Zoom or zoomier? Mazda3 vs. Mazda6

Posted by hpayne on February 8, 2014

The all-new 2014 Mazda6 will feature even more all-new groundbreaking technology. i-ELOOP, the world’s first capacitor-based brake energy regeneration system to power all the vehicle’s electrical systems, makes its global debut. The SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter clean diesel engine and the front collision-detecting Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system make their first appearance in North America. (Mazda)

“ZOOM ZOOM” reads the Mazda6 ad as I enter Laguna Seca racetrack — aka, the Mazda Raceway. Nothing shows the Japanese automaker’s commitment to selling sporty midsize sedans in the USA like its sponsorship of the legendary 11-turn roller coaster track on California’s’ Monterey Peninsula.

The 2014 Mazda6, as you may have heard, is the bomb.

It is Mazda’s new sleek, nimble-handling cure for the boring midsize sedan. It has us auto scribes in a swoon. We love it as much as the new sleek, nimble-handling cure for the boring compact car, the 2014 Mazda3. Indeed, as you descend into Mazda Raceway’s paddock what looks from a distance like rows of comely Mazda6 racing school cars are, in fact, rows of comely Mazda3 racing schools cars. The 3 and the 6 look uncannily similar until closer inspection reveals the 3’s shorter wheelbase and stubbier rear end.

“It’s the best handling small car I’ve driven,” says one Laguna Seca racing instructor. “It’s even better than the old 3.”

So why pay $21,000 for a base 6 over a $17,000 base 3? Or eight grand more for a loaded Mazda6 Grand Touring edition over a 3 Grand Touring? After all, compact cars have evolved. Compacts such as the 3s, Ford Focuses and Honda Civics are as big as 6s, Ford Tauruses and Honda Accords used to be. Which is why we now have subcompacts like Mazda 2s, Ford Fiestas, and Honda Fits. Roomy four-door compacts offer space, handling and fuel efficiency. And looks.

Which to buy? Let’s let the sibling rivals slug it out.

Mazda 3 GT (2.0 liter, $25,000)

The game is over before it’s begun, brother 6. They call you a 6, but you don’t offer a 6-cylinder engine like most midsize cars. So we’re both four-bangers. And your 2.5-liter four has only 30 more horses than my four. And I’m 400 pounds lighter in the butt. Do the math. I go 0-60 in 7.9 seconds — less than a second slower than your 7-flat. I handle better, I get better fuel economy. So why would a hard-working couple fork over $8,000 more for less than a second of acceleration time? Heck, they could buy a nice used 2008 Mazda6 for the money they save and have his and hers Mazdas in the garage.

Oh, I’m not done. Today’s compact is the new midsize. I’m as big as a 2003 Mazda6, can seat five and stow all the luggage for a road trip. And speaking of trips, I am loaded with features that make you think you’re in an Audi A4. I got an Audi-like rotary console nob that controls my touch screen, heated seats, keyless entry, dual climate control, leatherette seats (betcha can’t tell the difference), blind-spot monitoring, traction control, four-wheel disc brakes, rearview camera, and a kitchen sink (just kidding about that last one). And is that 30 horsepower really an issue? I’m optioned with the same 2.5-liter powerplant you have. Beat that.

Mazda6 GT (2.5 liter, $33,000)

Seriously? Just look at me. I’m beautiful. I’m the ultimate realization of Mazda’s Kodo design language. If Marilyn Monroe were a car, she’d be me. Sure, you’re not bad looking yourself, brother 3. The face, the flowing lines. Definitely a family resemblance. But that nose. It’s out of proportion to the rest of your body. You look like that Doberhuahua from the Super Bowl commercial. I’m gonna call you Big Nose.

Remember, little brother — size matters. You’re a C segment platform and I’m a D segment. I have more cubic feet of backseat space than you or a BMW 3-series. And I come loaded with all the electronics that you’ve got — plus luxury upgrades such as variable cruise control and rear cross traffic alert system found in a 3-series. But a Bimmer buyer won’t give you a second look, Big Nose, whereas he’ll fall in love with me. I’m prettier, roomier, e-outfitted, and equipped with real leather (yes, they can tell the difference) — all for 10 grand less than a BMW. I’m the affordable luxury buyer’s dream. You’re good, kid, but you’re coach class. With my looks, I scream First Class.

And by the way, don’t knock my fuel efficiency. My 40 mpg highway is almost your 41 — plus 30 horses.

Conclusion

Okay, okay, boys. Stand down. That’s good stuff. Let me just say it’s nice to hear you Mazda guys talking about good looks. After those last-generation Jack o’ Lantern faces of yours, I was worried you had lost your aesthetic perspective.

So there you have it, folks. Three plus six equals a wealth of choice. As for me? I choose 3 because I want to throw that short-wheel base through some Mazda Raceway corners.

 

Comments are closed.