Mazda6 MPS v Vectra VXR 280
Discussion
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?
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?
howardsheno said:
I Have the Vectra Vxr, it is an excellent motorway cruiser. But if your roads are as badly maintained as in my area and you do a lot of driving on those type of roads, make sure you take a test drive using those conditions. Mine tramlines and wanders, I changed the 19" to 18" to improve the ride but although better (the 19" alloys are also liable to crack) still not as I would like.
I drive around Sheffield alot and the roads there are s
t and full of pot holes and just rough roads in general 
C12HLL said:
Currently have an MPS and really enjoying it. I normally change cars every 6 months or so and i am really struggling to think of a replacement. Mine is a 2006 but just qualifies for the cheaper tax band which is nice.
As previously mentioned the interior and stereo in the Mazda are miles better than the VXR. Another vote for the MPS.
It sounds like I could be disappointed with a Vxr then! Just arranging with the owner of the mps when i can take the 5 hour journey to go look!As previously mentioned the interior and stereo in the Mazda are miles better than the VXR. Another vote for the MPS.
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.Anyway. If you don't do corners then buy the VXR, if you do then buy the MPS.
(rather biased)
Me, I'd be getting the diff mounts sorted and launch control fitted up
Sounds like I'd be daft not getting the MPS really!
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....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.
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.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 could go view a VXR on Sunday, they're much easier to come across, MPS's are thin on the ground.
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. http://www.mpsowners.co.uk/viewforum.php?f=35
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. t. Not the car to go for if plush interiors are your thing.I'll be doing the diff mounts anyway as I know they're made of chocolate
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. Evo rated their Long Termer VXR Estate quite highly - http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evolongtermtests/2...
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 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. 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!
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