Test drive Mazda and Toyota - choose the best

Over the years, car owners have formed the opinion that Toyota is an ultra-reliable car for comfortable driving, and Mazda is an impulsive car for those who like to drive. Toyota is a sales leader, a frequent representative of the “almost business class”. Mazda is a kind of unlucky younger brother, with all its appearance (mostly external) shouting: “I’m better!” But time passes, the views of manufacturers change, as do their creations. The price range of competing models is the same, then which car is better - Mazda or Toyota?

Ride quality of competitors

It’s not interesting to compare which car is more beautiful than the Toyota Corolla or Mazda 3.
All opinions are subjective, and the difference becomes more blurred with each generation. Therefore, let's move straight to the driving performance. Mazda has always relied on sporty dynamics. But the time of two-liter engines for Mazda 3 is gone. Mazda 3 or Toyota Corolla drives well, which is better? The latest Mazda 3 with a one and a half liter engine has 120 horsepower. The car accelerates well and corners at high speed. When starting from a traffic light, Mazda wins a fraction of a second. But, as soon as the revolutions approach 4000, the control unit limits the fuel supply in favor of environmental standards, thereby worsening the dynamics. And even a 6-speed classic automatic doesn’t save the situation.

A Corolla with a 1.6 liter engine of 122 hp, equipped with a continuously variable transmission, feels more harmonious. Toyota engineers went towards environmental friendliness and efficiency through new technologies and changes in electronic settings, without using mechanical and electronic dampers. As a result, the Corolla, losing at the beginning, later outperforms the Mazda 3 both in urban conditions and on the highway.

To improve handling, the Mazda suspension is quite stiff, but on rough roads this has a downside in the form of deterioration in comfort. Toyota moves more smoothly on Russian roads. The handling of cars varies at the level of nuances. Average gasoline consumption is almost the same among competitors and depends rather on the style of movement.

Operation of Toyota Camry

Let's start with Toyota. When accelerating, the car does not immediately rush into battle, but accelerates smoothly and leisurely. The Toyota Camry is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. Its consumption in the city is about 13-15 liters, which is quite a lot. Unfortunately, it practically cannot be called economical.

The handling of the Toyota Camry is also not ideal. The car reacts late to steering movements, which can confuse an inexperienced driver a little.

Despite this, the car is comfortable in motion. Its ride is quite smooth, even if the driver accelerates hard. There is no twitching or jerking during the ride. It’s also not scary to drive a car on rough Russian roads. They won't shake you like you would in a bank. And the car simply ignores small asphalt potholes, thanks to the soft suspension.

Incendiary dynamics?

Car engines

The previous Mazda 3 was famous for its excellent dynamic parameters, which allowed it to easily pull ahead from traffic lights and get ahead of other city traffic participants. However, such fame accompanied mainly cars with a two-liter engine, while for comparison Toyota Corolla vs. Mazda 3 was chosen as a car with the latest SKYACTIV-G power unit with a volume of 1.5 liters. At first, the engine shows its best side - its elements are fast starts, active maneuvers and “traffic light races”. However, as soon as the tachometer needle crosses the threshold of 3500 rpm, the electronics begin to limit the fuel supply, significantly worsening the dynamics to improve efficiency and reduce the damage caused by exhaust to the environment. As a result, even with a traditional six-speed automatic transmission, the Mazda 3 loses to its competitor - and if you try to press the gas pedal to the floor, you will only achieve an increase in fuel consumption to 12-13 liters per 100 km without a significant increase in dynamics.

Specifications

At first, it’s even surprising that the Toyota Corolla, equipped with a continuously variable transmission, is perceived as a more harmonious car. However, then you realize that Toyota engineers have done a tremendous amount of work to give the car ideal parameters. The notorious efficiency and environmental safety are achieved through fine-tuning electronics and the use of new technologies, and not through the operation of mechanical and electronic dampers. As a result, Toyota Corolla confidently outperforms Mazda both in the city and on the highway, losing slightly only in the first seconds of the competition.

Chassis

If you want to buy a Corolla or Mazda 3 and read reviews, you will probably hear that the latter has a fairly stiff suspension, which often causes discomfort. Don’t believe it - such statements were only true for previous generations, while the current generation of the car is equipped with a completely redesigned chassis. Former shortcomings have been completely eliminated - the car transfers almost no shock to the cabin, even if the driver does not brake too actively before large bumps. At the same time, Mazda specialists managed to maintain all the advantages:

• Accurate reactions to steering wheel turns;
• No fluctuations in directional stability;
• No body sway.

Test drive a Mazda 3:

But we had to pay for comfort with slight rolls when turning, which are a consequence of the use of less rigid springs.

As for the Toyota Corolla, it shows an average result in this competition. Of course, you won’t feel outright discomfort in the interior of this vehicle, but you would still like to count on less intensity of impacts and less booming sounds coming from under the bottom. But in the area of ​​handling, it is on par with the Mazda 3 thanks to the ideal settings of the electric power steering.

Test drive a Toyota Corolla:

Engine

Let's take a closer look at the comparison of Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3 in technical equipment.

The Corolla 1.6 1ZR FE VVT-i power unit is the most popular, created using advanced technologies. Engine power - 122 hp. at 6000 rpm. Torque - 157 N*m at 5200 rpm.

Engine Mazda 3 SKYACTYV-G 1.5 is a modern engine with a high compression ratio and innovative developments. The engine produces 120 horsepower at 6000 rpm, and peak torque is 150 Nm at 4000 rpm.

Both engines consume exclusively 95-octane gasoline.

Service cost

When choosing a car, every driver wants to know how expensive it is to maintain this car. If we compare the Mazda 6 and Toyota Camry, then according to a user survey, the second model is slightly cheaper. But this is data that is taken into account when servicing them at official dealerships for scheduled maintenance.

In the event of a serious breakdown, the cost of repair is still higher for Toyota; auto parts are expensive, considering the price of the most popular parts.

Mazda 6 on the road

Mazda, like a true sports car, accelerates much faster than Toyota. You just start it, and it will already be eager to fight. This warhorse also consumes fuel much more economically: only about 9 liters for approximately a hundred-kilometer distance. In comparison with the Toyota Camry, it “eats” less than one and a half times.

But the car with sound insulation is not very good. Therefore, it is worth considering this when traveling long distances by car. After many kilometers, both the driver and the passenger may get tired of the sounds from the street and the roar of the engine. In addition, the car also has a fairly stiff suspension, which gives it better maneuverability, but you will feel all the potholes and bumps on yourself.

Of course, only those who have used two cars and tested their strength for a long time can honestly say which car is more reliable: Mazda 6 or Toyota Camry. But this question cannot be answered unequivocally. However, these machines are used for different purposes.

"Toyota Camry"

In 2021, the updated Toyota Camry appeared on the Russian market. I would like to note that despite all the changes, its price has remained the same. Toyota updates also affected the bumper, optics and radiator grille.

The LED fog lights on the car began to stand out especially brightly. The manufacturer emphasized them and now they look good on the car body. And at the bottom of the car, the coal-black radiator grille stands out clearly.

The headlights at the rear of the car have become larger, and a silver strip conditionally divides them into 2 parts. In general, I would like to note that the appearance of the car has become even more serious and presentable. Unlike the Mazda 6, Toyota will be happily used by middle-aged and older businessmen who value the comfort and prestige of the car.

Salon

Inside the Mazda 3 there is a vertical center console with an aluminum-look insert. The multimedia system screen rises above it. On the central tunnel there is a control joystick “a la BMW”. Instrument panel with tachometer in the center and digital speed display. Sports steering wheel with paddle shifters for automatic manual mode.

The interior of the Corolla is classically austere. The car has a multimedia screen built into the front panel, unlike the Mazda. The climate control unit is located under the front panel. The dashboard has classic instruments with an on-board computer screen in the middle. The steering wheel looks rustic.

Car interior: Mazda 6

The interior of the Mazda 6 is designed to a very high level. Inside the car you feel like a king. There are smooth lines combined with sharp corners. The main color in the interior is black, which is offset favorably by the grayish upholstery of the seats, doors and dashboard. This successful combination demonstrates the good taste of the manufacturer. Beautiful and expensive fabric covering the steering wheel. It does not slip in your hands and is very pleasant to the touch.

In the center of the dashboard we see a navigation and multimedia screen, thanks to which you can not only conveniently drive along the route, but also watch movies and cartoons on the road.

I would like to dwell on the capacity of the cabin and trunk. It is very comfortable to be inside the car. We were pleased with the soft comfortable chairs. But only 2 people can comfortably fit on the sofa in the back, but purely theoretically, three people can sit there. In this regard, the Toyota’s interior is, of course, more spacious.

The trunk capacity of the Mazda 6 is 480 liters. There is quite enough space for things here, but the hinges on which the lid is attached slightly “eat up” the space in the internal compartment. Despite this, you can safely load even a large load into the trunk of the Mazda 6.

Appearance of Mazda 6

The updated Mazda 6 began to look even better than the previous version. The latest changes in the appearance of the car occurred in 2014.

Manufacturers have made changes to the exterior of the car. The Japanese have modified the radiator grille. They added one rib to her and made them all the same style. Now only the car's corporate logo remains chromed, which stands out favorably against the general background of the car.

The manufacturer also made changes to the appearance of the bumper. Thanks to this, the shape of the car has become even more streamlined and sporty. In addition, the Mazda 6's rear headlights have changed: they have become more elongated. Plus, their drawing has changed.

The length and width of the car itself have increased slightly, due to which the appearance of the Mazda 6 has become even more powerful and threatening. It is worth noting that this car has become the representative of the third generation of this brand.

The new Mazda 6 model looks even more like a sports car. Which, of course, noticeably reduced demand from serious businessmen. “Mazda 6” is the choice of brave, active guys who love life in all its manifestations.

Comfort

Both cars have good ergonomics: all devices and controls are in their places. The driver's seat in the Mazda 3 is very comfortable, despite the seats with extensive lateral support. Comparison with Corolla seats will not reveal a winner. The Toyota seat is looser for people of larger size, but the seating position is also good.

In the back row of the Mazda 3, riders rest their knees on the front backrests, but the headroom is greater than that of the competitor. There is a fairly high central tunnel, so a third person in the back seat will be uncomfortable. When compared, the Toyota Corolla sedan offers a more comfortable rear seat and a large amount of space in front of the passengers' knees. But it’s not enough above the head. But Toyota does not have a central tunnel, and therefore it will comfortably accommodate three people from behind.

In terms of acoustic comfort, the Corolla is ahead; it is much quieter here than in the Mazda.

When evaluating cars based on the convenience of the luggage compartment, it is worth noting that the Mazda 3 sedan has a trunk volume of 408 liters and protruding wheel arches. The Corolla provides 44 liters more cargo space, which is important on long journeys.

Comparison of cars by cost of spare parts

The time has come to compare the cost of auto parts for the car models in question. Let's start with Toyota. Having analyzed prices in several online stores, it becomes clear that in the event of a breakdown or replacement of a part, you will have to pay a lot.

The low beam lamp alone will cost the owner 930 rubles, and the left and right headlights for a car cost about 32,000 rubles. A spark plug, which avid car enthusiasts often change when necessary and without which the car simply cannot run, costs about 650 rubles or more at Toyota. And prices for filters such as oil, cabin, air and others start from 330 rubles and up to 1800 rubles.

An original battery, which often breaks down in winter, for a Toyota will cost you about 7,700 - 8,000 rubles. And if the brake breaks down, you will have to pay not only a significant amount for car service services, but also about 3,500 rubles for the brake pads.

Thus, I would like to conclude that any breakdown, even a very minor one, on this car will cost you quite a lot. This is because auto parts for Toyota Camry are not a budget option. What about the competitor?

However, prices for Mazda 6 spare parts turned out to be about the same. Brake pads for a car cost, like a Toyota Camry, approximately 3,500 rubles. The spark plug is more expensive than in Toyota - about 980 rubles. Filters in Mazda 6 cost from 550 rubles for an oil filter and above. Thus, I would like to conclude that spare parts for the Mazda 6 cost either about the same or a little more.

Compare reviews, safety ratings, fuel economy, and more.

Comparative review

Comfort With more rear head and legroom, rear seat passengers will be able to stretch out much more in the Mazda Mazda6 than in the Toyota Corolla. In terms of headroom and legroom, there's not much difference between the Mazda Mazda6 and the Toyota Corolla in the front seats.

Convenience You'll make about the same number of stops at the gas station with a Mazda Mazda6 as you would with a Toyota Corolla, since they get the same number of miles per tank of gas.

Cost There are many factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The focus is on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Mazda Mazda6 will definitely hurt your wallet more than the Toyota Corolla, which has a much lower MSRP. Another consideration is the destination charge, which is the standard charge for transporting the vehicle to the dealership where it was built. In this case, shipping a Mazda Mazda6 to a dealership will be cheaper than a Toyota Corolla.

Dimensions Since the Mazda Mazda6 is much wider than the Toyota Corolla, finding a wide enough parking space can be a little more difficult. If you drive a Mazda Mazda6, you'll probably find yourself circling the block looking for a space big enough to park more often than you would a Toyota Corolla.

Transmission Thanks to its higher torque, the Mazda Mazda6's engine transfers power to the wheels much better than the Toyota Corolla.

Handling Mazda The Mazda6 has a larger turning radius than the Toyota Corolla, making it a little more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance In terms of horsepower, the Mazda Mazda6 has a much more powerful engine than the Toyota Corolla. However, be aware that higher horsepower engines often require higher insurance premiums.

Utility In terms of seating, you can fit the same number of people in both the Mazda Mazda6 and the Toyota Corolla. The Mazda Mazda6 has more cargo space to store your bags or other items than the Toyota Corolla.

Mazda Warranty The Mazda6 comes with the same basic warranty as the Toyota Corolla.

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Comparison of equipment

Mazda 3 in dealer showrooms is presented in sedan and hatchback body styles. Sedan in the basic Active+ version with a 1.6 104 hp engine. and a 4-speed automatic transmission costs 1,181,000 rubles. Maximum Exclusive configuration with 1.5 120 hp engine. and a 6-speed automatic transmission will cost 1,356,800 rubles. The hatchback in its only configuration with a 1.5-liter engine and 6-automatic transmission is estimated at 1,271,000 rubles.

The Corolla is only available as a sedan, but has 6 different trim levels. First Standard 1.33 l 99 hp with a 6-speed manual transmission in the price list it has a price of 933,000 rubles. Top equipment Prestige 1.8 l 140 hp with a CVT it rises to 1,339,000 rubles.

Weaknesses and typical problems

Final conclusions of comparisons

As a result of comparing these extraordinary cars, we are faced with a dilemma. On the one hand they are very similar, but on the other they are completely different! Mazda 3 does not allow you to drive slowly and sedately. This goes against her entire philosophy. Corolla is more conservative and comfortable. You can move on it quietly and smoothly. After studying all the pros and cons from different angles, you can join one of two armies of fans.

Specifications

What do the brands have in common?

They annually produce cars with similar technical characteristics and configurations. The cars are very similar in size, use front-wheel drive, and the cost of their maintenance is not much different. In recent years, Mazda has improved in terms of reliability and wear resistance of parts; Toyota designers are gradually “healing” their Achilles heel – the interior trim.

Both Japanese manufacturers focus primarily on the middle class of buyers and are direct competitors in the market.

Compare Mazda 6 and Toyota Corolla. What's better?

Comparing the Mazda 6 to the Toyota Corolla can help people decide which model is worth buying. You can see 8 good reasons why the Mazda 6 is actually a better choice than the Toyota Corolla. However, the Toyota Corolla offers 0 important benefits that make it a great buy over the Mazda 6. After reviewing the most important features, our team has found the key differences between the Mazda 6 and the Toyota Corolla. This can help you choose the right one - compare the two cars before you buy .

Appearance

8 reasons to buy a Mazda 6

Euro

Neutral reasons Mazda 6 vs. Toyota Corolla

Comparison of Mazda 6 and Toyota Corolla: conclusions and opinions

To give you an easy look at the Toyota Corolla vs Mazda 6, we've decided to draw a conclusion. This comparison highlights the most essential features. There are 4 important paragraphs and the last word to know about Mazda 6 and Toyota Corolla. Now it's time to look at the main characteristics. The Mazda 6 engine has 4 cylinders, which offers motorists a power of 142 hp. The Toyota Corolla has a 4-cylinder engine that produces 134 hp. If you have a Toyota Corolla, you'll hit 60 mph in 9.4 seconds, while the Mazda 6 will hit that speed level in 9.2 seconds. The Mazda 6 can hit 129 mph, up from a top speed Corolla at 122 mph.

Mazda 6 safety compared to Toyota Corolla

For both manufacturers, safety of use was a priority when building cars. Mazda 6 provides all the safety features of Mazda. Security testing companies also add that 6 provides high security. Toyota Corolla engineers pay a lot of attention to pedestrian safety. The car was a ratings leader and made Toyota popular. In addition, Corolla offers excellent braking and steering equipment to enhance safety.

Which car is more environmentally friendly: Mazda 6 or Toyota Corolla

When choosing a car, buyers want to understand whether it is environmentally friendly. The Mazda 6 emits 80 g/mile of CO2, while the Toyota Corolla emits exactly 104 g/mile. This suggests that 6 Minds cares more about the environment than the Corolla. We need to understand which types of engines produce more emissions. Think 142 hp. Mazda engine power. Toyota reduced engine power to 134 hp.

Fuel consumption and efficiency of Mazda 6 and Toyota Corolla

When thinking about gas mileage, we need to look at the numbers. This number is around 47.2 mpg for the Mazda 6 and increases to 44.78 mpg for the Toyota Corolla. Drivers understand that Mazda is more concerned about drivers' budgets than Toyota. We also note that the 6 can hold up to 62 liters of fuel in the tank. If you have a Corolla, you can charge up to 55 liters. Also, think about the best ideas of the Toyota Corolla, which are embodied in its 2231 cc engine 3. The Corolla's engine is less hassle than the 6 motor. In any case, the Mazda 6 can save the driver money, since the engine is only 1998 cc.

Ratings

Based on numerous reviews on a 10-point scale, users rated the appearance of the Mazda 6 at 9.1, the interior at 8.7, the engine at 8.7 and the chassis at 8.5. The average rating for the Mazda 6 was 8.7.

There were much more surveyed Toyota Camry users - about 35,765 people. They rated the exterior at only 8.5, the interior at 8.4. It is worth noting that it was the aesthetic part of the Toyota Camry that received average ratings much lower than the Mazda 6. But drivers rated the engine of the first car at 8.8, and the chassis at 8.7. Thus, the Toyota Camry won the technical rating, but the overall rating became slightly lower - 8.6.

It's time to take stock and remind readers of the best and worst aspects of these two cars.