I've been struggling with what to get, a BMW 325xi (lease) or Mazda 6s (Purchase). I test drove both and here were my impressions:
The BMW is, without a doubt, a higher quality build. But then, for almost 15K more than the 6, this was to be expected. Both cars handled extremely well but in very different ways. The Beemer was refined, sophisticated, forgiving in turns, and actually made you feel like you were fairly invincible. The dealer didn't come with me so I punished the car with hairpin turns at 40mph and was surprised to see it took it without missing a beat. Apparently (I found out after the fact that this is indeed true) the beemer has over and under steer correction on the fly so it's practically impossible to lose control of this vehicle. Shifting was like moving a stirring spoon though freshly melted butter; nothing could feel more perfect in that regard. The clutch was predictable and comfortable, and the car pulled adequately through all gears, although I wasn't wowed by the acceleration. The sound system - nice.
The Mazda 6, I had to test drive with the dealer in the car, but it made only a small impact on the test I put it through (Couldn't do anything blatantly illegal). The dealer was a big guy, probably tipping the scales at 280, and he seemed like a war-weathered type that wouldn't be impressed by anything. It was my personal mission to make him grab for the oh-sh1t handles, and although he made a valiant effort by resisting for quite a while, a 50mph turn around a bent overpass made him reach for it like a small child yearning for its mothers apron. To his credit though, he never said a word.
But anyhow, the Mazda handled extremely well. It felt nimble and agile, and although not as refined as the mature beemer, it was also much, MUCH more fun to drive. Seeing as how I'm a spry 25yr old, I decided to purchase the S. I only have a few complaints from the test drive. One was the notchiness of the shifter, which I hope will eventually get smoother (those who have had a 5sp for a while - your input?). Secondly, the engaging point of the clutch was weird, but this I assume I will get used to fairly quickly. And lastly, the power just wasn't what I was expecting. My first testdrive had the A/C and traction control on. I went back with my fiancé and made sure both were turned off but I still felt as though it should have more pull, especially in the first two gears. I'm hoping that the elimination of a 280lb body from the backseat and a 100lb hottie from the front seat will open up some of the performance I'm craving. Do I have any non-warranty affecting options in getting more zoom zoom from this Mazda? Has anyone tested the effectiveness of a cold air intake?
Anyhow, the moral of the story is: BMW is a beautiful, silky smooth car. Mazda6? It's a hot, agile, driver's car with more spunk and personality. Zoom zoom baby. Zoom zoom.

The BMW is, without a doubt, a higher quality build. But then, for almost 15K more than the 6, this was to be expected. Both cars handled extremely well but in very different ways. The Beemer was refined, sophisticated, forgiving in turns, and actually made you feel like you were fairly invincible. The dealer didn't come with me so I punished the car with hairpin turns at 40mph and was surprised to see it took it without missing a beat. Apparently (I found out after the fact that this is indeed true) the beemer has over and under steer correction on the fly so it's practically impossible to lose control of this vehicle. Shifting was like moving a stirring spoon though freshly melted butter; nothing could feel more perfect in that regard. The clutch was predictable and comfortable, and the car pulled adequately through all gears, although I wasn't wowed by the acceleration. The sound system - nice.
The Mazda 6, I had to test drive with the dealer in the car, but it made only a small impact on the test I put it through (Couldn't do anything blatantly illegal). The dealer was a big guy, probably tipping the scales at 280, and he seemed like a war-weathered type that wouldn't be impressed by anything. It was my personal mission to make him grab for the oh-sh1t handles, and although he made a valiant effort by resisting for quite a while, a 50mph turn around a bent overpass made him reach for it like a small child yearning for its mothers apron. To his credit though, he never said a word.
But anyhow, the Mazda handled extremely well. It felt nimble and agile, and although not as refined as the mature beemer, it was also much, MUCH more fun to drive. Seeing as how I'm a spry 25yr old, I decided to purchase the S. I only have a few complaints from the test drive. One was the notchiness of the shifter, which I hope will eventually get smoother (those who have had a 5sp for a while - your input?). Secondly, the engaging point of the clutch was weird, but this I assume I will get used to fairly quickly. And lastly, the power just wasn't what I was expecting. My first testdrive had the A/C and traction control on. I went back with my fiancé and made sure both were turned off but I still felt as though it should have more pull, especially in the first two gears. I'm hoping that the elimination of a 280lb body from the backseat and a 100lb hottie from the front seat will open up some of the performance I'm craving. Do I have any non-warranty affecting options in getting more zoom zoom from this Mazda? Has anyone tested the effectiveness of a cold air intake?
Anyhow, the moral of the story is: BMW is a beautiful, silky smooth car. Mazda6? It's a hot, agile, driver's car with more spunk and personality. Zoom zoom baby. Zoom zoom.