Mazda3 Sport GT or Subaru Impreza 2.5RS Sport?

[Qube]

Assuming they are essentially outfitted the same (ie, A/C, moonroof...), major differences notwithstanding (all-wheel drive).

Given if price was very nearly the same, which would you choose? Fire away!

"IMHO, the Impreza may perform better, but the Mazda3 Sport is... decked out a bit better in terms of styling. Now this may not be true if we compared it to the WRX STi for example, but IMHO in this case. Your opinions?

I assume the Impreza holds it's value a bit better in the long run?"

Does either vehicle hold enough value to be a viable 36/48mo lease option?

[champ91]

sabaru, i hv a mazda car, not great experience w/ it

just my opinion

[scarface]

id take either,subaru is probably faster, but there both pretty nice cars

[manixc]

Subaru, because of AWD

[Qube]

IMHO, the Impreza may perform better, but the Mazda3 Sport is... decked out a bit better in terms of styling. Now this may not be true if we compared it to the WRX STi for example, but IMHO in this case. Your opinions?

I assume the Impreza holds it's value a bit better in the long run?

[JayPatel]

Mazda3, but im kinda partial to it since I own the Mazda6 Sport

[DavidY]

IMO, I think that the base model of the Subaru Impreza 2.5 is among the best valued vehicles to boot in the low $20,000 range (for a new car purchase)....AWD is worth having too. I would pick the Subie over the Mazda3. The Mazda3 is no slouch either.

Dave

[plucky duck]

Subaru because of AWD as well.

[warpdrive]

Hmm tough choice

I drive a 2002 WRX, and I love it, but the Mazda 3 is a great car.

The Mazda 3 looks better, and feels more upscale. The engine is smoother, and the ride and comfort is top notch. It *feels* more expensive than it is. Subarus (except the new Legacy) have always felt a bit more mechanical, a bit more raw.

But I wouldn't give that up for AWD. After owning a bunch of FWD cars, and buying a Subaru, I can say that I will never buy a FWD car again...AWD is just so much more fun.

However, if you're considering the RS sedan, the Mazda 3 hatchback, the Mazda 3 wins out in usefulness to haul bulky items.

Reliability wise, both should be pretty good. Not Toyota or Honda class, but still above average. Parts and service costs for both cars are a bit higher than average, but comparable.

So the Subaru wins out due to AWD. I feel everybody should own an AWD car, you may never go back to FWD.

[Qube]

The Mazda 3 looks better, and feels more upscale... Subarus... have always felt a bit more mechanical, a bit more raw.

That's exactly what I'm thinking

I like the sound of the boxer engine.

[vacitah]

does AWD give better 'performence' in the snow than the FWD and does ABS help

[terribly]

Oh what I wouldn't give for a Subaru WRX ...

Or any WRX for that matter.

And yes - AWD will perform better (faster, possibly handle better) so long as you don't punch the gas and send it sideways out of a corner

[junglebass]

does AWD give better 'performence' in the snow than the FWD and does ABS help

AWD give better 'performence' when the road has less traction ie. wet, snow, gravel... also much easier to "lunch" awd cars

i love rwd tho, and twisty roads

had two fwd and dont think ill ever buy another unless forced somehow


so id pick the SUBI, wanted the sti for years, but now id rather get EVO RS
comeon lotterie

[sixer]

Mazda.

Subaru is very expensive to fix when stuff starts to break down.

[Qube]

Mazda.

Subaru is very expensive to fix when stuff starts to break down.

I've heard contrary (Mazda3 more in this case), but comment noted