Mazda MAZDASPEED3 vs. Pontiac G3 Review

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs about the same to get the Pontiac G3 to the dealership as the Mazda MAZDASPEED3. When it comes to gas mileage, the Pontiac G3 bests the Mazda. With respect to gas mileage, the G3 has the Mazda MAZDASPEED3 beat. As far as MSRP, the Mazda costs tremendously more than the G3. The Pontiac G3 will save you a lots_of_money at the pump every year compared to the Mazda MAZDASPEED3.

Utility
Neither the Pontiac G3 nor the Mazda MAZDASPEED3 has a marked advantage in terms of seating capacity.

Convenience
You likely won't have to visit your friendly gas station more often with the MAZDASPEED3 than with the G3, because both offer similar mileage ranges.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Pontiac G3 offers a bit more head room than the MAZDASPEED3, there frankly isn't much of a difference. While the rear of the Mazda provides a bit more head- and leg-room than the G3, there really isn't much of a difference.

Dimensions
The Mazda is tremendously more bulky than the Pontiac. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Mazda MAZDASPEED3 than the Pontiac G3 because of its bigger tank. The Pontiac fits in smaller parking spaces than the Mazda. The Mazda MAZDASPEED3's longer wheelbase will likely result in a smoother, more stable ride; on the other hand, the G3 may give a more agile feel in daily traffic.

Performance
As far as horsepower, the Mazda MAZDASPEED3 packs quite a wallop and will knock the Pontiac down a few rungs. However, keep in mind that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Handling
With its tighter turning radius, the Pontiac G3 is definitely nimbler than the Mazda MAZDASPEED3, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; on the other hand, note that a vehicle with a tight turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.

Drivetrain
The Mazda MAZDASPEED3's engine is considerably more massive than the Pontiac G3's. Keep in mind that larger engines may use more gas than smaller ones. Torque is roughly equivalent to acceleration, and in this respect, the Mazda is tremendously more powerful than the G3. Torque equals pickup, and the MAZDASPEED3 will have picked up and gone by the time the Pontiac G3 finally gets moving.

Warranty
The MAZDASPEED3 and the Pontiac G3 have the same basic after-sale protection.