Car and Driver did a write up on that car and commented that is was a bit on the slow side (low/mid 6's 0-60) for a car with 275 hp. It's a bit on the heavy side.

The Evo will flat out dust this car and it's no comparison speed wise. But the Mazda may ride better an be a better choice for an everyday cruiser. I've driven several Evos, but no Mazdaspeed 6, so I really can't compare from real world performance numbers.

 

Here's the regular mazda 6 for 2006.


Hmm.. might have been I saw that, not the mazdaspeed 6, but I'm not sure totally. It had no badging on it, but I swear the front grill was not that one, but the one the speed has on it. I'll have to drive by the plant to look.

 

I think it is definitely worth the time to read the article about the car, for those who have not.

http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=1


"The force-fed engine delivers its increased output (114 more horsepower than the naturally aspirated four, 54 more than the 6's optional 3.0-liter V-6) through a slick new Aisin six-speed manual gearbox to Mazda's equally new Active Torque Split All-Wheel Drive. It's a computer-automated system, delivering up to 50 percent of the engine's power to the rear wheels contingent on variables such as wheelspin, yaw, and steering angle, with a limited-slip diff up front and an electric clutch at the rear. There's no center diff. The system has three operating modes—normal, sport, and snow—but unfortunately, the computer decides which is appropriate for conditions and driving style. There are no manual preselects."

"Dynamics. Six laps on a racetrack isn't a road test, but a few impressions emerge. First, the defining trait of the Mazdaspeed 6 is understeer. The all-wheel-drive system enhances corner exits, but it's hard to think of this car as nimble. On the other hand, the turbo four delivers nice midrange punch, the gearbox is Honda-precise, the steering is accurate, the braking strong, and if the suspension seems soft by Evo and STi standards, it should provide good ride quality. More tire footprint might help the handling, but the car does have the virtue of total predictability."

 

That pic you posted wiretap is indeed the 2006 Mazda6 however, that is a base model which would be the "I" model. The I model comes with the chrome piece on top of the grill. However, on the "S" model or "I's" that are equiped with the sports package, the grill would be a sports grill that would be similar to the mazdaspeed6 grill.

Here is a pic on the 2006 S model with the sports grill.
http://photos.velocityjournal.com/im...dan1347329.jpg

I would understand how you might have thought the 6 S to be a Mazdaspeed6 because they do look very similar.

 

Compared to the Evo and Sti, It's down on power, and maybe up on weight. There's clearly been more emphasis on refinement etc. than with outright performance.

Here, it'll most likely be considered the main rival to the Subaru Legacy GT;



Hmm, the one in that pic is LHD, do you guys get them in the States?

You never know, the replacement for the Honda Legend (think it's gonna be the Acura TL?) with it's 300HP V6 and SH-AWD may also be a formidable competitor.

Either way, I hardly see it being a match for Evo's and STi's, let alone the JDM-spec models which have more power.

 

We just started getting the Legacy GT which has a 250 HP version of the STi motor.

The Legend is the Acura RL here, which is a luxury car in the $50,000 range that competes with the BMW 5 series and whatnot. The 6 could be considered competetion for the $35,000 Acura TL, but the TL is a bigger car.

 

I have new set pricing on the car and I will get a copy and post it on for you guys tomorrow...

 

POST IT!!!

 

Sorry, I've been extremely busy at work as well as off work. We just got in our new 06 MX-5s (Miatas). They are way better than the 05 models. It has a 6 speed transmission which shifts really smoothly and the car is real easy to drive. It handles pretty nicely as well. Space wise, its def bigger... I'll try to get a copy of the dealer pricing for you guys as soon as possible.

 

true, competes against Acura TL, IS350, BMW330, Mercedes C320 not Evos and STi..

 

$28,000 for a Mazda 6, with options it could easily tally up to $30,000+

30,000+ for a Mazda luxury sedan! I would easily get an Acura, Lexus, or Infiniti over that. Don't get me wrong the car is very nice, but it will be in it's first year of production. Car companies always need a year to work out all the bugs on new cars they produce. I wouldn't trade in my EVO for that if I were you.

Also since when is Mazda such a good car company and better than Mitsubishi?!?!?!?!

If I remember correctly weren't they were hurting and in trouble just like Mitsubishi was at one point.

I guess things have changed and apparently in terms of dependability Mazda is better then Mitsubishi, and Mitsubishi is better then Mercedes, Audi, and Land Rover?!?!?!?!

I will never understand J.D. Power and Associates rankings.

 

for sure, i don't think i'll get the first model year like i did with the evo, but if the performance parts are availible by the second model year i'm going to definitely pick one of these up...

 

mazda has always been pretty reliable. their ratings took a beating when ford got involved in putting automatic trannies in 626's and the like, but i owned a 93 mx6, just normal maint for 140k mi, no problems. i also had an 01 protege es, another nice car. mitsu's reliability has been spotty... thanks to chrysler, i'm guessing.

 

seems like a nice second car.... good option to the 3 series

 

I keep on forgetting to get a copy of the dealer pricing sheet and post it online for you guys... but lets just say the invoice is a few thousand less than 30K from what I can remember... there are not too many options for the car I believe its actually only a sunroof and a navigation... but let me get a copy...