Mazda 3s vs. Nissan SER Spec V
 

Hi everyone! First post so I hope I am not stepping on toes.

I did a quick search and couldn't find anything on this so I am making a new thread.

I am trying to decide between buying a 2005 M3s or the 2005 Spec V.

I realize I may be getting biased opinions here, but I wanted to ask anyway.

I will be going to the dealerships this weekend and wanted eveyone's opinion beforehand. Also any quesitons I should be asking.

I have driven an 04 3 and a 2003 Spec V, I really like the feel of the ride in the 3, but I could definitly feel the extra torque in the Spec V. The shifting was much smoother in the 3, but the 05 Spec V has been said that Nissan addressed this. So I'll find that out on Sat.

I am not a big aftermarket guy, but I plan on taking baby steps in that direction with whichever car I buy.

First though I am an audiophile and will upgrade the audio in my car. I have to say that the radio in the 3 looks like it may be made for the factory radio. Are there really good kits out there for aftermarket tuners to retain the great shape of the dash in the 3?

Any help ya'll can give would be fantastic. Hopefully I didn't ramble too much.

Thanks alot.

May the (G-)Force be With You!

the SpecV will be faster...a good bit faster...it'll accept bolt-ons much easier also and since it has a head start they'll probably be cheaper and more abundant sooner....having said that..

Nissan's build quality on the Sentra is crud. The Mazda3 is class-leading quality in build, materials and craftmanship. I would have to say that it'll come down to what you wanna have.

If you want a sporty car that feels almost luxery then I'd stick with the 3S.

If you want an inexpensive car that feels like a small car with a big motor and budget everything else I'd go with the SE-r

p.s. there is a new trim of Mazda3 coming out called SP23 that will include Bose audio system and custom leather as well as badging, rims, and body work...would be a neat upgrade for only about $900 extra!

Thanks for the response!

I've seen the badging for the 2.3 and I am one of those audio guys that is of the opinion that Bose is full of crap and actually prefer cloth, so that isn't important to me.

Ride is very important to me, as well as quality.

Any info on the ease of upgrade on the central stereo unit?

i know there are a few people who have upgraded the stock stereo, but I'm one of those guys that thinks decent door speakers and a nice crisp amp will be more than anyone will ever need!

The ride quality and handling of the 3S is leaps and bounds above the competition.

p.s. dont let me give you a hard time...i hate car audio stuff!

it's cool, to each his own.

If I do end up going with the m3 I can tell that your input will be essential for the life of my car. Just by reading some of your other posts.

Btw, what would be some of the first add-ons you would reccomend for the m3 engine-wise? Or would you suggest wheels/tires or brake or suspension first?

Jetfire and Bumblebee were my favorite Autobots.

Bumblebee is the man! My fav's were Braun, Optimus, Blur, and Grimlock.

the M3 (especially the S) already has nice wheels and brakes. I'd focus more on simple bolt-on's like intake, catback and maybe some udp's. HiBoost turbo's is almost finished with their M3 kit and I can say it'll be AWESOME....judging by their protege kits you'll love the newer stuff.

Grimlock was the man!

What is a udp?

Is all that stuff self-installable? I don't think that's a word, but whatever. And if it is what kind of tools do you need?

all i know about the spec V is that braden (turboge) had one and took it to buttonwillow and had the stupid thing overheat on him. it's kinda like a cheetah, it's fast as hell for a few moments, but then before you know it, it runs out of steam. plus, the interior of the sentra, for lack of a better word, SUCKS.

Maybe above it's competition but not the Spec V =)

The spec V is an incredible machine if your looking for a car that you can beat the shit out of and get rid of in a year or two, but if you're looking to be sticking to a car, I'd highly suggest the mazda3. The problem with the transmission was said to be fixed in 2005 but I have read multiple people's posts on www.nissanforums.com who say it is not. As for stereo i think if you REALLY wanted to you could figure out a way to put an aftermarket headunit in.

In my opinion

Mazda3- 1

Spec V- 0

I used to race SpecV's at the drag astrip in my MSP with custom exhaust and 9psi....I got walked everytime. MSP's rated at more power than the 3S but I believe the 3S's are running times almost as fast.

I think you'd be hard pressed to find a STOCK specV that will out handle a new 3S....my p5 has upgraded suspension and the 3S just walks it in a turn. I may be wrong, but I'd have to be shown!

Spec V-

Slalom Speed (700-ft. Slalom): 69.2mph (sport compact car)

Mazda 3-

Slalom Speed (700-ft. Slalom): 65.2mph (road and track)

=)

i sit corrected!

But your also talking two different reviewing sources...they also usually turn up different times in almost every category.

just fyi....the MSP ran the 60' slalom at 74.4mph.....faster than the porsche 911 turbo.....choke on that Nissan!

TRue but a difference in a few tenths usually no way that it's going to be a full 2 or 3 MPH.

Just to let everyone know I signed up on the VBoard, a board for Spec V owners and even they seem to like the new 3 more.

I really like the shifting in the 3 and was wondering if anyone had driven a new RSX and could compare the two in terms of shifting and anything else that stands out.

Thanks again for everyone's input

Never driven an RSX but from what the reviews say it is one of the best transmissions out there. I don't remember exactly what magazine but one of their test drivers said it was their favorite transmission ever (second to the NSX transsmission).

I'm reffering to the type-S 6 speed transmission. so in reality they aren't in the same class.

In my opinion if you have the cash go for the RSX Type-S it's a very well built/fast car.

look i had driven the rsx type s and i love my 3 but if i had those 3g's extra i would have bought the rsx 50 more horsepower the car is nice nice interior nice driving transmision is great is like the 3 but faster and it comes in 2 doors im i still love my 3 and my 3 is best and one thing i like more of my 3 is the handling is freaking awesome but go for the rsx i said

I would tend to agree with Roddimus' comments.

The SPEC-V will be faster, but in terms of look, I don't think it compares to the Mazda 3. The 3 is much much more sleek looking, and classier - afterall, it was designed after a Volvo. Also, I thought that the 3 has more room in the front than the Sentra.

That being said, overall, I think Nissan has, at the moment, the best fleet out there. The Altima and Maxima, in my opinion, are a notch above the competition, and their SUV's are also great. But individually, the Mazda 3 is a superior car to the Sentra, in my opinion.

As far as the RSX goes, I love that car! And if it had been cheaper, I would definitely have considered it. However, I did test drive one, and man, I was disappointed with the amount of rattling in that car. I was shocked. And again, if I were comparing Acura's to it's competition (Infinity or Lexus), it's a no-brainer there for me - Acura, I don't think matches up to them.

But now we're going off topic.

My only input would be,
A) look at a Spec V its a sentra with another badge otherwise i cant see any body differences, those cars just look bad period.
B)The mazda3 is built on a volvo frame and suspension, so um yah the ride quality is going to be far superior to the sentra.
C) Ive never raced a spec V in my protege, I can already say I woud lose but as far as the 3 is concerned I get the feeling itll still be a very close race if the sentra comes out on top, i get the feeling it wont be by very much.
D) its all you man, just be happy with your decision whatever you pick cause u cant go back on it lol

Hey, just wanted to update the thread that I made my choice.

Come Wed I will be picking up my 05 Mazda3s Velocity Red 4-door w/MT, Sport pkg, and spoiler.

Thanks to everyone on this board for all the other posts I have read. I have a case of permagrin right now and can't wait for Wed.

lol awsome, im sure you will love the car

nice choice!

best choice you ever made in your life

jk
but great choice