Civic Type R or Mazda 3mps

[Pumajay]

Not the worse problem I've ever had in my life and quite a nice problem to have actually. I'm planning on purchasing either an FN2 civic type r or a mk1 Mazda 3 mps

Looking for any advice on these 2 cars as in trying to decide which to buy. I like the power, grunt and value for money of the Mazda but the looks and interior of the civic still keep me wondering which!!

Anyone owned both? Had good/bad experiences with them?

[E30M3SE]

Go and drive both. I prefer the Honda.

[Pumajay]

I should of added I've driven both, i found then Honda a great drive but it was harder work to keep it going quickly where as the Mazda with the turbo was much more effortless, the added torque made it smoother to drive, I'd never understood the appeal of vtec untill I'd experienced that many revs!!!

It might have to be a flip of a coin! I can't even split them on insurance

[Baryonyx]

I'd sooner have an EP3 over either of those.

[Chicane-UK]

I guess the character of the car will decide your choice - do you want the rev hungry VTEC in the Honda, or the torque of the Mazda? It'd be torque for me as I hate having to wring an engine out to get performance, but I know for some people a screaming engine is more their cup of tea

[nottyash]

I would like the look of the Honda with the performance of the Mazda
As much as I love Hondas I am bored of the power delivery, but couldn't live with the cheap, dull looks of the early Mazda.
Im ooot

[fathomfive]

The nature of the Honda engine isn't as much of an issue as its ride.

[Pumajay]

It is a very firm ride in the Honda, I've looked at all the other hot hatches but I'm bored of the focus st, Astra vxr does nothing for me and I don't want a Renault, the golf gti was my other option but the edition 30 is the one I want and there still around 11k and there a little too grown up for me.

I'm swaying towards to the Mazda, good power, easily tuneable, reliable, plenty of kit and cheap!!... I've also got to plan ahead for the future, there will be the need for a baby seat at some point so the option of a 5 door is also a big tick in the Mazda's favour.

[Gilhooligan]

Won't the Mazda suffer from rust issues on the arches? I'd take the civic (albeit in EP3 guise).

[Bone Rat]

Not sure about the MPS rust issue. I've had mine since 07, now on 93K miles. I just hose out the wheel arches on a regular basis when the salt starts being laid or there's mud around. No rust at all - honest.

Very reliable as I expect is the Honda as well. Only pain is the Tax - north of £450 and the ability to get through front tyres. The 5 doors are useful as are the understated looks.

[Crafty_]

^ The facelift/mk2 Mazda is in the next tax bracket down so £280 (I think) a year which helps a bit.

I've done a little reading on the Mazda, not seen anything regarding rust at all.

For me, turbo wins every time over NA but one negative for the Mazda is that the model is at the end of its life and a new 3 is due imminently with similar looks to the new 6. No MPS model announced yet though. Inevitably values will be hit when the new model 3 hits the streets though.

As I understand it the FN2 isn't the greatest car that Honda have released.

[Pumajay]

I think my mind has just been made up... I'm not paying £450 a year to tax a Mazda! That's crazy! Civic it is

[otolith]

You've got the rest of your life to own turbocharged cars (you probably soon won't have much choice). Own a really good NA while you can.

[mascord05]

I've got a FN2. Use it probably twice a week for a blast. Genuinely can't see myself without it. Seats are epic, sounds awesome and drives the nuts!! Get one bought and V-tec your louts off!!

[Axionknight]

I would take the Type-R personally, they get a bit of stick from EP3 fan boys who love their old cars, but are truly an engaging drive - the tractability of the engine is less of an issue than the ride IMO, the 18" wheels are fine enough unless you live on a country lane, but the 19"'s (they are called "rage" alloys) do make it pretty (see really) poor.

[Unlight]

Think I'm the only one who has responded that has owned, and done many miles in both :


MPS -

-Feels quick
-Tuneable with a remap
-Great Bose stereo
-Discrete peformance


Type R

-Better looking
-Better noise
-Harsh ride
-Half the VED of the MPS


Overall - preferred the type r! Don't be tempted by the 19" Rage alloys - 18" are much better!

Edited by Unlight on Sunday 6th October 23:54

[AMG01]

mascord05 said:

I've got a FN2. Use it probably twice a week for a blast. Genuinely can't see myself without it. Seats are epic, sounds awesome and drives the nuts!! Get one bought and V-tec your louts off!!

I also have an FN2, love it, looks good, inside and out, great seats, sounds amazing and a cracking drive. I have the rage alloys and prefer the look of them

[DanielSan]

Alternative choice for you - DC5 Integra Type R.

[blearyeyedboy]

Haven't driven the MPS but I have driven the FN2. Nice car but make sure you can live with the ride... have a go before you commit, it might not be your cup of tea (or it might!)

Ride notwithstanding, it's a fun drive and the cabin's a very nice place to be. Great seats, lovely Buck Rogers dash, if that's your sort of thing.

Don't forget that very base spec FN2's were sold without air con, and the "GT" model with it. Easy to get caught out and bake in summer...

[NateWM]

DanielSan said:

Alternative choice for you - DC5 Integra Type R.

Having driven an FN2, DC5 and an EP3, the DC5 is definetely the pick of the bunch.
Handling is leagues ahead of the FN2.