[Harrison486]

Hey guys? What's going on? Well, I am in the market for a used car and I was just wondering if any of you have had experience with both the 3s and a Hyundai Tiburon GT? How do they compare? What did you like and not like?

I have been basically set in my thinking as aiming to find a Mazda3s, with a Scion tC as the backup if am unable to find any good MZ3s around... But recently someone suggested the Tiburon GT and I was wondering how it would stack up.

Let me know what you think

Mazda 3s
Engine: 4 cylinder, DOHC, front engine FWD
Displacement: 2,260 cc
Valve: 16 valves, 4 valves per cylinder
Transmission: 5-spd manual
Fuel economy: city - 24-25 mpg
highway - 29-32 mpg
Horsepower: 160 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 150 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Redline: 6500 rpm
Top speed: 118 mph(electronically limited)
0-60 mph: 7.5 sec.(manual), 8.0 sec.(auto)
0-¼ mile: 15.7 sec @ 89.0 mph(manual)

Tiburon GT
Engine: V6, DOHC, front engine FWD
Displacement: 2,656 cc
Valve: 24 valves, 4 valves per cylinder
Transmission: 6-spd manual
Fuel economy: city - 18-20 mpg
highway - 26 mpg
Horsepower: 170-172 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 177-181 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
Redline: 6500 rpm
Top speed: 137 mph
0-60 mph: 7.4 sec.(manual)
0-¼ mile: 15.6 sec @ 88.8 mph(manual)

 

[3GFX]

Insurance is cheaper on the Mazda 3, and I like the package of the whole car a lot better. Plus its not a Hyundai :lol:

 

[neksys]

I don't really know what you're comparing - performancewise you get pretty similar numbers between the two with significantly worse fuel efficiency for the Hyundai.

Having driven both, the Tiburon has gotten MUCH better in recent years. I've always hated them but the most recent ones look pretty sharp and the GT seems fairly spirited and secure on the road.

General musings..

Tiburon GT:
I like...
- the most recent redesign - much sharper and more expensive looking
- performance is maybe a little more than what you'd expect for the price
- handling seems secure
- the seat seems very comfortable for long trips
- the warranty (!!)
I don't like...
- fuel efficiency
- performance vs. the Mazda3 - while decent, the Mazda keeps up in every regard despite the smaller motor
- 2 doors.... normally a "like" but the Mazda3 proves that 4 door sedans can still look rad
- resale, at least here in British Columbia, is atrocious - 2004 Mazda3s sell for like $3000 off original retail while the 2004 Tiburons sometimes half their original price. Good for you as a buyer i suppose.

Generally, I found the Mazda3 was better or equal in every category (with the exception of Hyundai's warranty). It is simply the better car.

HOWEVER with that said, if you can get a mechanically Tiburon GT for really cheap (and they definitely exist, I see six for sale locally in the 2004-6 range vs. a single -05 3s, with an average price about $6000 less than the 3).... go for it. Its a decent car and if the price is right, its hard to argue - a little less car with a few thousand extra bucks in your pocket buys a lot of happiness.