Protege5_TO

Anyone?
Is it even worth it?

Thanks,
Protege5_TO.

Nigaud5sx

I don't have my Protegé anymore, but if I did and I had a chance to trade it for a Mazda6, I wouldn't. I test drive one and was somewhat appalled by the interior and some aspects of the way it drove (although I drove an automatic and I'd get a manual).

The doors are plain jane and remind me of a Sebring. The steering wheel is ugly and wasn't very comfortable. The dash was nice, and so were the seats, but overall it felt kind of cheap. Handling was good, but not phenomenal.

I liked everything about my P5, except for the lack of power.

MidnightDreamer

The MAZDA6 is an incredible car, and is the embodiment of everything that Mazda stands for. It truly has the zoom zoom spirit in it, and shows the true potential of Japanesse engineering. It may not be an ultrafast race car, but it handles very respectably. It surpasses almost every car in it's class when it comes to styling, and handling capabilities. I test drove the 4 banger model, and I was so surprised because it handled like a V6. I had to get out and check the engine to make sure it was the 4cylinder one. It's a very peppy car, and I love the interior. It looks very new and spcaeage. I test drove the manumatic version, and I have to say, the shifts are not very smooth or fast. There is a little delay between the time when you mannually up/down shift, and it feels awkward because of that. Otherwise, the car is stunning, and I would totally go for it if you can afford it. I couldn't unfortunately because of cash constraints. However, I am still eyeing the Mazda MX Sportif.

leungwingkei

Does the car handle better than the Protege? As in body roll, chassis stiffness, nimbleness, steering feel etc.

kc5zom

No, in my opinion the stock ES handles much better. The 6 rolls a lot more and you have to get its weight transfers moving right to get decent handling out of it. The ES transfers weight more readily and doesn't load up as easily. The Mazdaspeed makes them both look like a joke . It is a great handler for its class though. I drove these at the Revitup event. Hated every minute of it (those cars do not respond well to an auto, sucks every bit of ooomph right out of them).

skyhawk174

One of the guys in our Edmonton Protege Club traded in his SIlver 2002 P5 for a new Mazda 6. It just came in this week after being on order since March. He is out of town on business so we have not seen him as yet but I guess he is happy and we will probably find out at one of our meeting how it handles and all that.

MidnightDreamer

Well yea, that much is true. My ES can out handle the 6 any day, but performance wise, the ES just can't compete. The 6 is a leader in handling in it's class though, but then again, you almost never need to push a car to the limits of its handling capabilities, and so the 6 can handle most anything you throw at it. I can't explain exaclty, but there is a very different feel to the car... If my ES could do 0-60 like a 220hp Mazda 6, I would be happy. So yea, if both the cars had the same 0-60 times, I would take the protege over the 6 any day. But like I said, the MX sportif is on its way... I might get my wish after all...

kc5zom

I think if I really had to have a performance type car that big I would take an Accord Coupe with a 6-speed and live without the 2 extra doors. It is faster and the suspension is upgraded from the one in the sedan. For regular type everyday driving the Accord sedan has the 6 hands down (except in the beauty department). It's quieter, has more standard features, and really stomps a 6s with an auto. But honestly I don't know why anyone would buy a performance car that large, my car is big enough already just needs horsepower.

cjb200

I test drove a 6s when it first came out, and I fell it love with it. I hear a lot of interior bashing, but I thought it was beautiful and of high quality materials. Personally, I'd take it over an Accord anyday, but that's getting off topic. I would definately trade my Protege in for it if I had the cash.

My sister just boughy a 4-cylinder 6i (automatic), but I haven't even seen it let alone driven it yet. Even though it'll probably be pretty slow, I can't wait to drive it.

PuPPet

i got the mazdaspeed after my protege 5 was totalled.... the mazda6 was tight but if i was gonna get something that big i would just get like a 98 525i