Alex M

I currently have a leased '03 P5, fully loaded (except for moon roof). I'm thinking about bringing it back early and buying an M3 GS with the Power package. Essentially all I'm losing are an inch on the tires and abs.

Anyhow, my question is, has anyone owned a p5 and gone to an m3? How was the change? What do you miss most about the P5?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Orange 3

I don't know the difference between the P5 and the M3, but I do own a 2005 M3 Sport GS. What do you mean by a power package? Are you talking about the 4 door?

The reason I purchased the GS over GT was both cars are the same except the GT had a bit more options for 1200$ (or 2000$ with the moon roof). The options were:
- 17" 5 spoke instead of 16" 5 spoke, 17" tire are still prices
- 2 tweeter speaker
- leather rap steering and shifter **** which WILL wear off
- rear spoiler which is kind cool looking (wish I had)
- cruise control which I must admit would've been nice to have
- option of a moon roof which is nice but makes the car heavier because of the extra re-enforcement.

But I absolutely love it! It very pratical with the fold down seat like a station wagon but doesn't have the station wagon look. The power in the 2.3 is nice and smooth and one my buddy has a P5 said there is a bit more take off and more room in the interior than his car. Anyways hope that help you out a bit.

Alex M

Thanks for the Input. The car I was looking at, the GS has the option of including a sport package (16" rims, sun roof, etc) and a power package (power windows, power mirrors, etc).

I'm finding it to be a really tough decision on what I should do.

gilbert1111

I've got the GT with the GFX package, and I'm loving it very much. My last car was a 2002 Protege XL, and I find the M3 much peppier with a nice solid feel. The pep is more like my old 1990 Protege. Good luck.

Michael

doogie

I owned a Mazda P5 for over three years and now I have the Mazda 3s 5 door and to compare the both cars are like comparing apples to oranges. The P5 was a all around good car but up to this point (1000 miles and just over a month) my impression is that this car is a great car. Refinement, comfort, and fit and finish are second to none for the money. The performance is brisk and the handling to ride quality is very good. The only thing I would change is a larger fuel tank (15-16 gals) and slow the suspension spring speed with better damping. Over all however it is a brilliant step forward for Mazda. They have virtually raised the bar for "compact cars".

Cybernation Motorsports.