Point of correction: the AWD system is much more proactive than most people give it credit for and it almost never runs "100% FWD." The only times it does so are 1. with very little acceleration at very low speeds (>10mph), and 2. when the e-brake is engaged. So theoretically you can drive along in 100% FWD mode if you live the e-brake lever one notch. Otherwise, the car is sending roughly 25% of the power to the rear wheels when cruising along. so it's already "primed" if you will. If you stomp on it, it will instantly send up to 50% to the rear wheels without waiting for wheel spin. Throw it into a turn, same thing -- sends more power to the rear without waiting for spin. For proof, check out the volt meter in this video measuring the voltage to the AWD control solenoid (max = 5.8 volts = 50% power to rear axle): ruclips.net/video/uOWGq1B8C84/видео.html
Imagine how amazing a modern day Mazdaspeed6 would be. I'm telling you, they wouldn't be able to make enough of them. The Mazda6 is a great car in it's own right
maximus9401 Either that or if Ford got their heads out of their asses and made a performance version of the Fusion. Not the laughable "Sport" model from 10-12 with no MT option, an actual contender in the midsize sport sedan segment. Something like the Focus RS they're coming out with, but on the midsize platform and more understated styling.
maximus9401 Check out the size of the "hump" on the passenger floor in the new-generation Mazda6. Whether they ever decide to pull the trigger or not, it's clear that Mazda designed this platform from the ground up to readily accommodate a rear drive shaft. If they ever get around to building a new Speed6, we'll be doing everything we can to fit one in our budget.
I own both a 06 MS6 and a 05 Subaru GT wagon. I have to say I enjoy the Mazda a ton more. Mostly because gaining speed in it is effortless in any gear. It just doesn't struggle at all. The AWD system is fantastic in the snow however I do have to say my current and previous Subaru's were more confident in the powdery stuff. There is more room in the MS6 than my LGT and much more comfortable everything but thats about where the good parts stop. The MS6 is a great car but yes its heavy so its not beating any MS3 unless its from light to light. Second, yeah carbon buildup is a problem at higher mileages (Mine is only 76k miles) The headlights are ridiculously expensive to replace as they're xenon and adjustable from within the cabin, but they're made of cheap plastics which haze after too much exposure to the sun. And the largest issue of them all is that at low RPM in a high gear, you will starve the engine of fuel if you floor it which is due to a very weak fuel pump to which the best remedy is to buy new internals for it at around $350 for parts. Every car has its quirks though, so I don't mind any of that myself. No different from the whole Banjo bolt issue that certain turboed subarus had from years back and the head gasket problems from years ago.
A good, objective review of an interesting car that isn't very common. With it's sleeper looks, I bet you could find an unmolested one without too much difficulty, unlike WRX's and EVO's.
Since finding Everydaydriver on RUclips I've loved every review even if the cars have not been available where I live in Australia. Great, great, great format team and please keep up the great work. In recognising that you have a world wide audience can you please, include metric car spec info on weight, power and torque? Keep up the great work, Si.
I own an MS3 and this engine is very willing. With a few bolt ons, it opens it right up and makes it a little beast. With the turbo being so small, it boosts right away and winds up really fast. The only issue is that without a proper tune and bolt ons, it kind of dies around 5500 rpm to redline. But like I said, with a few upgrades, it pulls hard to redline and is a proper fast little engine.
I think a last generation Subaru Legacy Spec B would give the Speed6 some tough competition. I would hypothesize that the Spec B would be a better car to own long term.
EverydayDriver Very excited to hear that! I own one of the 500 '06 Spec B's and have been very pleased with it. I'm looking forward to hearing your feedback as the Legacy's in general haven't been discussed very much in your videos or podcasts.
Wood Herren IMO the Spec B is a better overall car, but ultimately we ended up buying a Speed6 because a) an equivalent Spec B (same year, mileage, condition, etc.) cost about 25% more, and b) my wife is a huge Mazda fan. Even a standard 2.5GT with a 5-speed manual is a solid $2K-3K more than an equivalent Speed6. So a Speed6 was a compromise to satisfy both of us and was a little easier on our wallet. I have to admit, if it weren't for the price gap I would have tried much harder to sway my wife toward the Subaru.
Wood Herren C&D compared both hot out of the factory new and the Spec B won overall. It wasn't that close but the Spec B just handles better, sharper, and Subaru AWD just simply better than FWD biased AWD. If they the MS6 a RWD sedan, it would definitely beat out a lot of cars. My problem with Mazda in that generation is that they're just not a very focused company. They got Miata and the RX8 but they never went anywhere. Kudos to Subaru for bringing out the Spec B, even though the Legacy GT is already very competent already.
Great review, guys. Mazda NEEDS to build a new one. I am leasing a new 6 and while not pathetically slow, it certainly needs more power. It's a great car in search of a great engine. If it's available when my lease is up in a couple years, i will definitely be signing up.
These guys are great reviewers. The only thing I disagree with is the opinion on its handing which is really good l, but not so good when your coasting and turning. Aftermarket coilovers will fix that up. The Mazdaspeed 6 is one of the most underrated cars. It needs to be driven 6/8 at least to really apprecite its abilities. It'll blow u away. It grips, corners, and flies out of the corners.
This car is truly for a pure driving experience and super practical. I've had my 2007 MazdaSpeed 6 since late April and its been a blast. But if anyone plans on buying these and live on the Northeast coast, beware! They rust to hell, especially the frame (not just the subframe and suspension control arms).
I had one for 6 years - in the Grand Touring trim. It was fun while I had it, except in the snow if you had to get going from a stop on a hill. I traded it in 4 years ago. Watching the video, and I'm not missing it much anymore.
As a owner of a MS6, it is sad that you guys didn't get a taste of a modified Mazdaspeed 6. Completely different car. Both the intake and the downpipe are really restrictive and bringing up the boost to 19-20 psi is how the car is meant to be driven. It is a hungry lion locked up in a cage.
Not sure if I agree with this review totally. To each his own but I think the interior is very nice and classy. Doesn't look cheap wannabe fancy like so many cars today. Seat warmers, climate control, quiet interior, auto 4 windows, etc. The shifter however is the worst part of the car. 1st gear is too short and the transmission isn't even remotely in the same class as the s2000 or miata.
I have a first generation facelift mazda6 with the same 2.3 direct injection motor, just minus the turbo. I'd be interested to see what your thoughts on it are. While not particularly fast, it has a very close ratio transmission, giving it great pep for backroad driving. It's incredibly responsive and tactile for what it is expected to serve as for most drivers, and wicked fun in the twisties
The shifter in my Speed6 doesn't come anywhere close to the description they gave of it...it's clunky and it's really hard to shift into 1st and 2nd. Even the new transmission I installed feels the same way.
Mazdas have always had a German feel when it comes all around handling on their cars. This one is no different we love our Subaru but I would buy this over a Subaru Legacy GT. Both cars are great but this is the drivers choice
It handles amazing, they don't know what they are talking about. I've autocrossed and semi pro rally for years and yeah its not EVO or STI in the corners but if you adjust your driving style to a low in high out and power out of the corner it flies. You just have to make good use of the turbo band. I own an EVO VIII and an MS6 and except for hairpins I get faster lap times by a large margin on the MS6. It pulls like a freight train and the key is using that power to exit corners hard.
Thanks for the review! Hey guys, could you get your hands on something from the 80's again..? Like a let's say BMW M3 e30 chassis..? But again, I know there's not much of those in drivable condition anymore.
the 2007-2008 audi A4's are awesome. out of the box they are much slower than the MS6 but with a $500 chip they can make the same power if not more. also audi has a much nicer interior quality, better suspension and a better AWD system, and every manual german car ive ever driven makes me feel like part of the car, something ive never felt in my 08 wrx or my 04 mazda 6.
LeeVai666 Yes but you can do the same to the MS6 and get the same or similar result. No point in comparing a tuned car to a stock one. But yes, you are right about the Audi being built better, you get what you pay for!
Chance Hales good point, and i agree no point in comparing a tuned car to a stock one, but the better interior, and AWD quality is enough for me to still want the A4 over the MP6. also that tranny that they were praising for being so good, is known for its problems in these cars. that is one of the reasons they are so cheap on the used market right now.
Very true. I used to own a 2006 Mazda6 v6 grand touring hatchback. It had every option but the nav system. The leather was decent but not as nice as the Audi premium leather (I worked for an Audi dealerwhen I owned that car). The trade off is even though the Mazda isn't perfect, neither is the Audi. Mazdas from that generation are very reliable and when things do go wrong they aren't horribly expensive to fix. That can't be said about Audi. Audis are expensive to fix. They are also cheap in the used car market partly because of that. That also means it's easier to total one. Whereas Mazdas hold their value quite well.
Omar Carrasquillo ive owned a 1996 A4 V6 non quattro, and a 2001 TT 225 1.8T. and both have needed nothing but basic maintenance. mabe 1,000 a year tops.
Arggg, there goes the high pitched noise again at 3:53-3:58. It was there for the same exterior shot in one of your other recent videos too. Whatever microphone you guys have on that camera is like fingernails on a chalkboard for the viewers who are under 30!
***** I hear it on 2.1 desktop speakers and stereo headphones, both on RUclips and if I download the video as an AVI! Oddly though if I download it as an MP3, the high pitch is no longer there. I've seen in the comments that some other people (like bbman85) can hear it too.
@@StalePhish I dont hear it but then again I am over 30! That would be annoying but it gives me an idea about reaching your target audience and purposely excluding others. PIty I cannot think of a decent product or idea to pitch to the hard of hearing........
This is overall a good car. Although I really don't think the AWD system is anywhere near as capable as a Legacy GT. Also the styling looks cheesy, and very cheap, even independent of that god awful hood stripe. These Mazda Speed 6's tune well but again the Legacy GT looks way more upscale and has equal tuning capabilities. My 06 with Stage 2 mods has held up really well with proper maintenance at 10 years old and 110K mi, Good review though.
yeah lmao that hood stripe is probably the worst place you could possibly put a black bar on the entire car, from a distance it looks like the hood is busted open.
I'm the first owner of a Speed6 with now 134,000 miles on the dash. The only real mods on the car to speak of are a coilover suspension and better brake fluid, brake lines, pads, and rotors. When the car was about half its age I used to track it at Big Willow. It was a lot of fun but never quite felt as agile and nimble as it could be. I've ended up replacing a lot of items over the years and recently had the engine's top end rebuilt because of it being prone to carbon fouling. Overall though I'm very happy with the car and is still one of my daily drivers. Given that it's lack of popularity makes it cheaper to buy can be a factor when considering this car. Carbon fouling however can really make the car run poorly and is not an easy thing to check for without cracking open the intake manifold, and what seller is going to let you do that... Pros: It's a sleeper. Fun to drive. Cons: Paint job is crap. Direct injection motor carbon fouls easily (Get a catch can!!!). Speed6 specific maintenance parts can be harder to find. Did I mention carbon fouling of its direct injection engine?
+Jin Kim You need 2 cars of B12 Throttle Body & Chock cleaner, an air compressor, a shop vac, fluid transfer pump, a Media blaster gun and some abrasive media (walnut media). You basically remove the intake manifold(requires removing a lot of other parts) and then turn the crank (behind passenger wheel) till 2 pistons are TDC then fill them up with B12, wait at least 1 Hour, then suck out the B12 with a pump, then blast the valves with media and air while sucking the carbon with the shop vac. There are very detailed instructions on the forums online. This is a very common problem on Direct Injection BMW's as well, and this method of cleaning has been officially adopted by BMW. It's best to do this yourself as BMW can charge you up to $1k for the cleaning.
+Mark Speed6 By how much? I own a GT and besides the leather, auto climate, seat heaters, and nav, I'm not sure there's anything else that would add weight. I think the only other weight-adding difference with the Sport might be the power driver seat. I am not finding published details on Sport vs GT curb weight.
+SurelyYewJest the power seats alone weighs more than 10 lbs than the sport seats. also there are more sound deadening material on the gt. I know, cause 2 of my friends have a gt and when you open and close all doors, they have more weight to them. Their cars are also quieter than mine. All in all the gt is at least 100-150 lbs heavier than a gt...
I've seen plenty of videos that say the opposite; it is great for Canyon carving. Also there are some incorrect tid bits in here, such as it being fwd bias.. Not true. There's a lot more to it. There is NEVER a time above 5mph where only two wheels are spinning. 4 wheels will always be moving.
bbman85 - Sorry you're having this problem - it doesn't seem to be a universal issue, and isn't present in our master files (when played back on everything from Studio monitors to headphones). We aren't sure what could be causing this. We appreciate you saying something and will do what we can to solve it - we only wish we knew why it has happened for a few of you.
EverydayDriver I heard it too. Through my computer speakers, my gaming headset AND my earbuds. So, it's definitely something to do with the video or the upload of the video.
Isn't that such a wonderful road? I was on it last week (driving a minivan, unfortunately . . .) The only problem is that there are too many cyclists -- you can't get too crazy on it.
hultii So, two pinstripes and different wheels ruined it? This is stock except for the stickers and wheels. If that makes or breaks a car for ya, then you need to learn a little about being an enthusiast.
StickIt VinylGraphics I am not a fan of the modifications done, however there are many worse cars out there. I like the wheels and think the wheels are a move in a positive direction for the car. I am vehemently opposed to anything put on a car with adhesive, so the stickers are a minor turn off. I don't like the look of those window/rain guards, but I'm in a dry area, maybe the function is worth more than the look. The one major thing this car had against it are those two "pinstripes" That were made with a pen bigger than any magic marker I've ever seen. The stickers, the visors and the stripes, all put on with adhesive and all should go, but the stripes are the worse offender. Even with everything else kept the same, if those 2 stripe decals were removed, the majority of people would be ok with the vehicles looks. It does not make or break my feelings about mazda or the 6, but it does make or break my feelings about this specific vehicle. Just like if I saw a bone stock car, with a 5 foot wide pink unicorn on each side of the car, it would turn me off to that specific vehicle as well.
Bob Hope Agreed. I like the wheels and the blacked out badges are ok, but the hood stripes are definitely not to my taste. That's ok though, it's not my car and if the owners like it, good for them.
hultii eliminate all the stickers, black stripes, get stubby antenna, lower it, get a proper Mazda badge, not cut out, then looks clean, black plasti dip+sun visors is ok tho.
It looks like a fun car, but for those who want it all (sport, economy, flexibility) it falls short for one thing: economy. The Speed 6 has horrible gas mileage.
+Gregory G As an owner of one of these for over 5 years, the economy is, yes, not great compared to other cars of the time. However, for a turbo car, if you don't push it all the time, it's generally fine, meaning low-20s combined cycle, or mid-20s highway. Best tank of gas I ever did in mine was about 390 miles on 15.9 gallons. In general it's a pretty unbeatable sedan package as they are, I'm sad to say, a steal on the used market. Maybe someday they'll go up in value a bit for their uniqueness...
Boring lump? Yes yes, Suba-who is much better looking, as it resembles a Toyota Corolla currently. Not to mention everyone has a Subaru. Let people buy what they want, and you get what you want.
Point of correction: the AWD system is much more proactive than most people give it credit for and it almost never runs "100% FWD." The only times it does so are 1. with very little acceleration at very low speeds (>10mph), and 2. when the e-brake is engaged. So theoretically you can drive along in 100% FWD mode if you live the e-brake lever one notch. Otherwise, the car is sending roughly 25% of the power to the rear wheels when cruising along. so it's already "primed" if you will. If you stomp on it, it will instantly send up to 50% to the rear wheels without waiting for wheel spin. Throw it into a turn, same thing -- sends more power to the rear without waiting for spin.
For proof, check out the volt meter in this video measuring the voltage to the AWD control solenoid (max = 5.8 volts = 50% power to rear axle): ruclips.net/video/uOWGq1B8C84/видео.html
Could you send a pulse to the solenoid to change the ratio from front to back? And just leave it static...?
Spot on i love my mazda 6 mps currently snow and ice here in the UK and I have been having so much fun out in it
Imagine how amazing a modern day Mazdaspeed6 would be. I'm telling you, they wouldn't be able to make enough of them. The Mazda6 is a great car in it's own right
maximus9401 they have it... mustang or the hew focus rs.lol
Carl Bennett Not at all.
But thanks for your contribution
maximus9401 Completely agree! Let's hope they do it, or at least a V6 option would be nice.
maximus9401 Either that or if Ford got their heads out of their asses and made a performance version of the Fusion. Not the laughable "Sport" model from 10-12 with no MT option, an actual contender in the midsize sport sedan segment. Something like the Focus RS they're coming out with, but on the midsize platform and more understated styling.
maximus9401 Check out the size of the "hump" on the passenger floor in the new-generation Mazda6. Whether they ever decide to pull the trigger or not, it's clear that Mazda designed this platform from the ground up to readily accommodate a rear drive shaft. If they ever get around to building a new Speed6, we'll be doing everything we can to fit one in our budget.
Mazda needs to bring out a new Speed6, I'll be all over that.
Demus They need to make an AWD Speed3!! I would LOVE that
StickIt VinylGraphics They are very likely to do just that.
blog.caranddriver.com/threes-insanity-next-mazdaspeed-3-to-debut-this-fall-as-a-concept/
Eric H Wonder what kind of AWD it will be? I would also love a sedan version Speed3, but that's probably hoping for too much.
I agree. Won't be fun to pay off though.
We don't need another rust bucket.
those black hood stripes are cheesy.
I hope one day to own a MS6. I love the look of a great 4 door sleeper.
I own both a 06 MS6 and a 05 Subaru GT wagon. I have to say I enjoy the Mazda a ton more. Mostly because gaining speed in it is effortless in any gear. It just doesn't struggle at all. The AWD system is fantastic in the snow however I do have to say my current and previous Subaru's were more confident in the powdery stuff. There is more room in the MS6 than my LGT and much more comfortable everything but thats about where the good parts stop. The MS6 is a great car but yes its heavy so its not beating any MS3 unless its from light to light. Second, yeah carbon buildup is a problem at higher mileages (Mine is only 76k miles) The headlights are ridiculously expensive to replace as they're xenon and adjustable from within the cabin, but they're made of cheap plastics which haze after too much exposure to the sun. And the largest issue of them all is that at low RPM in a high gear, you will starve the engine of fuel if you floor it which is due to a very weak fuel pump to which the best remedy is to buy new internals for it at around $350 for parts. Every car has its quirks though, so I don't mind any of that myself. No different from the whole Banjo bolt issue that certain turboed subarus had from years back and the head gasket problems from years ago.
A good, objective review of an interesting car that isn't very common. With it's sleeper looks, I bet you could find an unmolested one without too much difficulty, unlike WRX's and EVO's.
Since finding Everydaydriver on RUclips I've loved every review even if the cars have not been available where I live in Australia. Great, great, great format team and please keep up the great work. In recognising that you have a world wide audience can you please, include metric car spec info on weight, power and torque?
Keep up the great work,
Si.
I own an MS3 and this engine is very willing. With a few bolt ons, it opens it right up and makes it a little beast. With the turbo being so small, it boosts right away and winds up really fast. The only issue is that without a proper tune and bolt ons, it kind of dies around 5500 rpm to redline. But like I said, with a few upgrades, it pulls hard to redline and is a proper fast little engine.
that black thing on the hood it look likes the hood is open
Some mods just don't work, the stripes on the hood look bad
I think a last generation Subaru Legacy Spec B would give the Speed6 some tough competition. I would hypothesize that the Spec B would be a better car to own long term.
Wood Herren - You're in luck. We have a Legacy Spec B coming up in our Fast Blasts. Thanks for watching!
EverydayDriver Oh boy, you guys are reviewing the cars which i would like to get one soon. (Saabaru, MS6, Legacy)
EverydayDriver Very excited to hear that! I own one of the 500 '06 Spec B's and have been very pleased with it. I'm looking forward to hearing your feedback as the Legacy's in general haven't been discussed very much in your videos or podcasts.
Wood Herren IMO the Spec B is a better overall car, but ultimately we ended up buying a Speed6 because a) an equivalent Spec B (same year, mileage, condition, etc.) cost about 25% more, and b) my wife is a huge Mazda fan. Even a standard 2.5GT with a 5-speed manual is a solid $2K-3K more than an equivalent Speed6. So a Speed6 was a compromise to satisfy both of us and was a little easier on our wallet. I have to admit, if it weren't for the price gap I would have tried much harder to sway my wife toward the Subaru.
Wood Herren C&D compared both hot out of the factory new and the Spec B won overall. It wasn't that close but the Spec B just handles better, sharper, and Subaru AWD just simply better than FWD biased AWD. If they the MS6 a RWD sedan, it would definitely beat out a lot of cars. My problem with Mazda in that generation is that they're just not a very focused company. They got Miata and the RX8 but they never went anywhere. Kudos to Subaru for bringing out the Spec B, even though the Legacy GT is already very competent already.
Great review, guys. Mazda NEEDS to build a new one. I am leasing a new 6 and while not pathetically slow, it certainly needs more power. It's a great car in search of a great engine. If it's available when my lease is up in a couple years, i will definitely be signing up.
These guys are great reviewers. The only thing I disagree with is the opinion on its handing which is really good l, but not so good when your coasting and turning. Aftermarket coilovers will fix that up. The Mazdaspeed 6 is one of the most underrated cars. It needs to be driven 6/8 at least to really apprecite its abilities. It'll blow u away. It grips, corners, and flies out of the corners.
This car is truly for a pure driving experience and super practical. I've had my 2007 MazdaSpeed 6 since late April and its been a blast. But if anyone plans on buying these and live on the Northeast coast, beware! They rust to hell, especially the frame (not just the subframe and suspension control arms).
I had one for 6 years - in the Grand Touring trim. It was fun while I had it, except in the snow if you had to get going from a stop on a hill. I traded it in 4 years ago. Watching the video, and I'm not missing it much anymore.
Future classic?
As a owner of a MS6, it is sad that you guys didn't get a taste of a modified Mazdaspeed 6. Completely different car. Both the intake and the downpipe are really restrictive and bringing up the boost to 19-20 psi is how the car is meant to be driven. It is a hungry lion locked up in a cage.
I LOVE YOU GUYS REVIEW ONLY HAVE MAZDA6 2.3 NON TURBO LOVE THE CAR SO UNDER RATED
Not sure if I agree with this review totally. To each his own but I think the interior is very nice and classy. Doesn't look cheap wannabe fancy like so many cars today. Seat warmers, climate control, quiet interior, auto 4 windows, etc. The shifter however is the worst part of the car. 1st gear is too short and the transmission isn't even remotely in the same class as the s2000 or miata.
I have a first generation facelift mazda6 with the same 2.3 direct injection motor, just minus the turbo. I'd be interested to see what your thoughts on it are. While not particularly fast, it has a very close ratio transmission, giving it great pep for backroad driving. It's incredibly responsive and tactile for what it is expected to serve as for most drivers, and wicked fun in the twisties
The shifter in my Speed6 doesn't come anywhere close to the description they gave of it...it's clunky and it's really hard to shift into 1st and 2nd. Even the new transmission I installed feels the same way.
fluky loler change the shifter bushings, 10-11 year old bushings are guaranteed worn out. Pair that with a jbr shift knob and you're golden.
Mazdas have always had a German feel when it comes all around handling on their cars. This one is no different we love our Subaru but I would buy this over a Subaru Legacy GT. Both cars are great but this is the drivers choice
The gearbox feels very German, almost like an Audi
it'll be worth it if I get the mazdaspeed 6 gt 2006?
Please do a fast blast review of the Suzuki Aerio 2.3 with the J23 engine
Oh how I wish they bring the mazdaspeed6 back. Because this version of the 6 lasted only 2 years that would make it a collectors edition right?
I wanted one of these but I’m having second thoughts since you guys said these aren’t nimble. I want something that’s fun and will stick in corners.
The car handles like it's on rails. Low profile tyres, chassis stiffening, and a pretty taut suspension makes it handle like nothing i've ever driven.
It handles amazing, they don't know what they are talking about. I've autocrossed and semi pro rally for years and yeah its not EVO or STI in the corners but if you adjust your driving style to a low in high out and power out of the corner it flies. You just have to make good use of the turbo band. I own an EVO VIII and an MS6 and except for hairpins I get faster lap times by a large margin on the MS6. It pulls like a freight train and the key is using that power to exit corners hard.
When will the S3 vs M235i piece come out? :D
Thanks for the review! Hey guys, could you get your hands on something from the 80's again..? Like a let's say BMW M3 e30 chassis..? But again, I know there's not much of those in drivable condition anymore.
would love to have this! one day maybe
these babies are capable of 500+ hp these days with the right components+tune.
I need a coupe Mazda 6 with a 260hp Turbo i4, 280-300hp v6, or an improved Renesis or Rotary thats like 250 ish
I still prefer this generation Mazda 6 to the newer ones. Its smaller and leaner somehow and simpler.
me too
You are right.
the 2007-2008 audi A4's are awesome. out of the box they are much slower than the MS6 but with a $500 chip they can make the same power if not more. also audi has a much nicer interior quality, better suspension and a better AWD system, and every manual german car ive ever driven makes me feel like part of the car, something ive never felt in my 08 wrx or my 04 mazda 6.
LeeVai666 Yes but you can do the same to the MS6 and get the same or similar result. No point in comparing a tuned car to a stock one. But yes, you are right about the Audi being built better, you get what you pay for!
Chance Hales good point, and i agree no point in comparing a tuned car to a stock one, but the better interior, and AWD quality is enough for me to still want the A4 over the MP6.
also that tranny that they were praising for being so good, is known for its problems in these cars. that is one of the reasons they are so cheap on the used market right now.
Very true. I used to own a 2006 Mazda6 v6 grand touring hatchback. It had every option but the nav system. The leather was decent but not as nice as the Audi premium leather (I worked for an Audi dealerwhen I owned that car). The trade off is even though the Mazda isn't perfect, neither is the Audi. Mazdas from that generation are very reliable and when things do go wrong they aren't horribly expensive to fix. That can't be said about Audi. Audis are expensive to fix. They are also cheap in the used car market partly because of that. That also means it's easier to total one. Whereas Mazdas hold their value quite well.
LeeVai666 I wouldn't trust an Audi reliability wise, but I guess the Speed6 isn't known to be that reliable either.
Omar Carrasquillo
ive owned a 1996 A4 V6 non quattro, and a 2001 TT 225 1.8T. and both have needed nothing but basic maintenance. mabe 1,000 a year tops.
wish you guys can test my Subaru Legacy b4 twin turbo.
Arggg, there goes the high pitched noise again at 3:53-3:58. It was there for the same exterior shot in one of your other recent videos too. Whatever microphone you guys have on that camera is like fingernails on a chalkboard for the viewers who are under 30!
***** I hear it on 2.1 desktop speakers and stereo headphones, both on RUclips and if I download the video as an AVI! Oddly though if I download it as an MP3, the high pitch is no longer there. I've seen in the comments that some other people (like bbman85) can hear it too.
@@StalePhish I dont hear it but then again I am over 30! That would be annoying but it gives me an idea about reaching your target audience and purposely excluding others. PIty I cannot think of a decent product or idea to pitch to the hard of hearing........
@@andrewdavid9166 Ah such an old thread. I was 27 when I wrote the original comment, and now I'm 31 and can still hear it loud and clear
This is overall a good car. Although I really don't think the AWD system is anywhere near as capable as a Legacy GT. Also the styling looks cheesy, and very cheap, even independent of that god awful hood stripe. These Mazda Speed 6's tune well but again the Legacy GT looks way more upscale and has equal tuning capabilities. My 06 with Stage 2 mods has held up really well with proper maintenance at 10 years old and 110K mi, Good review though.
yeah lmao that hood stripe is probably the worst place you could possibly put a black bar on the entire car, from a distance it looks like the hood is busted open.
all it needs is cobb stage 1 tune and thats it...low down torque and extra 50hp...
I'm the first owner of a Speed6 with now 134,000 miles on the dash. The only real mods on the car to speak of are a coilover suspension and better brake fluid, brake lines, pads, and rotors. When the car was about half its age I used to track it at Big Willow. It was a lot of fun but never quite felt as agile and nimble as it could be. I've ended up replacing a lot of items over the years and recently had the engine's top end rebuilt because of it being prone to carbon fouling.
Overall though I'm very happy with the car and is still one of my daily drivers. Given that it's lack of popularity makes it cheaper to buy can be a factor when considering this car. Carbon fouling however can really make the car run poorly and is not an easy thing to check for without cracking open the intake manifold, and what seller is going to let you do that...
Pros: It's a sleeper. Fun to drive.
Cons: Paint job is crap. Direct injection motor carbon fouls easily (Get a catch can!!!). Speed6 specific maintenance parts can be harder to find.
Did I mention carbon fouling of its direct injection engine?
+Jin Kim You need 2 cars of B12 Throttle Body & Chock cleaner, an air compressor, a shop vac, fluid transfer pump, a Media blaster gun and some abrasive media (walnut media). You basically remove the intake manifold(requires removing a lot of other parts) and then turn the crank (behind passenger wheel) till 2 pistons are TDC then fill them up with B12, wait at least 1 Hour, then suck out the B12 with a pump, then blast the valves with media and air while sucking the carbon with the shop vac.
There are very detailed instructions on the forums online. This is a very common problem on Direct Injection BMW's as well, and this method of cleaning has been officially adopted by BMW. It's best to do this yourself as BMW can charge you up to $1k for the cleaning.
That is why I love my Speed 6... You guys should drive the Sport model. It's lighter than the GT model, trust me...
+Mark Speed6 By how much? I own a GT and besides the leather, auto climate, seat heaters, and nav, I'm not sure there's anything else that would add weight. I think the only other weight-adding difference with the Sport might be the power driver seat. I am not finding published details on Sport vs GT curb weight.
+SurelyYewJest the power seats alone weighs more than 10 lbs than the sport seats. also there are more sound deadening material on the gt. I know, cause 2 of my friends have a gt and when you open and close all doors, they have more weight to them. Their cars are also quieter than mine. All in all the gt is at least 100-150 lbs heavier than a gt...
+SurelyYewJest we did a comparo of all 3 cars and def the sport has less stuff in it or on it lol...
I've seen plenty of videos that say the opposite; it is great for Canyon carving. Also there are some incorrect tid bits in here, such as it being fwd bias.. Not true. There's a lot more to it. There is NEVER a time above 5mph where only two wheels are spinning. 4 wheels will always be moving.
I never said it wasn't fwd biased
Can you PLEASE get rid of the annoying high-pitched frequency in your drive-by shots? It ruins an otherwise great video...
bbman85 - Sorry you're having this problem - it doesn't seem to be a universal issue, and isn't present in our master files (when played back on everything from Studio monitors to headphones). We aren't sure what could be causing this. We appreciate you saying something and will do what we can to solve it - we only wish we knew why it has happened for a few of you.
EverydayDriver I got it on this video as well. The sounds it makes is near identical to when your ear starts ringing for a bit.
EverydayDriver EDIT: sorry, its actually higher pitched than when your ear rings, the frequency is high with this one.
EverydayDriver I heard it too. Through my computer speakers, my gaming headset AND my earbuds. So, it's definitely something to do with the video or the upload of the video.
bbman85 I don't hear any high frequency sounds. Must be your end.
I know there will never be another 1985 mustang but this might be as close as we'll ever get. New mustangs will never be cool for me.
Definitely prefer Legacy B4
I didnt know mazda made awd mazda6
Nice
So this is basically a 2017 focus RS
Yes at 1/8 the price
but built 11 years previous to the ford.
I like used car vids! Unlike the ones done by matt doing shitty one takes with no effort
Make a speed 6 with a V6 this time
Isn't that such a wonderful road? I was on it last week (driving a minivan, unfortunately . . .) The only problem is that there are too many cyclists -- you can't get too crazy on it.
#MazdaAllDamnDay
wow they managed to ruin it .. looks like shit .. I love the speed6 but this one just looks bad
hultii So, two pinstripes and different wheels ruined it? This is stock except for the stickers and wheels. If that makes or breaks a car for ya, then you need to learn a little about being an enthusiast.
StickIt VinylGraphics I am not a fan of the modifications done, however there are many worse cars out there. I like the wheels and think the wheels are a move in a positive direction for the car.
I am vehemently opposed to anything put on a car with adhesive, so the stickers are a minor turn off. I don't like the look of those window/rain guards, but I'm in a dry area, maybe the function is worth more than the look. The one major thing this car had against it are those two "pinstripes" That were made with a pen bigger than any magic marker I've ever seen.
The stickers, the visors and the stripes, all put on with adhesive and all should go, but the stripes are the worse offender.
Even with everything else kept the same, if those 2 stripe decals were removed, the majority of people would be ok with the vehicles looks.
It does not make or break my feelings about mazda or the 6, but it does make or break my feelings about this specific vehicle. Just like if I saw a bone stock car, with a 5 foot wide pink unicorn on each side of the car, it would turn me off to that specific vehicle as well.
Bob Hope Great response! I can agree with that for the most part. I'm not against the vinyl, but that's just me.
Bob Hope Agreed. I like the wheels and the blacked out badges are ok, but the hood stripes are definitely not to my taste. That's ok though, it's not my car and if the owners like it, good for them.
hultii eliminate all the stickers, black stripes, get stubby antenna, lower it, get a proper Mazda badge, not cut out, then looks clean, black plasti dip+sun visors is ok tho.
It looks like a fun car, but for those who want it all (sport, economy, flexibility) it falls short for one thing: economy. The Speed 6 has horrible gas mileage.
+Gregory G As an owner of one of these for over 5 years, the economy is, yes, not great compared to other cars of the time. However, for a turbo car, if you don't push it all the time, it's generally fine, meaning low-20s combined cycle, or mid-20s highway. Best tank of gas I ever did in mine was about 390 miles on 15.9 gallons. In general it's a pretty unbeatable sedan package as they are, I'm sad to say, a steal on the used market. Maybe someday they'll go up in value a bit for their uniqueness...
Todd, really? You'd take the speed over a leggy GT?
I never drove either, but I'd imagine the Subaru would feel more nimble and balanced.
horrible taste with the vinyls, sorry had to say it
This or a 350Z?
Gross!!!! Rims of off Mazdaspeed 3, filthy and looks like no one takes care of it.
over a legacy? gasp*
Meh, buy the S60R instead.
Jay C Or go one better and buy the V70R :D
MAEguy Touche
s60r is nice, but v70? gross!
What the fuck is that high pitch squealing over the wide shots??? Jesus
no way its 300hp
It is 260 if I am right
What's wrong with another Subaru? Better than this ugly, boring lump.
Punani Punani ps. those altezzas and stripes are hideous
Punani Punani You mean the the taillights? Those are actually from the factory and are exclusive to speed6's.
orcazy01 Those were not exclusive to the Speed6. My 06 V6 car had them as well.
Boring lump? Yes yes, Suba-who is much better looking, as it resembles a Toyota Corolla currently. Not to mention everyone has a Subaru. Let people buy what they want, and you get what you want.
Chance Hales Did you buy your 06 brand new? I know that the facelift first gen 6's had tails similar, but not identical, to the speed tails.