GS vs GT - Is it worth it?

[hiimnotbry]

Looking at different 2014-2016 mazda3s and I like what the GT fully loaded has to offer but its like a good 4-5k difference. GS models are hovering like 15-16k while like all GT models start from 19k and go to 21k and not all of them are fully loaded.

Are all the extra features worth it? I could add like 1-2k and purchase a 2016 honda civic ex cpo with the amount it is to buy a GT model.

Thanks in advance!


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[gta_driver]

To me, the choice between a GT and GS boils down to engine choice. I found the 2.0 GS with automatic sluggish, but with 6-speed manual, it is very lively. If you must have automatic, I would suggest a GT, plus it has a few bonus features such as Bose stereo, but that wouldn't be my deciding factor.

[Captain Mazda]

I find the 3rd gen auto 2.0 has a delayed acceleration and struggles to get speed.

[Jackal]

Aren't the motors like this?
GT sedan/hatch 2.5 L engine - made in Japan
GS sedan 2.0 L engine - made in Mexico
GS hatch 2.5 L engine - made in Mexico.
Anyway I think it's like that for Gen2 not sure about Gen3.


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[gta_driver]

Aren't the motors like this?
GT sedan/hatch 2.5 L engine - made in Japan
GS sedan 2.0 L engine - made in Mexico
GS hatch 2.5 L engine - made in Mexico.
Anyway I think it's like that for Gen2 not sure about Gen3.


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No. All 3-gen GS models, regardless if hatchback or sedan, have the 2.0L engine.

And early 2014 GS models were built in Japan, like mine

[Mazdazard]

I own a 2015 GS auto...if I could go back and re-do it, I'd def go for the GT model. You'd want the extra 30 HP and torque.

[gta_driver]

I find the 3rd gen auto 2.0 has a delayed acceleration and struggles to get speed.

One more thing - I tested 2.0 GS auto, and using manual shifter, had the car stuck in 6th gear on the highway, and floored it - to see how it accelerates without downshifting. It couldn't pick up speed, or very barely did.

On my 6-speed manual, I frequently don't have to downshift, as acceleration in 6th is sufficient. it's not blistering fast, but it is surprisingly good.

This tells me that the auto robs the engine of some power, enough to feel lethargic - as has been my experience driving 2.0L auto.

[Kaelito]

Ifeel it will boil down to what you prioritize. If you prefer to drive spirited then I recommend a GT. If it's just a commuter, the GS has enough featrès to keep you happy.

Keep in mind that with the GT and additional $5k, you get heated steering wheel, sunroof, 18" alloys, leather seats, bigger engine, paddle shifters (for auto), trunk lip, fog lights, HUD, Bose sound system with 9 speakers (compared to 6), and climate control. 😊

[hiimnotbry]

Ifeel it will boil down to what you prioritize. If you prefer to drive spirited then I recommend a GT. If it's just a commuter, the GS has enough featrès to keep you happy.

Keep in mind that with the GT and additional $5k, you get heated steering wheel, sunroof, 18" alloys, leather seats, bigger engine, paddle shifters (for auto), trunk lip, fog lights, HUD, Bose sound system with 9 speakers (compared to 6), and climate control.

Im purchasing the pre slight redesign so it wouldnt have heated steering wheel but thank you everyone for your opinions, it is leaning ne towards the GT.


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[SonicBoy]

Basically it boils down to if you like all the features in the GT and can afford it then go this route.

If you are ok with the features in GS and don't care about the ones in the GT, you have your answer.

[Derek195]

GS vs GT; GS has the 2.0 engine, which is enough for around town IMO but if you want something with a little more go go, get the GT with the 2.5. My first car (Mazda 3 2.0 2004 auto) had the 2.0 in it, great car for a someone going back and forth to work/school wanting great fuel economy. 2.5 can still be used in the same application, but the 2.5 is a little more fuel happy. I have the (2010 Mazda 3 2.5 6 speed manual), I currently get ~500km per tank (mostly city driving). My dad has the (2010 Mazda 3 2.0 5 speed auto) and he gets ~750km per tank (little bit of highway, mostly city). Even driving the cars one after another, I could feel the power difference between the 2.0 and the 2.5.

[Reddie1337]

The gen 2 were all made in Japan, 2014 you started to see a few Mexican built ones. And 2015-16 have mostly been Mexican, but all the GT models I have come across have all come from Japan.

The 2.0 Skyactiv has more horsepower than the 2.0 of 2011. The 2.5 of 2011 has only a little more horse than the 2.0 Skyactiv. Either car with an auto 6spd transmission is sluggish in 6th, because it's such an overdrive gear. If you hit the gas hard in the 2.0 or 2.5 on the highway it downshifts to 4th to give you the power to pass.

The only mazda I don't shift out of 6th to pass is my Speed, when I'm already at 2500-3000rpm on the highway, the boost gets you the rest of the way.

I drove the 2.0 Skyactiv for 2 years, and I always just got used to shifting to 4th if I wanted to pass somebody. It was loads better than my fiancée's 3 (2011 2.0 Non-Sky) at getting on the highway for sure. It's better in the 3rd gen because the car is a bit lighter as well.

-Reddie

[gta_driver]

I currently get ~500km per tank (mostly city driving). My dad has the (2010 Mazda 3 2.0 5 speed auto) and he gets ~750km per tank (little bit of highway, mostly city). Even driving the cars one after another, I could feel the power difference between the 2.0 and the 2.5.

For the potential buyer, use those numbers as a reference. Both the earlier 2.3 (first gen) and 2.5 (second gen) are known to be gas hogs (i owned a 2005 GT with the 2.3). It's not bad, but compared to the Skyactive, there's a huge difference especially in city driving.

Also, everyone's city driving will be different, depending where you live and what time you drive. The newer 3rd gen has a smaller tank of only 50L, whereas the 2nd gen had a 60L tank.

[Reddie1337]

For the potential buyer, use those numbers as a reference. Both the earlier 2.3 (first gen) and 2.5 (second gen) are known to be gas hogs (i owned a 2005 GT with the 2.3). It's not bad, but compared to the Skyactive, there's a huge difference especially in city driving.

Also, everyone's city driving will be different, depending where you live and what time you drive. The newer 3rd gen has a smaller tank of only 50L, whereas the 2nd gen had a 60L tank.

My second gen speed gas light comes on at 52L. My Sky came on at 43L. My 2011 GS comes on at 40L


-Reddie

[Derek195]

For the potential buyer, use those numbers as a reference. Both the earlier 2.3 (first gen) and 2.5 (second gen) are known to be gas hogs (i owned a 2005 GT with the 2.3). It's not bad, but compared to the Skyactive, there's a huge difference especially in city driving.

Also, everyone's city driving will be different, depending where you live and what time you drive. The newer 3rd gen has a smaller tank of only 50L, whereas the 2nd gen had a 60L tank.

The second gen wagon has a 55L tank. Second gen sedan has a 50L tank.


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[hiimnotbry]

Does the GS model come with the keyless entry where theres a button on the handle or a sensor? Where the key isnt needed?


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[Derek195]

Does the GS model come with the keyless entry where theres a button on the handle or a sensor? Where the key isnt needed?


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No, I don't believe so. I believe it only comes on the GT with the tech package.


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[Reddie1337]

The second gen wagon has a 55L tank. Second gen sedan has a 50L tank.


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I will disagree. When I first got my car it was so empty I put 58L in.


-Reddie

[Derek195]

The second gen wagon has a 55L tank. Second gen sedan has a 50L tank.


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I am sorry... I stand corrected. You're right, gen 2 is a 60L tank. Sorry


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[Derek195]

I will disagree. When I first got my car it was so empty I put 58L in.


-Reddie

I am sorry. I stand corrected, gen 2s have a 60L tank. I thought it was 55L for some reason. Sorry.


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[Milan96]

I am sorry. I stand corrected, gen 2s have a 60L tank. I thought it was 55L for some reason. Sorry.


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Gen 2 2.5L has a 60L tank

Gen 2 Skyactiv has a 55 L tank

Gen 2 2.0 also has a 55L tank (99% sure on that one)

[Derek195]

Gen 2 2.5L has a 60L tank

Gen 2 Skyactiv has a 55 L tank

Gen 2 2.0 also has a 55L tank (99% sure on that one)

Yes, you are correct.



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[mazdaagain]

No, I don't believe so. I believe it only comes on the GT with the tech package.


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I have a 2013 GS sedan with keyless entry via button on the door handle and pushbutton start. I don't use my key for anything. The car even locks itself when I walk away.

[Derek195]

Oh ok, it may be only with the tech package then.


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[Error404]

To me honestly, my deciding factors: Heads-Up-Display & larger engine. The LED lights were just extra's. The HUD is very underrated and I honestly find it a great feature to have now a days.