Quick Car Finder

Mazda MAZDASPEED3 vs. Scion xB Review

How the Mazda MAZDASPEED3 stacks up against the Scion xB - by Nigel Cooper, Topanga CA

2010 Mazda MAZDASPEED3
Price Range: $22,740 - $24,455
2010 Scion xB
Price: $15,750
Mazda MAZDASPEED3 vs. Scion xB Review

Utility
The Mazda and the xB can accommodate the same number of passengers.

Performance
When it comes to horsepower, the Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 packs quite a punch and will knock the Scion xB down a few rungs. On the other hand, note that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums. The Scion xB is likely to feel a tad sluggish because of its high horsepower-to-weight ratio.

Dimensions
The Scion xB is likely to feel a little sluggish because of its high horsepower-to-weight ratio. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Mazda than the Scion xB because of its more capacious tank. The xB rides lower than the Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3, which is a good thing for its center of gravity and ease of access. The xB fits in smaller parking spaces than the MAZDASPEED MAZDA3.

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 Mazda to the dealership as the Scion. The Scion xB is tremendously less expensive than the Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 when it comes to MSRP. With respect to purchase price, the Scion xB costs tremendously less than the Mazda. The Scion xB will save you a bunch of money at the pump every year compared to the Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3.

Handling
The Mazda has substantially bigger tires than the Scion. Remember that wider tires could look and feel better, while narrower tires could improve gas mileage. With their similar turning circles, the Scion xB and the Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 quite certainly handle roughly the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The Scion xB's engine is substantially smaller than the Mazda's. Keep in mind that a smaller engine usually has to work a little harder; however, smaller engines typically get better gas mileage. Torque equals pickup, and the Mazda will have picked up and gone by the time the Scion xB finally gets moving. The Scion xB could learn a lesson or two from the Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 in terms of pickup.

Comfort
Taller drivers will quite a bit enjoy the extra head room in the xB's front cabin compared to the Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3. The ampler interior dimensions of the Scion xB make it substantially more spacious for your passengers than the MAZDASPEED MAZDA3.

Overview
The Scion xB and the Mazda have the same basic after-sale protection.

The price a car site displays won't be what you'll pay for an actual car with specific options.

That's why we tell our customers to get an Internet Price Quote. Our price quotes give you:

  • Real Car Pricing
  • Internet-Based Discounts
  • No Hassle Negotiation
Choose your vehicle:
Enter
Your ZIP: