Anyone else do a comparison on these? I really like them both and wonder what pros and cons this community has to offer.
My list:
Civic Si
Pros - reliability, better MPG, nicer/newer interior, smooth clutch, smoother powerband
Cons - less HP/torque, no xenon headlights
Mazdaspeed3
Pros - HP/torque, Xenon headlights, track ready, cost
Cons - lower MPG, peaky powerband
I've also driven the GLI, GTI, Focus (not ST), Mazda 3. While the Civic Si feels like the better initial daily driver, the MS3 is intoxicating, and I have plenty of backroads in my daily commute. The Si, however, is exciting to drive...period. I can't make up my mind!!!!
Any thoughts?
J
I don't own a '13, which has even more enticing qualities than the '12, perhaps, but here's my take:
The '12 Si was not even on my list to test drive last August when I was see-sawing between the '12 mazdaspeed3 and the VW GTi. I drove the GTI in both stick and paddle. Loved the paddle hands down. Then drove the Mazda. Loved it, too . . . FAST! Comparatively, the VW was better bc of 0% financing, but the MAzda had major balls and steering wheel controls, etc. I did not want a stick . . . I deal with traffic jams.
I had a set price in my head that I would not exceed, and the GTI with paddles was outside it. And the stick was just no fun. The paddle shifter added @$1.5k.
So I was all set to buy the speed3, even though it was a stick, because it had serious grunt, steering controls and 4drs. But they had shi*** financing. I knew it was year end and wanted almost free money.
As it so happened, that same month, our '04 Element needed servicing, so I lookd at the Si while I was there at the brand new mega Honda dealership that opened nearby.
(I wish I had been a 9thgenner at the time bc I would have known what a bad rap the '12 got and could have gotten a better deal). When I saw all of the std features, including the imid, bluetooth, the sunroof, 201hp normally aspirated engine, etc, I decided to drive it. Did I mention that the Si 4 dr was still under the GTI 2 dr price? I loved the interior too (CBP 4dr), seemed more refined than the others (save the GTI dash . . . btw I semi-hated the GTI plaid seats), and I decided to buy the Si. But here's the kicker.
Already the owner of one Honda, I know how reliable they are. This brand new mega-Honda dealership where I test drove it is 3 mi from my house, and addied free oil changes, drive thru car washes, etc. for life . . . I was sold.
The VW dealership was 10 mi away, in a tired old '50s building, and looked like it could go belly-up any day. I've owned various VWs, and they are not reliable after about 50-60k miles. They just aren't. So, too, the Mazda dealership was a sister dealership to VW, right across the street. Another tired old '50s building, cramped quarters, with moderately reliable Mazdas for sale. Add to it that both the VW and the Mspeed3 were both turbocharged little 4s, which might be prone to problems down the road, and I decided to go with the Si, which has a bulletproof NA 4cyl.
Same horsepower, normally aspirated, better std features, 4 drs, reliability, best-in-class resale price, sunroof, etc., for less money? And then Honda America ponied up 0.9% financing, and the dealership threw in synth oil changes etc., for life?
Did I make the right choice? Only time will tell. I love the car, hated the rev hang (solved) and shiity paint and cheap mats, and I'm sure I would have had fun in any of these 3 cars. But here I am, on this site, spending much time on this post and having a blast modding my Si.
Hope this helps.
HotDogJohnny
US pricing considered.
