330I or MazdaSpeed 6

FNV · 10-30-2005, 06:33 PM

Hello guys, I'm usually more of a reader of these threads than a writer, however just when I thought I've made up my mind about getting a 330I with Sport Package, I saw the new MazdaSpeed 6 which has 274 HP and its AWD and approx. $15 Cdn cheaper than a new 330I.

My question: Is this Mazda even worth looking at when considering price, reliability, and performance wise? I'm not sure how reliable the turbo charged engine would be when compared to the E90's inline 6.

If anyone has any thoughts on this it would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance.

MAlby7 · 10-30-2005, 06:34 PM

I am in the same dilemma as you. More power, more torque, more drive wheels but the Mazdaspeed 6 is just not a BMW!

stressdoc · 10-30-2005, 06:36 PM

Apples & oranges. Go drive each. The mazda is more of a sedate evo or sti than a BMW. Each has their niche, see if the glove fits. I would prefer an Acura or Honda if you are going the fwd route.

visor · 10-30-2005, 06:47 PM

Is that a typo?
I don't know about you, but for $15CDN more, I'd rather drive the 330i.

benoitch · 10-30-2005, 06:55 PM

Mazda are great cars. But I would never, EVER, pay that much for a Mazda. We have a Mazda 3 Sport and I really like it. But no Mazda is worth more than 40k $ Cdn IMO. Resale value, long term commitment to high performance cars, luxury and quality of materials, ....

Please don't compare. If you want mostly HP's and electronic equip't, then maybe , but don't disregard the Acura which are most propably more reliable and better built. Otherwise, BMW is in a trend of its own.

My 2 cents.. (Cdn)

FNV · 10-30-2005, 07:04 PM

I would normally never compare a Mazda to a BMW, however looking at the MazdaSpeed it offers great luxury, AWD, and performance. Reliability has been great on the Mazda 6, however I'm not sure how reliable the turbo would be?
The MazdaSpeed offers keyless access, 18inch wheels, sport suspension, all at $38 Cdn. I agree that BMW is in a different league, especially tech wise. I will test drive the MazdaSpeed tomorrow, and I think that will help with my decision.
On the other hand I've always owned japanese cars, and I really want to own a BMW, especially after test driving the 330i SP. I will decide after tomorrow's test drive.
Thanks for your replies.

thd13 · 10-30-2005, 08:33 PM

These really are two different types of automobiles to compare. BMW is much more affluent and you will get more recognition with it. But I don't know if that is what you want or not. Mazda might have the power but what other "luxury" itmes does it have?

No offense to anyone with a Mazda, but I don't consider any Mazda vehicle to be luxurious. BMW is always at the top of the list for luxury. It depends on what type of vehicle you want and the image you desire.

darkside · 10-30-2005, 08:42 PM

I just bought my daughter a Mazda 3 with the 2.3 liter engine and 17" wheels, etc,etc.
I am shocked at how much I like this car. Lot of car for the money and fun to drive. And the Velocity Red on Black leather is a really sporty look. I purchased a Mazda Tribute for my other daughter about a year and a half ago. Less issues than with my BMW's (01 530i and 03 M3), but not a BMWs. There is just something about the BMW driving experience - 330i on order.

roburado · 10-30-2005, 09:03 PM

Yeah...recently, I just rode in a Mazda 6 and a Mazda 3. Of course, it was probably the cheapest 6 he could have gotten, but...that Mazda 3 is really nice for an econo box. Lots of BMW styling cues. Reminds me of the 1er.

ward · 10-30-2005, 10:40 PM

mazda 6 all the way!!

ON325i · 10-30-2005, 10:50 PM

If it is the same price, BMW all the way. Mazda is all good and well within its own rights. But it is *still* a Mazda and its reputation just does not live up to that price. This is similar to a decision between two same priced Honda and Acura, itz a branding decision to me...

BMW Lawman · 10-31-2005, 03:27 AM

I own a 2003 Mazda 6. There is no comparison between my Mazda and the many E90's I have test driven.....thats why I have a BMW on order. Even if they boost the power and make it an all wheel drive, the quality still won't be there. I have had many problems with my 6.....can't wait for it to go away.

lux.sh · 10-31-2005, 03:33 AM

Mazda 6 and Mazdaspeed 6 is different beast from what I heard. Mazdaspeed 6 is a very well-made performance oriented vehicle according to many reviews. But debating whether you should get BMW or Mazda is quite.. rare comparison.

Test drive both, see which one suits your needs.

jsama · 10-31-2005, 05:43 AM

Better 330i Without doubting it, olvidate of turbos that with time give problems. The deportivdad of bmw is imcoparable, the propulsion the 6 cylinders in line and the chassis of bmw you would haran to you to enjoy.

HAdi · 10-31-2005, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TB

Hello guys, I'm usually more of a reader of these threads than a writer, however just when I thought I've made up my mind about getting a 330I with Sport Package, I saw the new MazdaSpeed 6 which has 274 HP and its AWD and approx. $15 Cdn cheaper than a new 330I.

My question: Is this Mazda even worth looking at when considering price, reliability, and performance wise? I'm not sure how reliable the turbo charged engine would be when compared to the E90's inline 6.

If anyone has any thoughts on this it would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance.

are you kidding me???..last thing i would ever expect Mazda VS Bmw
say something make a little sense,and i am getting sick of these people comparing these japanese crap to the bmws and audis.

ben1364 · 10-31-2005, 06:00 AM

HAdi wrote in part, "...and i am getting sick of these people comparing these japanese crap to the bmws and audis."
__________________________________________________ __
First, several Japanese brands have far better reputations for reliability that Audi and BMW. Second the thread originator asked for thoughts and suggestions about one particular car built in Japan ve. one particular BMW series.

As others have pointed out, if someone is trying to decide between two (or more) makes/models, a prudent thing to do is drive them under similar conditions which replicate the the person's real world enviornment.

There are very few truly bad cars anymore. What is best for one person may not be satisfactory to another.

ase2dais · 10-31-2005, 06:02 AM

I've owned a mazda, but it was long ago, they are very reliable cars. but I will not compare it side by side to a BMW. Sure it has alot of bells and whistles, but only to lure people, for you see, it worked on you, didnt it.

After the glory days has passed by, you have a car people wont even remember, thereby resale may not be a good, and see more of in cartrader magazine, or auction block.

Unlike BMW, w/c people can remember as the top performer of Oct06 Car and Driver Magazine, that you can always brag about. BMW resale is much better, plus you'll have a better classic car.

But of crse, the question here is not wether which one is better, but how much money you're willing to spend. Value wise you'll get more from a mazda, but its a Mazda.

BMW gives you more prestige.

ScotyH · 10-31-2005, 07:42 AM

I was flipping through a Consumer Reports at Chapters the other day and they had a list of some of the most unreliable cars for the past year . Mazda 6 was one of them . MB had three models in there as well.

LEDZEP · 10-31-2005, 07:48 AM

If the Mazda does not have steering wheel shimmy, buy it. They might also think more of their customers than to produce a beta version of the car and sell it at full price like BMW does. I'll bet all the features work.

ase2dais · 10-31-2005, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScotyH

I was flipping through a Consumer Reports at Chapters the other day and they had a list of some of the most unreliable cars for the past year . Mazda 6 was one of them . MB had three models in there as well.

like i said "it was long ago", might not make it, like they used to.
New car, new bugs.

prolix21 · 10-31-2005, 08:03 AM

I looked at the 6 a while back when I bought my TSX and even compared to a TSX the 6 was a piece of crap. Comparing it to a BMW is even more out of whack.

What really got me about the 6 was the terribly cheap interior. It was all hard plastic and from what I read back then the thing was a rattlebox and got worse every day you drove it. Comparing a Mazda (ANY Mazda, I don't care how much HP it has) is a total joke.

MAlby7 · 10-31-2005, 08:15 AM

I'm pretty sure that there will be way more 3 series in the autotrader in the next few years that mazdaspeed 6's because it is a limited production car. The Speed6 is hand built in Japan from what I believe not like the rest who are built in the states (this is what I'm told). Because of this quality will be much higher eventhough the normal mazda 6 is pretty damn reliable.

As far as luxury goes, the Mazdaspeed 6 has a lot of the same things the BMW 3er has:

- Leather Seats
- 6 Speed Tranny
- Torque Splitting AWD (Same system the $70,00Cdn Acura RL has)
- Xenon Lights
- 18" Wheels
- Spoiler and more defined Bumpers
- Dual Exhaust
- Better Gas Mileage (Mazda from what I'm told)

Those are some of the main things I remember. The fully loaded Mazdaspeed 6 is under $39,000Cdn whereas a comparable 3er is well over $50,000. I know it's apples and oranges but is over $11,000 enough to even the comparison?

10-30-2005, 06:33 PM	#1
FNV Private First Class 14 Rep 111 Posts Drives: 330xi Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ottawa iTrader: (0)	330I or MazdaSpeed 6 Hello guys, I'm usually more of a reader of these threads than a writer, however just when I thought I've made up my mind about getting a 330I with Sport Package, I saw the new MazdaSpeed 6 which has 274 HP and its AWD and approx. $15 Cdn cheaper than a new 330I. My question: Is this Mazda even worth looking at when considering price, reliability, and performance wise? I'm not sure how reliable the turbo charged engine would be when compared to the E90's inline 6. If anyone has any thoughts on this it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.
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10-30-2005, 06:34 PM	#2
MAlby7 E90 Newbie 6 Rep 97 Posts Drives: Ford Focus ZX3 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	I am in the same dilemma as you. More power, more torque, more drive wheels but the Mazdaspeed 6 is just not a BMW!
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10-30-2005, 06:36 PM	#3
stressdoc Moderator 617 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Apples & oranges. Go drive each. The mazda is more of a sedate evo or sti than a BMW. Each has their niche, see if the glove fits. I would prefer an Acura or Honda if you are going the fwd route.
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10-30-2005, 06:47 PM	#4
visor BMW, can I have some LSD please? 88 Rep 1,591 Posts Drives: 2017 F30 340i xDrive Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Vancouver, Canada iTrader: (0)	Is that a typo? I don't know about you, but for $15CDN more, I'd rather drive the 330i. __________________ 2006 330i \| TiAg \| Black \| Al \| 6MT \| Sports Package \| Logic 7 retired 2008 335i \| AW \| Black \| Al \| 6MT \| Sports Package \| Logic 7 retired 2013 328xi \| Red \| Gray \| Al \| 8AT \| Sports Line \| Premium \| Executive \| Heat Pkg retired 2017 340i xDrive \| Estoril \| Black \| Al \| 8AT \| M Package
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10-30-2005, 06:55 PM	#5
benoitch Captain 19 Rep 959 Posts Drives: E90 330i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Great white North of Montreal iTrader: (0)	Mazda are great cars. But I would never, EVER, pay that much for a Mazda. We have a Mazda 3 Sport and I really like it. But no Mazda is worth more than 40k $ Cdn IMO. Resale value, long term commitment to high performance cars, luxury and quality of materials, .... Please don't compare. If you want mostly HP's and electronic equip't, then maybe , but don't disregard the Acura which are most propably more reliable and better built. Otherwise, BMW is in a trend of its own. My 2 cents.. (Cdn) __________________ E90 SG,SP, Manual,PP,Terra http://www.benoitchampagne.com
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10-30-2005, 07:04 PM	#6
FNV Private First Class 14 Rep 111 Posts Drives: 330xi Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ottawa iTrader: (0)	I would normally never compare a Mazda to a BMW, however looking at the MazdaSpeed it offers great luxury, AWD, and performance. Reliability has been great on the Mazda 6, however I'm not sure how reliable the turbo would be? The MazdaSpeed offers keyless access, 18inch wheels, sport suspension, all at $38 Cdn. I agree that BMW is in a different league, especially tech wise. I will test drive the MazdaSpeed tomorrow, and I think that will help with my decision. On the other hand I've always owned japanese cars, and I really want to own a BMW, especially after test driving the 330i SP. I will decide after tomorrow's test drive. Thanks for your replies.
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10-30-2005, 08:33 PM	#7
thd13 Major 46 Rep 1,445 Posts Drives: A07 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Murrland iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	These really are two different types of automobiles to compare. BMW is much more affluent and you will get more recognition with it. But I don't know if that is what you want or not. Mazda might have the power but what other "luxury" itmes does it have? No offense to anyone with a Mazda, but I don't consider any Mazda vehicle to be luxurious. BMW is always at the top of the list for luxury. It depends on what type of vehicle you want and the image you desire. __________________ My other ride is your mom.
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10-30-2005, 08:42 PM	#8
darkside Private First Class 4 Rep 120 Posts Drives: 07 e90 335 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Seattle, Wa. iTrader: (0)	I just bought my daughter a Mazda 3 with the 2.3 liter engine and 17" wheels, etc,etc. I am shocked at how much I like this car. Lot of car for the money and fun to drive. And the Velocity Red on Black leather is a really sporty look. I purchased a Mazda Tribute for my other daughter about a year and a half ago. Less issues than with my BMW's (01 530i and 03 M3), but not a BMWs. There is just something about the BMW driving experience - 330i on order.
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10-30-2005, 09:03 PM	#9
roburado Lieutenant 36 Rep 446 Posts Drives: '03 Passat, '09 Cayman S Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Troy, MI iTrader: (0) Garage List 1991 318is [0.00]	Yeah...recently, I just rode in a Mazda 6 and a Mazda 3. Of course, it was probably the cheapest 6 he could have gotten, but...that Mazda 3 is really nice for an econo box. Lots of BMW styling cues. Reminds me of the 1er. __________________ E30 1991 318is, Red on Black Leatherette Family History: Two E21 320i, One E28 535is, One E34 535i, One E34 540i
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10-30-2005, 10:40 PM	#10
ward Major General 155 Rep 6,158 Posts Drives: F Join Date: May 2005 Location: T iTrader: (0)	mazda 6 all the way!!
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10-30-2005, 10:50 PM	#11
ON325i Captain 18 Rep 740 Posts Drives: e90 325i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 e90 325i [0.00]	If it is the same price, BMW all the way. Mazda is all good and well within its own rights. But it is still a Mazda and its reputation just does not live up to that price. This is similar to a decision between two same priced Honda and Acura, itz a branding decision to me... __________________ e90 325i Jet Black / Sports Pkg / Auto
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10-31-2005, 03:27 AM	#12
BMW Lawman Supreme Commander of Allied Forces 24 Rep 283 Posts Drives: 2012 335i Sport Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Oregon iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW 335i F30 [0.00]	I own a 2003 Mazda 6. There is no comparison between my Mazda and the many E90's I have test driven.....thats why I have a BMW on order. Even if they boost the power and make it an all wheel drive, the quality still won't be there. I have had many problems with my 6.....can't wait for it to go away. __________________
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10-31-2005, 03:33 AM	#13
lux.sh missing two turbos. 577 Rep 4,859 Posts Drives: fast around corners. Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Curves iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 BMW E90 330i [0.00]	Mazda 6 and Mazdaspeed 6 is different beast from what I heard. Mazdaspeed 6 is a very well-made performance oriented vehicle according to many reviews. But debating whether you should get BMW or Mazda is quite.. rare comparison. Test drive both, see which one suits your needs. __________________ 06 AW E90 330i ZPP/ZSP/Step/Expired Warranty : Prior Design Front : ACS Rear : ACS Roof : BlackLines : Simota Intake : Carbon Fiber Interior Trim : : MTEC V3 : 24% Charcoal : V1 Hardwired : Solaris Invisibulbs/LED interior :
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10-31-2005, 05:43 AM	#14
jsama Enlisted Member 1 Rep 37 Posts Drives: BMW E90 320I Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Madrid ( spain ) iTrader: (0)	Better 330i Without doubting it, olvidate of turbos that with time give problems. The deportivdad of bmw is imcoparable, the propulsion the 6 cylinders in line and the chassis of bmw you would haran to you to enjoy.
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10-31-2005, 06:00 AM	#16
ben1364 Captain 14 Rep 940 Posts Drives: E90 330iA Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Georgetown, TX iTrader: (0)	HAdi wrote in part, "...and i am getting sick of these people comparing these japanese crap to the bmws and audis." __________________________________________________ __ First, several Japanese brands have far better reputations for reliability that Audi and BMW. Second the thread originator asked for thoughts and suggestions about one particular car built in Japan ve. one particular BMW series. As others have pointed out, if someone is trying to decide between two (or more) makes/models, a prudent thing to do is drive them under similar conditions which replicate the the person's real world enviornment. There are very few truly bad cars anymore. What is best for one person may not be satisfactory to another.
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10-31-2005, 06:02 AM	#17
ase2dais //Mdicted 346 Rep 9,988 Posts Drives: a Cop Magnet Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: 495 Ring iTrader: (18) Garage List 2009 e92 M3 DCT CF ... [10.00] 2015 S-Works Roubaix [0.00] 2013 Trek Madone 5.9 [9.50] 2012 Scott - CR1-Pro [10.00] 2008 e92 M3 6MT (Up ... [10.00] 2002 e46 M3 Cabriol ... [7.00] 2006 e90-325i (DD) [7.00] 2002 e39 M5 (retired) [9.50]	I've owned a mazda, but it was long ago, they are very reliable cars. but I will not compare it side by side to a BMW. Sure it has alot of bells and whistles, but only to lure people, for you see, it worked on you, didnt it. After the glory days has passed by, you have a car people wont even remember, thereby resale may not be a good, and see more of in cartrader magazine, or auction block. Unlike BMW, w/c people can remember as the top performer of Oct06 Car and Driver Magazine, that you can always brag about. BMW resale is much better, plus you'll have a better classic car. But of crse, the question here is not wether which one is better, but how much money you're willing to spend. Value wise you'll get more from a mazda, but its a Mazda. BMW gives you more prestige. __________________ Oo\(lll)'(lll)/oO : 2009-e92 ///M3 SpaceGry DCT CF Rf/Trim ZTP ZPP ZCW Sat/PrmSd : \_lOOl___lOOl_/<< Clickies Last edited by ase2dais; 10-31-2005 at 08:06 AM..
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10-31-2005, 07:42 AM	#18
ScotyH Bimmer me up 19 Rep 340 Posts Drives: 08 M3, 2010 GTR Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Edmonton,AB iTrader: (0)	I was flipping through a Consumer Reports at Chapters the other day and they had a list of some of the most unreliable cars for the past year . Mazda 6 was one of them . MB had three models in there as well.
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10-31-2005, 07:48 AM	#19
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 417 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	If the Mazda does not have steering wheel shimmy, buy it. They might also think more of their customers than to produce a beta version of the car and sell it at full price like BMW does. I'll bet all the features work. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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10-31-2005, 08:03 AM	#21
prolix21 Second Lieutenant 30 Rep 233 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW X3 xDrive30i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fort Collins iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i zsp (sold) [0.00] 2020 X3 xDrive30i [0.00]	I looked at the 6 a while back when I bought my TSX and even compared to a TSX the 6 was a piece of crap. Comparing it to a BMW is even more out of whack. What really got me about the 6 was the terribly cheap interior. It was all hard plastic and from what I read back then the thing was a rattlebox and got worse every day you drove it. Comparing a Mazda (ANY Mazda, I don't care how much HP it has) is a total joke.
	Appreciate 0

10-31-2005, 08:15 AM	#22
MAlby7 E90 Newbie 6 Rep 97 Posts Drives: Ford Focus ZX3 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	I'm pretty sure that there will be way more 3 series in the autotrader in the next few years that mazdaspeed 6's because it is a limited production car. The Speed6 is hand built in Japan from what I believe not like the rest who are built in the states (this is what I'm told). Because of this quality will be much higher eventhough the normal mazda 6 is pretty damn reliable. As far as luxury goes, the Mazdaspeed 6 has a lot of the same things the BMW 3er has: - Leather Seats - 6 Speed Tranny - Torque Splitting AWD (Same system the $70,00Cdn Acura RL has) - Xenon Lights - 18" Wheels - Spoiler and more defined Bumpers - Dual Exhaust - Better Gas Mileage (Mazda from what I'm told) Those are some of the main things I remember. The fully loaded Mazdaspeed 6 is under $39,000Cdn whereas a comparable 3er is well over $50,000. I know it's apples and oranges but is over $11,000 enough to even the comparison?
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