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Auto Talk => Head to Head => Topic started by: MaxPower on November 26, 2007, 01:36:36 PM

Poll
Question: Of these two, which would you rather own as an all-purpose car?
Option 1: 2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i votes: 1
Option 2: 2008 Mazda 3 s Touring votes: 12
Title: '08 Mazda3 or '08 Subaru Impreza
Post by: MaxPower on November 26, 2007, 01:36:36 PM
Choose between the two cars, as optioned-out below:

(http://www.edmunds.com/pictures/VEHICLE/2008/Mazda/2008.mazda.mazda3.20131737-396x249.jpg)
2008 Mazda 3 s Touring (auto transmission, no extra options): $20,088

(http://z.about.com/d/cars/1/7/o/k/sub_08impreza25i_front.jpg)
2008 Subaru 2.5i (auto transmission, premium package): $20,140


EDIT (clarifications):
- both are sedans
- all-purpose means that, for arguments sake, this car is used for normal general purposes (road trips, errands, family car) and is not dedicated to being a winter beater or weekend fun car, with the exception that there also exists a 4WD Tacoma in the garage to accommodate large cargo, towing, and other truck-like needs.
Title: Re: '08 Mazda3 or '08 Subaru Impreza
Post by: J86 on November 26, 2007, 01:39:04 PM
ooooh, tuff!

I haven't been in the new Subie, so I don't feel like I can give ya a good assessment...has anyone done a comparo of the two yet?
Title: Re: '08 Mazda3 or '08 Subaru Impreza
Post by: TheIntrepid on November 26, 2007, 01:39:40 PM
If a sedan? Mazda3.

If a hatchback? Impreza.
Title: Re: '08 Mazda3 or '08 Subaru Impreza
Post by: the Teuton on November 26, 2007, 01:41:45 PM
All-purpose, as in my sport utility, sports car, people-hauler, cargo-carrying machine?

If the new, generic-looking Imp is anything like mine but better, I would take it in a heartbeat.
Title: Re: '08 Mazda3 or '08 Subaru Impreza
Post by: Eye of the Tiger on November 26, 2007, 01:59:27 PM
Quote from: TheIntrepid on November 26, 2007, 01:39:40 PM
If a sedan? Mazda3.

If a hatchback? Impreza.

:confused:

I'll take both. I mean, I voted for the Mazda, but I'd rather have the 'prez because it AWD.
Title: Re: '08 Mazda3 or '08 Subaru Impreza
Post by: SVT666 on November 26, 2007, 02:03:22 PM
All things being equal, because I've only driven the 3, I would take the 3 based on styling and the Subie based on AWD.  Too bad the Subie looks like it does.
Title: Re: '08 Mazda3 or '08 Subaru Impreza
Post by: the Teuton on November 26, 2007, 02:08:07 PM
Quote from: HEMI666 on November 26, 2007, 02:03:22 PM
All things being equal, because I've only driven the 3, I would take the 3 based on styling and the Subie based on AWD.  Too bad the Subie looks like it does.

+1
Title: Re: '08 Mazda3 or '08 Subaru Impreza
Post by: MX793 on November 26, 2007, 05:16:57 PM
I presume the Taco is 4WD?  If so, I'd go with the Mazda.  More fuel efficient, better looking, more nimble.  They do OK in the snow, but if things get real bad you've got a 4WD in the garage as an alternative.
Title: Re: '08 Mazda3 or '08 Subaru Impreza
Post by: AKL on November 26, 2007, 05:34:18 PM
Mazda3 based on its better fun-to-drive factor (and that it is more fuel efficient according to MX793)
I haven't driven the new Prez yet though. But I've read some reviews that its gone softer. + I don't think you need the AWD help for snow if you already have the Tacoma.

Title: Re: '08 Mazda3 or '08 Subaru Impreza
Post by: S204STi on November 26, 2007, 08:42:56 PM
Quote from: TheIntrepid on November 26, 2007, 01:39:40 PM
If a sedan? Mazda3.

If a hatchback? Impreza.

Likewise.

Frankly, the Impreza is best as a platform for the WRX and STI.  Unless you're going to go for the 2.5i hatch or the Outback Sport, I don't consider the 2.5i to be very tempting when compared to the Mazda 3i, which is my personal favorite in the segment.
Title: Re: '08 Mazda3 or '08 Subaru Impreza
Post by: nickdrinkwater on November 28, 2007, 05:41:48 AM
The new Impreza has bad reviews.  Get the Mazda.