Mazda 3 or Mitsubishi Lancer?

[RoyTheHammer]

Anyone have experience or knowledge of the newer models of these autos? Im talking 2010 to present models. Was interested in getting some opinions on features, comfort, performance, handling, etc.. Any info would be appriciated. Thanks.

 

[kapolani]

I don't know anything about the Mazda.

Are you looking at the Lancer Evolution model? The AWD turbo version?

I had a 2005 Evo 8. Awesome car. Handles extremely well in all conditions. Takes to modifications really well. Base HP was 286. Very easy to modify the car and get 400HP out of it.

I drove the car like I stole it. Never had a problem. Very stout engine and drive train.

 

[RoyTheHammer]

I don't know anything about the Mazda.

Are you looking at the Lancer Evolution model? The AWD turbo version?

I had a 2005 Evo 8. Awesome car. Handles extremely well in all conditions. Takes to modifications really well. Base HP was 286. Very easy to modify the car and get 400HP out of it.

I drove the car like I stole it. Never had a problem. Very stout engine and drive train.

Thanks for the info kap, i'll have to look into the Evo models. Sounds like a car i could grow to love very quickly.

 

[Aikmaniac]

Thanks for the info kap, i'll have to look into the Evo models. Sounds like a car i could grow to love very quickly.

Don't forget the WRX STI my friend.

 

[kapolani]

Don't forget the WRX STI my friend.

Love the STi as well. Almost bought one not too long ago - got a Tacoma instead.

I'm a car nut/modder. Only thing I don't like about the STi is that it costs an arm and a leg to coax more HP out of it.

 

[Dallas]

Don't forget the WRX STI my friend.

The only car I will ever buy again would be a Suby WRX STI.

Fantastic autos. They ain't cheap though.

 

[Aikmaniac]

Love the STi as well. Almost bought one not too long ago - got a Tacoma instead.

I'm a car nut/modder. Only thing I don't like about the STi is that it costs an arm and a leg to coax more HP out of it.

Gotcha. It is expensive, but for the base STI, you can have a ton of fun for $32k.

I still smile all the time while driving my 05.

Competition is fierce now in that price range now though. Camaros, Mustangs, etc. are all putting out 400 hp for around $35k.

 

[viman96]

If you consider the STi then definitely look at 2011+ because they really improved the steering. Same with the WRX and the HP increased due to a bigger turbo.

Hard to compare the Mazda 3 to the Lancer. Unless you meant the Mazdaspeed 3, the Mazda is a NA FWD and the Lancer is Turbo AWD. Driving characteristics will be completely different. The Lancer like the WRX recently had a HP increase but forgot which year but that is definitely something you want to look into.

 

[RoyTheHammer]

If you consider the STi then definitely look at 2011+ because they really improved the steering. Same with the WRX and the HP increased due to a bigger turbo.

Hard to compare the Mazda 3 to the Lancer. Unless you meant the Mazdaspeed 3, the Mazda is a NA FWD and the Lancer is Turbo AWD. Driving characteristics will be completely different. The Lancer like the WRX recently had a HP increase but forgot which year but that is definitely something you want to look into.

Appriciate the info, my friend. Im not a "car guy" by any means, but the 3 and the lancer are two that have stuck out to me as far as style. Just wanted to get some informed opinions on their performance and features and that sort of thing. From what im hearing so far, the Lancer is the far better performance vehicle.

 

[viman96]

Better can be very subjective Best way to find out is take both for a test drive to see which you like more.

BTW I was confusing the Lancer with the Lancer Ralliart in my previous post. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[Doomsday]

The Mazda handles really well but lacks some of the get up and go. I would test drive them and see which one feels better.

 

[RoyTheHammer]

The Mazda handles really well but lacks some of the get up and go. I would test drive them and see which one feels better.

Thanks, doom, and thanks to vinman as well. I appriciate any and all info. First time car buyer so i need all the help i can get haha.

 

[5Stars]

Thanks, doom, and thanks to vinman as well. I appriciate any and all info. First time car buyer so i need all the help i can get haha.

I'll chime in on this, but, if you can afford it, get a WRX from Subaru. Those cars are some of the best out there and they last long, look good, and are fast little buggers.

 

[RoyTheHammer]

I'll chime in on this, but, if you can afford it, get a WRX from Subaru. Those cars are some of the best out there and they last long, look good, and are fast little buggers.

Haha, that has been the suggestion of a few in this thread now, 5star. I took it to be a performance type vehicle obviously, but i didn't think they'd last very long. You say they are pretty sturdily built? Its a bit more than i wanted to spend, assuming they are in the 30,000-40,000 range, but if they are pretty reliable and last a good amount of time, it might be worth going up for.

 

[5Stars]

Haha, that has been the suggestion of a few in this thread now, 5star. I took it to be a performance type vehicle obviously, but i didn't think they'd last very long. You say they are pretty sturdily built? Its a bit more than i wanted to spend, assuming they are in the 30,000-40,000 range, but if they are pretty reliable and last a good amount of time, it might be worth going up for.

I don't know where you live. But, you can get a used WRX with 25,000 miles on it a little more, and if the body is not bad? You might be able to snag a cool *** car around ten grand or so..maybe thirteen or so.

They last a long time...plus, they look good on the road. Look around for some of those.

 

[RoyTheHammer]

I don't know where you live. But, you can get a used WRX with 25,000 miles on it a little more, and if the body is not bad? You might be able to snag a cool *** car around ten grand or so..maybe thirteen or so.

They last a long time...plus, they look good on the road.

Northeast in PA. That's awesome though man. I'll definitely have to look into that model. I was thinking used ones would be close to 20-25k for so few miles being on them.

 

[5Stars]

Northeast in PA. That's awesome though man. I'll definitely have to look into that model. I was thinking used ones would be close to 20-25k for so few miles being on them.

The one that I bought for my son is a 2004 model with 90,000 miles on it. I paid around 14 thousand. Bought it in 2007, and it runs good. That's how long he's had it.

Remember, buying a car is a big investment...

 

[trickblue]

I listen to Jerry Reynolds "The Car Pro Show" just about every week... he is a former dealer that gives honest opinions on cars as well as preferred dealers... he's really a good, honest guy...

He's out of Dallas but is syndicated in several parts of the US...

Check out his website...

That being said, he doesn't have much of anything good to say about Mitsubishi cars since the 3000GT of the early 90's...

 

[viman96]

In addition to doing test drives, I highly recommend joining forums for the cars you are interested in. You should have a good idea on their faults after doing a few searches and reading a few stickies.

As Garret would say, "It is a process" So enjoy it and learn as much as you can before pulling the trigger.

 

[5Stars]

In addition to doing test drives, I highly recommend joining forums for the cars you are interested in. You should have a good idea on their faults after doing a few searches and reading a few stickies.

As Garret would say, "It is a process" So enjoy it and learn as much as you can before pulling the trigger.

(stupid cowboy fans)