What car is better a 2003 Chevy Impala or a 2003-2006 Mazda 6?

Question

I have a 2003 Chevy Impala that i started to invest money into it. i added a muffler and i put tinted windows. i was planning on buying some performance parts to put into it, but i went to a dealer today and i went to help my brother choose his first car and i saw the Mazda 6. and now i kinda want that car, but i wanna make sure im making a good decision. Should i keep the impala and keep fixing it up or should i get the Mazda 6 instead???? help me out please.

Answer 1

These two cars are not in the same class. It's not fair to compare them. However, to answer your question.

The impala has a base price of almost $7,000 more than the mazda 6 (I am comparing the 2003 Chevy Impala LS to the 2003 Mazda 6i)

The impala, (6 cylinder) has 200Hp, on a 3.8L engine that gets 19/29 [official specs] vs the Mazda's 4 cylinder, 160 HP, 2.3L @ 25/32
However, the 200HP of the impala is reached @ 5200RPM, whereas the 160HP of the mazda takes - 6000 rpm - to reach that, so, realistically, since people drive in between the 2000-4000 rpm mode, you're looking at ~160 hp / ~110 hp respectively.

The impala has 225 lb-ft of torque (@ 4000rpm) vs the mazda's 155 lb-ft of torque (@ 4000 rpm)

This means, even though it's heavier, The impala will be a better performer.

The mazda does have a slightly better warranty, of 3 yr/50K miles.

The impala is 500 lbs heavier, 5 inches longer wheelbase, 15 inches longer overall, slightly wider, and taller, than the mazda 6. It has more trunk room, more cabin room, and a better turning radius (go figure.. longer, bigger car, turns better. :-] )

I'd say, since you already OWN the impala, and haven't gotten over the depreciation hump yet (and, may still have payments on it) AND the fact that you've "upgraded it" you should keep the impala.

The depreciation hump I speak of is where you have lost more in depreciation than the car is currently worth. You are "upside down" on the car [this is true of all cars] and it usually means - 5 - years. Before "getting your use" out of the car surpasses what you've actually spent on it.
I personally keep cars until I kill them.
My rule for my stable of cars, unfortunately, means I own more than 1. I have a 1993 jeep grand cherokee, i have a viper, i have a jetta (2003 TDI, diesel), and a 2001 sienna. I haven't been able to kill them yet.

Answer 2

Well the Mazda is more sporty and has a better resale value than the Impala. I'd say you stop investing into the Chevy and trade it in for the Mazda and then start investing in it. It looks a lot better the the Impala as it is and will look even better with the upgrades. Besides you don't want a four door "family" sedan like the Impala to haul around everywhere you go now do you?

Answer 3

2003 Mazda 6 Value

Answer 4

Get the Mazda 6. I think its a far nicer car than the Impala, and a lot more dependable, better warranty, and not so common. It also has superior resale. A 2005 used V4 is about $13,900. The 2007 Mazdaspeed6 is really nice. Plus Mazda comes in a stick if you want it, which is nice.

for a quote www.pugi.com

Answer 5

Do not buy a 2003 Mazda 6! I had one, and I had constant problems:

1. 8 sets of rotors in 40,000 miles - Constant warped rotor problem.
2. Shift slam between 2-3rd gear, transmission had to be replaced at 50,000 miles.

2003 is a definate NO!!! I had a lemon. Take it from me.

Answer 6

The Impala is a very good/safe car. Its American made, so in the event it does need repair, the parts are reasonably priced. Compare starters, alternators, exhaust, brakes etc to foreign cars, such as Honda and Toyota and you'll be much happier with the Chevy. Not to mention body parts. First cars tend to dent...

Answer 7

I think from a MPG, reliability, and resale value the Mazda is the car.

Answer 8

I would prefer the Mazda, but I am not you. Did you drive the Mazda? Make sure you like it before you trade.

Answer 9

Check the blue book prices for the cars you are interested in, and make your decision based on that value.