Sentra, Rabbit, or Mazda 3

[Jeffrey]

Hey there,

I'm looking for a new car. If you had to choose between the Sentra (2.0) manual, Rabbit or Mazda 3 (either 2.0 or 2.3L), all 2008 and manual transmissions, which one would you pick ? Please discuss.

Thanks

[nametakennow]

Honestly, the car that consistently gets the best ratings in the class is the 3. Best to get the 2.3, though, because it's somewhat lacking in the torque department itself, so I can't imagine how bad the 2.0 is.

The Rabbit would leave you wanting a GTi.

The Sentra will probably make you wish you'd opted for the SE-R.

Note, the 3 doesn't have that problem because the 'speed3 is so outrageous that I think it's kind of its own market.

That all comes from a pure driving perspective.

All of that said, this generation of Sentra seems to slowly be winning hearts and minds. I'd drive them back to back and see.

The other thing to consider is that the 3 should be on the cusp of undergoing a redesign. That drives prices down, but the changes may leave you thinking you should have waited.

Tough call. I'd go ahead and knock out the Rabbit, but drive them all and see what feels the best, because all of their other specs are pretty comparable.

[Jeffrey]

Thanks, that helps ! Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Sentra has the better MPGamong those three, right ?

[gotak]

Not too sure about the fuel economy of the 2.0. The SE R which I have gets ok economy. Not that great in real life Toronto driving though. I have had a laundry list of issues with mine. Reason why this post is so early in the morning is because I have to take my car out to the dealer for... mismatched mirrors. They installed one heated mirror and one unheated at the factory. I noticed last snow storm. It really makes you wonder what else they fscked up at the factory.

Btw. Mazda Canada is doing 0% financing over 60 months right now which is a cracking deal. Might even make the Mazdaspeed 3 withing reach for some people.

The visibility out of a Sentra sucks, something I didn't realise till after getting the car. 2.0 engine is noisy and interior is a bit disappointing in the lower trim.

Rabbit is a nice car but interior again is better in the GTI. However, when test driving it with my bro ( he wanted one but some how ended up with a 323i ) never felt like the power was lacking. Exterior of the GTI is just miles ahead though IMHO. Financing rates and leasing rates on VWs are always nasty, I think financing is like 6.9% right now. It's a popular car so finding a 07 for their lower rates special rates will be impossible.

Mazda 3 nice enough I suppose but as NTN said engine is a bit lacking. Think of it as a better looking less annoying civic. And you aren't argue with 0% financing. There is a risk of getting your doors bashed in because they think your car has the faulty door locks that opens with a hard knock.

For me though I'd wait for the new tiburion if not in a real hurry. RWD with a turbo 4 on a econo racer now that's hot. Since you are in QC you have to get winter tires now that's the law , so RWD is ok for you!
Modified by gotak at 7:43 AM 12/31/2007

[nametakennow]

With the CVT, the Sentra probably does get better mileage. It may get better test numbers officially with a manual, but in reality the difference may not exist. It will depend more on how you drive than the car.

That said, I could never have a CVT. The way it sticks on revs would drive me crazy. I don't know why Nissan didn't just to a DSG-type transmission. They made it work in the GT-R, you'd think they could make it work in an econobox too.

[gotak]

Once you get used to the CVT other automatics, even the DSG, feels less civilized. At first it does feel a bit odd but it is smooth as silk.

It doesn't "stick on rev" as much as some might think. Off a red light I can keep it at 2k rpm for a nice smooth acceleration that doesn't waste fuel. If i keep my foot at a position the rpm will drop when the car gets up to speed as the CVT seeks the highest "gear" ratio possible to save gas. Cruising at 60 kph, regular city street speed limit in Ontario, the engine's doing 1.1k rpm.

Anyhow I still recommend the Mazda 3 from a cost perspective.

[Soravia]

Mazda3 Auto (2.0) I drove had manual shift for the 4-speed and also comes with intelligent shift where the auto-trans down shift when the car senses the pedal being pushed down.I'd pick the Mazda3 2.3S Hatch over rabbit for the room. I hear that it got revamped suspension, steering and chassis strength since 2006 model.

[02SPECtacularV]

2.0 sentra NO2. whatever mazda NO unless its a MAZDASPEED3 hten a BIG YYYEEESSSa new 08 rabbit rock man its fast too for a vw with the 08 rabbit you can beat a 04gti or whatever but not the new ones...my friend has one and its great

[Lazybeef]

Unless you are getting the SER or Spec V, the sentra is rather gutless. The 2.3 Mazda is nice as is the VW. Interesting little tidbit: The 2 door 2.5 Rabbit is light enough that its performance numbers are pretty clost to the GTI. What you want to do is drive each one and look into what performance parts are available and then make a decision. If it is MPG you are looking for, then take your pick. Just never trust what the window says(you always get 5-10 LESS MPG than what it says).

[VMPhil]

My Wife has a Rabbit. i personally like it. the 5 Cylinder engine is smooth and pulls well. its fuel Econ isnt the greatest. but the fit and finish is good, the profile makes you feel like your driving an Audi A3. i like it better than my spec.

[J22I]

will DEfiNATLY make you wish you opted for the SE-R

[livinloud98]

i like my sentra 2.0 .... does the job..good gas milage....and its decently peppy

i test drove a mazda 3....idk it kinda looks like a girls car IMO and i didnt really like how it drove

never drove a rabbit...but there pretty cool looking i guessthink there kinda small tho

[Buzzman]

I drove a Mazda 3 with the 2.3 engine, as well as a new Sentra. No comparison in my opinion. The Mazda has it all over the new Sentra. I didn't like the Sentra at all. Didn't try a VW though. In the end I didn't buy either one. I got a good deal on a demo 06 Altima instead. Very happy with my decision. FYI: I bought a new S-ER in '03 by the way, just before the Mazda3 was introduced. I tried the Mazda Protege at the time, and it was terrible. I still have my Sentra, and I still love it.