Mazdaspeed 6, Legacy GT, and Audi A3 3.2

[Sledgehammer]

This comparison is between the Mazdaspeed 6, the Subaru Legacy GT, and the Audi A3 DSG v6. The Mazdaspeed 6 is better known to our European friends as the Mazda MPS. All of these have 4 doors and have AWD systems. What are the cars ups, and downs and which would you like to live with as an every day automobile.


Mazdaspeed 6
Engine = 2.3L, 4 cylinder
Power = 274 hp @5500
Torque = 280 ft/lbs @ 3000
Aspiration = Turbocharged
Redline = 6700
Weight = 3500 lbs
Drive train = All-wheel drive (variable)
Weight/Dist = 60:40
0-60 = 6.2 seconds
Top speed = 150 mph
¼ mile = 14.7 seconds
Base Price = $30,000 US

Subaru Legacy GT
Engine = 2.5L, 4 cylinder
Power = 250 hp @ 5600
Torque = 250 ft/lbs @ 3600
Aspiration = Turbocharged
Redline =
Weight = 3,300-3435 lbs (sedan)
Drive train = All-wheel drive
Weight/Dist =
0-60 = 5.7 seconds
Top speed = 136 (electrically limited)
¼ mile = 14.3 seconds
Base Price = $26,095 US

Audi A3 DSG v6
Engine = 3.2L, 6 cylinder
Power = 250 hp @ 6,300
Torque = 236 ft/lbs @ 2,800
Aspiration = Natural
Redline =
Weight = 3,660 lbs
Drive train = All-wheel drive
Weight/Dist = 58:42
0-60 = 5.8 sec (C&D), 6.5 (R&T)
Top speed = 130 mph
¼ mile = 14.5 (C&D), 15.0 (R&T)
Base price = $33,980 US

[cmcpokey]

its funny. my wife and i were looking for a new car for her a few months back. eventually we decided we didnt need one right now, but it was good to look. these 3 cars were on the list. the audi is a bit oo expensive, although the interior is the best, it probably drove the best. the scoobie was a close second, although much cheaper, in the end it will likely be that. the mazda disapointed on many levels. the transmission was horrible. the interior was unremarkable, with low quality and poor ergonomics. so i guess in the end i will vote for the scoobie. excellent and cheap(er).

[Quiggs]

I'd almost take the Legacy over the A3. Almost.

Euro fanboi > me.

[cmcpokey]

I'd almost take the Legacy over the A3. Almost.

Euro fanboi > me.

by ">" dont you mean "="

[Quiggs]

My fanboi-ism overrides my ability to think rationally at times. Hence, it > me. But yes, me = fanboi.

[aNOBLEman]

its funny. my wife and i were looking for a new car for her a few months back. eventually we decided we didnt need one right now, but it was good to look. these 3 cars were on the list. the audi is a bit oo expensive, although the interior is the best, it probably drove the best. the scoobie was a close second, although much cheaper, in the end it will likely be that. the mazda disapointed on many levels. the transmission was horrible. the interior was unremarkable, with low quality and poor ergonomics. so i guess in the end i will vote for the scoobie. excellent and cheap(er).

I agree with you. I've seen many very good reviews about the Scoobie. I also think that it looks the best out of these three and, on top of that, it's the cheapest.

[NSXType-R]

Subaru. My cousin has one and I like it a lot. The only thing I wouldn't like about it is that the interior is so-so. It's nice and all but I don't like the wood and metal trim. The metal trim looks too much like plastic (which it probably is).

The Audi is super expensive and the Mazdaspeed looks like a bit too unpolished.

[The_Canuck]

Audi if free...

Subaru if I couldn't afford it.

[digitalcraft]

The Mazdaspeed 6. NEXT QUESTION!

[IWantAnAudiRS6]

The Subaru is the best out of those three- underrated, swift, fun and stable. However, it's also thirsty- my friend runs a non-turbo'd Legacy, and he's getting 16 mile to the gallon (Imperial).

[Ferrer]

DSG is boring, 6 is ugly, and the Legacy doesn't have the engine I'd choose. By default the Subaru, but I'd prefer it in 3.0R Spec-B guise. Oh and the estate if possible.

[kylekosir]

If it wasnt for insurance, i'd take a Audi. Its a nice car and drives really nice. I was going to get one but my insurace would be nuts, cuz my mom doesnt drive so i'm the primary driver :(

[Sledgehammer]

I actually just test drove a speed 6 yesterday and I thought that the gearbox was great. The speed was decent but I never got it anywhere near the limit in corners. In a top gear episode where they aired the MPS/speed 6, they had it sideways around hammerhead, yet all I see in reviews is that the car understeers constantly. Has anyone herd of a way to switch the cars traction methods from fwd/rain/snow? I am looking at purchasing an AWD car that I will be using in summer and winter while using it for a few autocross events. Any suggestions will help.

[2ndclasscitizen]

To get an AWD car that sideways as on TG, you'd need to give a big Scandinavian flick and a massive lift off on throttle

[NSXType-R]

DSG is boring, 6 is ugly, and the Legacy doesn't have the engine I'd choose. By default the Subaru, but I'd prefer it in 3.0R Spec-B guise. Oh and the estate if possible.

I think America gets the Spec-B in very limited numbers, but I don't think they get it in estate. Either way, the estate and the sedan are handsome. It's like the Audi RS4. I wouldn't mind the sedan or the wagon and both are just as good looking. It's a shame we don't get the wagon RS4 here.