far2000

thanx 4 tha advice people, i will testdrive both vehicles tomorrow afternoon and let u guys know how it goes...

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Giannis

No this is a difficult question, since each car has different pros and cons. Here's what i think.

Mazda 3: To begin with, i think that 260hp on the front wheels isn't a good idea. Of course it will kick arses on straight line, if you can hold it, but that's it. You'll get a lot of understeer and overall it won't be that much fun to drive. On the other hand, this car is full extra, which means you get a lot of goodies that make your life easier and makes you enjoy the car even more, stuff that doesn't exist in the bimmer.

BMW 116i: This is a much prestigious car, compared to the Mazda, not to mention the BMW driver tag, that many (including me) are jealous of. It has better quality materials and is more sport oriented. The 1.6 engine is not strong enough for a BMW, but you can live with it. 10.3secs for the 0-100 is an ok time, if you ask me. It may not be as loaded as the Mazda, but the sunroof and the leather seats are very important, especially when you don't pay them.

If i were you, i would go for the 116i. Even though it's a bit underpowered, you can easily live with it, since it has good quality materials and leather seats. At least it's a BMW

Though, i have not driven neither of the cars and i suggest you do so, both in highway and downtown roads so that you have an all-around driving experience with the cars.

Nikos120i

Well...it all comes down to what you enjoy. Do you enjoy power or comfort?

First of all let me understand something...the Mazda you are talking about, is it the Mazda 3 MPS with 260 HP??

If yes...then I would go for the Mazda! Keep in mind that this Mazda has a front LSD (limited-slip-differential) which makes things much better if the car tries to understeer. Understeer is possible, but much more controllable with an LSD...just take your foot off the gas pedal...and instantly the nose dives back in.

So the Mazda is a VERY VERY powerful car with plenty of grip...but with more fuel consumption than the 116i.

The BMW is a BMW. Better build quality, a driver focused interior, low and much better driving position (especially with the sport seats) and RWD...but it's a shame you can't exploit the full benefits with such a poor engine. I drove the 116i and no matter how nice I'll try to put it...it is slow...especially compared to the Mazda 3 MPS. With the BMW you might also get better re-sale value.

So it really depends what you really want. The Mazda is better on a straight line and on a track...so it has much better performance than the BMW...but the BMW has other good stuff...less obvious...and sometimes with much less meaning to some people.

The rest is up to you! I hope I helped.

Just_me

I ask the same thing?
If you talking about Mazda 3 MPS with 260hp than thats my choice but if the Mazda 3 has the same engine power as the 116i than my choice is the bimmer.

OT: A swedish carmag tested Mazda 3 MPS to an Audi S3 and the Mazda beat the Audi. The Mazda was more fun to drive and with a better pricetag. Mazda 3 MPS with 260 horsepower is one hell of a car if you ask me.

cawimmer430

Well having just helped my sister get a 118i, I can give you some advice, courtesy of the local BMW salesman, Mr. Meindl.

Between the 116i and 118i, the 118i is the better choice by far. Although the 1-Series got a facelift recently, the 116i is still the old engine and I believe it is first of all not available with the start-stop function that can help conserve fuel. Furthermore the new 118i engine is more powerful and get's better fuel economy than the old 116i. If I were you, I'd pay a little extra for a 118i and enjoy more power and better gas mileage than the 116i.

Hope this helps.

Nikos120i

Me too...Mazda 3 1.6 vs BMW 116i...I'd get the BMW for sure!

The MPS has front LSD...that's why it beat the Audi S3. I also think that the MPS has front double wishbones (like the Alfas and like F1 cars) so the whole tyre tread stays in contact.

The car is just simply mindblowing...

NarutoRamen

I'm with you on this one. If it's the normal Mazda 3 then go for the bimmer but if it's the MPS then it will probably be more fun even if is a Mazda.

Maximus Decimus

Buying a car is an emotional decsion. At the end of the day your heart will make the decision for you. Here is my $.02 though. RWD is more enjoyable driving experience than FWD. That much power to the front wheels will create serious torque steer. Going from the Corolla to the 1 you will be amazed at the difference it makes in separating the wheels that propel and the wheels that steer. And last but not least, BMW's have strong resale value. Always something I consider when buying a car.

Although I obviously prefer the BM, I would not get the 116i. I need more power. I can't imagine that over 60 months the monthly payment difference would be that much more between the 116 and something with a little more power. The smile that additional power will put on your face is worth every penny. Eat out less 1 time per week and you've probably made up the difference.

Over the long run, a sufficiently powered baby bm would be the better choice imo.

Nikos120i

Well...torque steer isn't that obvious at the Mazda since the MPS has front LSD...therefore it controls the torque much better and it evenly distributes it in the front wheels.

That's why I believe the MPS is the better choice. Because of the LSD and only because of that. I really think that it is much more fun than the 116i

Maximus Decimus

LSD should definitely help. My ex gf had a mazda 3, have to say it is a fun car. I haven't driven the MPS so I can't really talk to it. Then again I haven't driven the 116i either, I have driven a 120d which I thought was fun. Diesel's are great. 116i just sounds like it would be underpowered. If the 116i is the only 1 series under consideration, I think I would pass on it as well.

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