Mazda6 MPS v Vectra VXR 280

Mazda6 MPS v Vectra VXR 280

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Discussion

PapaJohns

1,064 posts

152 months

Friday 20th February 2015
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underphil said:
If when you say 'similar money' you actually mean 'over twice as much', then yes I agree
Yeah, the crack I had earlier has worn off, for some reason I read Mazda 3 MPS v ..... I did wonder why it was a hatch v saloon ( my bad)

The Mazda gets my vote.

Fastdruid

8,623 posts

151 months

Friday 20th February 2015
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Worth mentioning that the MPS is 6.4s not 6.6s to 60 and it's been tested at <6s. Car and driver got 5.4s, Autocar got 5.98.

Anyway. If you don't do corners then buy the VXR, if you do then buy the MPS.

(rather biased)

Renovation

1,763 posts

120 months

Friday 20th February 2015
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I considered the MPS as I was looking for a discrete 4WD winter car.

After reading the forums and ads and seeing lots with engine or gearbox problems I decided against.

I went for a Forester 2.5 XT - remapped to 270bhp I'm very happy with it - albeit it's not as pretty as the Mazda.

TheAngryDog

Original Poster:

12,394 posts

208 months

Friday 20th February 2015
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Fastdruid said:
Worth mentioning that the MPS is 6.4s not 6.6s to 60 and it's been tested at <6s. Car and driver got 5.4s, Autocar got 5.98.

Anyway. If you don't do corners then buy the VXR, if you do then buy the MPS.

(rather biased)
Interesting - I've seen several videos of a youtube persuasion (not the gospel of all things) where the MPS hasn't appeared that quick, but I guess it also depends on how people do their runs.

Me, I'd be getting the diff mounts sorted and launch control fitted up biggrin

Sounds like I'd be daft not getting the MPS really!

matchmaker

8,463 posts

199 months

Friday 20th February 2015
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TheAngryDog said:
Well I thought I'd decided to get the MPS, but I've just seen a VXR in my price range that has had the timing chains done.

The MPS has also had the VVT and chain done. The way I see it;

The VXR is more expensive to buy than the MPS.
The VXR is quicker to 60mph (6.1 seconds claimed against 6.6 seconds claimed for the MPS).
The MPS is AWD (when needed) and the VXR is only FWD.
The MPS has been known to put a leg out of bed.
The VXR has catastrophic understeer (if you believe Top Gear, which I don't, especially after reading the evo article), so it doesnt have catastrophic understeer.
The MPS looks nicer (I think!)
The VXR has recaro's
Both 6 speed manuals, both seem to do the same MPG (claimed), though I believe the VXR is using less rev's at any given RPM in 6th.
The MPS seems cheaper to tune.

I like the idea of AWD in the Mazda, but I also like the idea of a V6T in the Vectra. I've had a 3.2 V6 Vectra before so I know what Vectra's are like to live with, and I never hated it.

If it wasnt for the VXR with the chains done that has come up in my budget, then I wouldn't be entertaining it.

Would you go for the MPS or the VXR?
VXR. Because of the above. My son had arranged to buy an MPS. The garage were to deliver it to him. Engine blew up on the way. Lucky escape!

djgritt

618 posts

163 months

Friday 20th February 2015
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I own a Vectra VXR. 2007 280PS model.

Had it since 2011 - it's been great. Effortless power, great cruising ability, competent handling and nowadays, a bit of a bargain. I've not really had any reliability issues either (save for a couple of worn suspension components being replaced this year for MOT)
The Recaros are great, especially the Full Leather, Electric ones (for precise adjustments)
Most 280PS models have obscene Tax costs, currently a smidge under £500, or ~£42p/m DD.
Running costs are fair for the sort of car.
Arden Blue is horrific on the Vectra, avoid IMO. Looks stupid on the larger cars. Can get away with it on an Astra/Corsa.


I also own a current Mazda 6, and had a previous generation one too. I am a big fan of Mazdas. I've owned them for longer than my Vectra...

I had a couple of 1st gen Mazda 6s as courtesy cars in my time, admittedly not MPS though - how anyone can say the Interior is better than a Vectra is beyond me. The dashboard alone is certainly no better than a Vectra, and equally as cheaply made IMO.

I chose the Vectra over an MPS as it was a nicer place to be, and was a cheaper option for me. It was a newer car too. There is a relatively decent selection of Aftermarket modifications for them - some decent power can be extracted for little outlay - other than a handful now experiencing chain issues, the powertrain is pretty bombproof.

TheAngryDog

Original Poster:

12,394 posts

208 months

Friday 20th February 2015
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djgritt said:
I own a Vectra VXR. 2007 280PS model.

Had it since 2011 - it's been great. Effortless power, great cruising ability, competent handling and nowadays, a bit of a bargain. I've not really had any reliability issues either (save for a couple of worn suspension components being replaced this year for MOT)
The Recaros are great, especially the Full Leather, Electric ones (for precise adjustments)
Most 280PS models have obscene Tax costs, currently a smidge under £500, or ~£42p/m DD.
Running costs are fair for the sort of car.
Arden Blue is horrific on the Vectra, avoid IMO. Looks stupid on the larger cars. Can get away with it on an Astra/Corsa.


I also own a current Mazda 6, and had a previous generation one too. I am a big fan of Mazdas. I've owned them for longer than my Vectra...

I had a couple of 1st gen Mazda 6s as courtesy cars in my time, admittedly not MPS though - how anyone can say the Interior is better than a Vectra is beyond me. The dashboard alone is certainly no better than a Vectra, and equally as cheaply made IMO.

I chose the Vectra over an MPS as it was a nicer place to be, and was a cheaper option for me. It was a newer car too. There is a relatively decent selection of Aftermarket modifications for them - some decent power can be extracted for little outlay - other than a handful now experiencing chain issues, the powertrain is pretty bombproof.
There in lies the issues - I like the interior in the Vectra, especially the Recaro's. But the AWD of the MPS with launch control sounds fun....

LayZ

1,619 posts

241 months

Friday 20th February 2015
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Looked at both of these myself - definitely a lot of PH performance for the money whichever way you go.

VXR struck me as a more sensible buy - engine was made in the hundreds of thousands so well known, cheap Vectra parts and servicing, and easy to tune to big power.

The first gen Mazda 6 now looks v old, even new it was bland which probably doesn't help. The drivetrain is nice but think it has running costs of other more exotic jap stuff without the stigma of decent residual values.

TheAngryDog

Original Poster:

12,394 posts

208 months

Friday 20th February 2015
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LayZ said:
Looked at both of these myself - definitely a lot of PH performance for the money whichever way you go.

VXR struck me as a more sensible buy - engine was made in the hundreds of thousands so well known, cheap Vectra parts and servicing, and easy to tune to big power.

The first gen Mazda 6 now looks v old, even new it was bland which probably doesn't help. The drivetrain is nice but think it has running costs of other more exotic jap stuff without the stigma of decent residual values.
I guess though that Mass Produced doesn't always mean that it is without problems.

I could go view a VXR on Sunday, they're much easier to come across, MPS's are thin on the ground.

ArsE92

21,007 posts

186 months

Saturday 21st February 2015
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There are a few for sale on the MPS forum. You'll have to create an account to view them.
http://www.mpsowners.co.uk/viewforum.php?f=35

Tribal Chestnut

2,997 posts

181 months

Saturday 21st February 2015
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I have a 6MPS. Only issue so far has been the rear diff mount. Done almost 97k with no other issues. It will over steer easily with the TC off and the seats are st. Not the car to go for if plush interiors are your thing.

TheAngryDog

Original Poster:

12,394 posts

208 months

Saturday 21st February 2015
quotequote all
ArsE92 said:
There are a few for sale on the MPS forum. You'll have to create an account to view them.
http://www.mpsowners.co.uk/viewforum.php?f=35
They appear to mainly be mps3's. I have registered on there anyway and I've arranged to go look at one next week.

It does appear that the mps gets glowing reviews really compared with the vxr.

Tribal Chestnut said:
I have a 6MPS. Only issue so far has been the rear diff mount. Done almost 97k with no other issues. It will over steer easily with the TC off and the seats are st. Not the car to go for if plush interiors are your thing.
If I wanted plush I'd just go for something more prestige as it were. I don't expect mainy cars of this type to have plush interiors. No one else has complained about the seats, maybe they don't suit you? I've had cars with seats I hate but others like. Seats can always be changed anyway.

I'll be doing the diff mounts anyway as I know they're made of chocolate

djgritt

618 posts

163 months

Saturday 21st February 2015
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TheAngryDog said:
It does appear that the mps gets glowing reviews really compared with the vxr.
Mazdas generally have less of a Stigma about them than variants of Performance Vauxhalls, and therefore less negative feeling...

Evo rated their Long Termer VXR Estate quite highly - http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evolongtermtests/2...


TheAngryDog

Original Poster:

12,394 posts

208 months

Saturday 21st February 2015
quotequote all
djgritt said:
Mazdas generally have less of a Stigma about them than variants of Performance Vauxhalls, and therefore less negative feeling...

Evo rated their Long Termer VXR Estate quite highly - http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evolongtermtests/2...
I also read they rated it highly in a test with An Impreza, Evo and 325i, saying the car handled well.

I like Vectra's, did 20k in my old Elite 3.2 and I had no complaints about it. I like that it's a hatch as well for the boot size. It's A shame that there arent any mps's or vxrs near me to try before I go and look.

nipsips

1,163 posts

134 months

Saturday 21st February 2015
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Can I throw an alternative in?

I normally hate suggesting alternatives because it seems like you have your ideas firmly set but have you considered a Mondeo ST220? On paper - nowhere near as quick in a straight line but arguably a better car in the real world in terms of handling, every day use and running costs.

Just a thought!

TheAngryDog

Original Poster:

12,394 posts

208 months

Saturday 21st February 2015
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nipsips said:
Can I throw an alternative in?

I normally hate suggesting alternatives because it seems like you have your ideas firmly set but have you considered a Mondeo ST220? On paper - nowhere near as quick in a straight line but arguably a better car in the real world in terms of handling, every day use and running costs.

Just a thought!
I'd discounted it Because I want something turbocharged again. The ST220 would never be quick enough for me after coming from an M5.

nipsips

1,163 posts

134 months

Saturday 21st February 2015
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TheAngryDog said:
I'd discounted it Because I want something turbocharged again. The ST220 would never be quick enough for me after coming from an M5.
Thats fair enough.

Ive never owned either the VXR or the ST but from the actually drive type the Mondeo is leap years ahead of the Vectra. Shame they never made it faster!

TheAngryDog

Original Poster:

12,394 posts

208 months

Saturday 21st February 2015
quotequote all
If they'd have put the 2.5t engine in the mk3 I'd getting one if it was an ST, but the 3.0 just isn't quick enough for me really

Fastdruid

8,623 posts

151 months

Saturday 21st February 2015
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nipsips said:
TheAngryDog said:
I'd discounted it Because I want something turbocharged again. The ST220 would never be quick enough for me after coming from an M5.
Thats fair enough.

Ive never owned either the VXR or the ST but from the actually drive type the Mondeo is leap years ahead of the Vectra. Shame they never made it faster!
Er they did make a 2.5T version of the Mk4 Mondeo. Just as rare as the MPS though (but better 'spec').

TheAngryDog

Original Poster:

12,394 posts

208 months

Saturday 21st February 2015
quotequote all
Fastdruid said:
Er they did make a 2.5T version of the Mk4 Mondeo. Just as rare as the MPS though (but better 'spec').
Probably less fun though and costs more to buy. Looks like I am viewing the mps on Tuesday anyway biggrin