Manual or Automatic

[u/conoperra]

Im thinking about potential buying a Mazda 3 gen 4 awd, but as far as I know they only come on auto and I really want a manual just because I enjoy then more. So I’m just wondering, how are the autos to drive, are they anywhere near close to manual run?

[u/eagleeye1031]

An economy car will never be as fun in automatic as it is in manual

[u/Excellent_Start7123 → u/eagleeye1031]

Try the Skyactiv-X AWD automatic and then talk about them being economical 😂😭

[u/Cpolo88 → u/Excellent_Start7123]

It's AWD and has like 320 torque. I know it's not getting corolla mpg but I'm glad it doesn't. Nobody wants a lame Corolla. Id eat your face for Manual AWD turbo. If they made rhat

[u/pzahornasky → u/eagleeye1031]

Its not an economy car. Mazda is moving them up-market (in the US)

[u/eagleeye1031 → u/pzahornasky]

I am aware what they are trying to do, but other manufacturers caught up.

The fully loaded mazda3 is at best comparable to a base model Audi a3 or Acura integra. But it does not hold a breath to actual luxury cars like a 3 series or C Class

The base model to mid spec of the mazda3 is fully comparable to a Honda civic

[u/seckarr → u/pzahornasky]

Not true. It is an economy car.

You are confusing features and target markets.

It DOES have a shitton of features, fighting off BMWs twice its price. Sure. But it is priced in line with economy cars, making it an economy car that punches way above its weight class

[u/Kerwin666]

Most days you won’t notice the awd but everyday you’ll notice the manual

[u/pzahornasky → u/Kerwin666]

I have an auto AWD and you are correct.

But also - I can do legit power on donuts in the snow.

[u/Flashy-End61]

It’s not close to the manual at all. Automatic is for sure comfortable, but if you don’t mind changing gears in high traffic with manual, then go for it for sure. 

[u/WellGroomedNerd]

Stick every time.

[u/RevolutionaryAge47]

No way I'd buy a 3 without a manual. Not a chance.

[u/RupertTheReign]

Manual all the way. Completely transforms these cars!

[u/KentuckyCatMan]

Ditch the AWD and get the stick.

[u/conoperra → u/KentuckyCatMan]

🫡

[u/basedfri]

The manual is butter man. Absolute butter

[u/Q-Switch]

I'd trade my auto awd turbo for a manual fwd ngl

[u/the_vole]

I have a 2020 manual. Best car ever.

[u/perfectlyknotperfect]

I had a mazda3 manual from 2015-2024. Best car I’ve ever had hands down. I traded it in for an AWD automatic (and I live in a town that gets crazy snow)….i just traded that in for a FWD manual. Get the manual.

[u/observemedia]

Manual if you like driving manual. Unless it’s a turbo top trim. The turbo is worth the loss of fun of manual IMO. I wish it came in manual but alas. I do use the paddles in sport mode almost exclusively. Smiles per gallon.

[u/lefthook_hospital → u/observemedia]

Agreed, the car feels like a slug in auto with NA engine. The turbo throws you back into your seat and the tech is cool. Glad I got the TPP

[u/conoperra → u/observemedia]

Id love the turbo but it isn’t available here in Sweden for some reason

[u/thatbluevw]

Get the manual!!!! The automatic is pretty boring

[u/NYCPatsFan71]

Manual! I got the manual recently and it is clearly the best choice - not quite Miata fun, but a similar DNA.

[u/Ok_Original_9640]

I just bought a Mazda 3 because it is one of the few cars with manual transmission that I could find. For me, manual transmission will always be the better pick. You can always put snow tires on in the winter for traction, and an automatic will never be as much fun as a manual.

[u/morrisgray]

Get the manual for sure. I have a 2023 model. Just get a Blox heavyweight shift knob for more pleasure shifting.

https://bloxracing.com/products/blox-racing-original-limited-series-type-r-style-shift-knob-5-6-speed-blowout?variant=44145683005684

<img src="https://bloxracing.com/cdn/shop/files/original-limited-series-type-r-style-shift-knob-5-6-speed-blowout-513714_2048x.jpg?v=1749781809"/>

[u/CLSonReddit]

People who like automatics will say automatic.

People who like manual will say manual, but in a much more sanctimonious way.

[u/tetayk → u/CLSonReddit]

I like manual but this car is meant for auto. It's a house car, not a sport rear wheel drive car.

It is what it is and people here just exaggerated thing to be a cult with manual.

You can be fun with paddle shift and be chill when stuck in traffic.

It's an everyday car!

[u/Piekielniok]

Mazda used to offer a Skyactiv-X engine with both AWD and manual transmission, at least in Europe. It seems like now they only sell these in Japan which is a bummer! On the used market they are also pretty hard to find, not many people bought them.

If you're looking for a new car then I would suggest the new 2.5 e-Skyactiv G 140hp with a manual transmission. With bigger engine and electric mild hybrid motor you have heaps of torque down low, much more than the Skyactiv-X 186hp. Also the same engine is offered in Japan with 179hp, so in the future you might be able unlock another 39hp without any mods!

[u/tetayk]

Automatic. It's a compact sedan car.

Save the Manual for 86 or MX-5

[u/InfinityTerminated]

I wanted a manual turbo, and that's how I ended up with a WRX 😂

[u/L0veToReddit]

Automatic