
Originally Posted by
jut703
I agree that the 10.5 gen V Altises look rather timeless. Interior looks clean also, but really feels like 2008. No hint of Bluetooth or even USB connectivity in this 2011 facelift. Heck, the FD Civic had aux in 2006, it only became standard for the Altis after the facelift.
Drive is also boring. Slow steering, soft suspension. Although it does feel more communicative than the equally dull Civic FB.
As for the gen 1 Mazda 3, it's a truly timeless car that was way ahead of its class when it was first launched in 2004. I'm referring to the 2-liter of course - the 1.6 was underpowered and thirsty. They both go for the same price in the secondhand market, so it's a no-brainer to go for the 2.0R.
My 2004 Mazda 3 has better steering and handling than all the other compacts I've had (10th, 10.5, 11th gen Altis, and FB Civic). It's a blast to drive down mountain roads.
Engine power is good, but the 4-speed transmission and 1340 kg curb weight bog down an otherwise sprightly performer. I was surprised to discover that my 10.5 gen Altis actually has better performance despite having 19 hp less, most likely due to the being 100 kg lighter and having slightly closer gear ratios. Because it's such a heavy car, the brakes also feel insufficient under hard braking despite having 4-wheel discs all around.
To be fair though, these performance nitpicks only apply to hard driving. In typical city or highway cruising, there's nothing to complain about with the Mazda 3 except the dismal 6 km/L fuel consumption.
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