in the bank.

I like the image of the Infiniti, seems to be a bit more mature than the speed3. Worried that the speed3 would have a bit of a rice racer image. I like the look of both cars. But, if the speed3 is just as much fun to drive, can meet all of my needs, it seems like it might be the smarter choice.

Any comments or advice? What would you guys do? Thanks!

[GEE35FX]

Hehe, Bad place to ask that question, I think it is obvious what most of the peeps here will say. G35
It's what you really want though it's your decision. I just purchased my second G and I love it.

[mikepro]

Yeah, I know people here will be biased. But, I'm sure some have wrestled with a similar situation of practicality, price, etc. Some have probably even driven both. Ultimately I have to decide, just wondering what other peeps are thinking.

[John105]

I've read nothing but good things about the speed3. I'm going to go and drive it, and the 6man G35 still needs to be done too. If I can, I may try tomorrow, but it's supposed to rain. I find the only way to really give an informed opinion is to have driven these cars.....I love the price of the Mazda. The only negative thing I've heard is torque steer.

[TBone24]

The Mazdaspeed3 is a great drivers car for sure ... but its more of a Subaru WRX or Volkswagen GTI competitor, don't you think? Especially since its a hatchback. So you're looking at an entry level luxury sedan vs a premium boy racer hatchback. You can argue that either one is just about best in its class, just depends on what class you go with.

For me, I don't care if its faster than a ferrari, I'm not rolling in a Mazda3, just like I wouldn't drive a WRX. Of course, if I was still a high school or college age kid, my answer would be different ...

[tmf2004]

You will have to decide after you drive the Mazdaspeed3 to see what you really want. My GF has the new mazda 3 and yes there is a bit of road noise inside the cabin but for the most part its a great little car and the rear seats and hatch are so convient to hall things.. I personally like the Speed3 myself. I don't know how i would like driving a manual here in FL but that car has some nice features, turbo, hid's, nice interior, hatchback, 18's etc...

I think you wouldn't go wrong with either car but you and i know that the G will hold its value longer but its also 7-10k more like you said..

Keep us posted... This is interesting...

T

[G35Now!]

My reservations would be:

a) FWD and lots of HP in my last car drove me to RWD only on my next one (went from a Maxima to the G). Not a fan of torque steer, throttle-induced understeer, or acceleration handicaps due to weight shift)
b) Don't know how much the 3 actually costs, but I test drove the Mitsu Lancer MR edition (was deciding between fast/serious handling and fast/luxury) and it was freakin' fast, handled like it was glued to the road, and surprisingly nice inside. I'd go there based on your description.

Good luck!

[mikepro]

I'm hoping that the torque steer is not too bad. It does have an LSD, and some torque management strategies in lower gears to help manage that. I'll just have to drive it and see.

Tbone, you make a good point. I think one of my reservations with the speed3 might be the image it projects. Maybe that is shallow or something, but there it is. However, I do really like the speed3, the versatility of the hatch, and it's value proposition. If it gives my close to the driving fun and satisfaction of the G, then I need to think hard on the other factors, and what I value. (Cost vs. luxury, resale value, image, etc).

Sure, they are different cars or different classes, but they are conflicting the crap out of me. One thing that would help push me towards the G is if I knew when VPP pricing was going to be available on it.

[John105]

Originally Posted by mikepro

I'm hoping that the torque steer is not too bad. It does have an LSD, and some torque management strategies in lower gears to help manage that. I'll just have to drive it and see.

Tbone, you make a good point. I think one of my reservations with the speed3 might be the image it projects. Maybe that is shallow or something, but there it is. However, I do really like the speed3, the versatility of the hatch, and it's value proposition. If it gives my close to the driving fun and satisfaction of the G, then I need to think hard on the other factors, and what I value. (Cost vs. luxury, resale value, image, etc).

Sure, they are different cars or different classes, but they are conflicting the crap out of me. One thing that would help push me towards the G is if I knew when VPP pricing was going to be available on it.

Nothing wrong with image, that's realistic. That's why I never considered the WRX STi. I really love that car--but I don't think it would fit the image that I think I should have at my age. The G35 would be fine (coupe if the new one were available). Even though I've already made my purchase, I'm planning on driving the new G35 again today to try to get another objective look.

One last thing, if cost matters and what you really want seems out of your reach right now, put the car off for a year. imho the wait will be well worth it.

[Greatwars]

The way I think, both cars can be mods. But it's easier to mod the engine than the look (exterior). I would rather pay more to have sex with a pretty girl than to save some $$$ and have sex with so-so girl ... the experience is different

[bassholic]

I'd go with the Speed 3

[Picus]

I have a hard time with FWD cars. If you don't drive it very hard then I guess it's a non-issue, but regardless of torque management and LSD it's still going to be an understeering FWD car.

[Knightt]

Originally Posted by picus112

I have a hard time with FWD cars. If you don't drive it very hard then I guess it's a non-issue, but regardless of torque management and LSD it's still going to be an understeering FWD car.

+1

I love the confidence and accelerating through the turns with RWD, you just don't get that with FWD cars unless you're just cruising along...

[mikepro]

Well, test drove the Mazdaspeed3 a couple of days ago. I was very impressed by it. It is fast as hell, and handles quite well. Very nice stick, clutch feel much better than the speed6 I drove a few months ago. I was pleasantly surprised by the minimal torque steer. The LSD must help a lot with that. The only time I had any real problems with it was under hard acceleration on really bumpy roads, then the front end got pretty squirrely. Pleasant exhaust and engine sound.

The interior was also pretty nice, (I drove the Grand Touring version). All in all, it is a pretty compelling package. You get a lot of features for the money. But... in the end I decided 1.) I didn't want a bright red car, and 2.) I didn't want a hatch back.

I just wanted something more refined. So.... on a whim I emailed me dealer to see if/when he knew VPP supplier pricing would be available. I said I wanted to wait for that, and didn't want to may more than $1000 over invoice. He emailed me back that he would do that for me, and sent me a link to their inventory! So, I am now the proud owner of a blue slate/stone G35x with premium package. (I might have taken Nav/Tech if they had any available, but I don't need anything those offer, and not getting them saved me 3k).

I'm happy!

[Greatwars]

Congrats and welcome to the family
Ya, I also hate hatch-back myself thus I pointed about its exterior looks ... most of us here choose G mostly coz of its look