I just bought the Mazda 3 GT Automatic few months back. After having it for awhile, it doesn't feel very powerful. I thought the brochure says it's rated 160hp, but it seems less. Do other auto owners feel the same.

 

Shoulda bought the stick!!! My girlfriend did. LOL

 

About 200whp with an A/T and you might start to feel something!

 

To give you some idea of how much of a difference an A/T makes, a Prelude with only 210 ponies and a 5 speed can dust a mustang GT A/T with a honkin V8 and 260 horsies. Always go with stick shift if you're looking for a fun ride. If you can't drive stick....learn

 

yeah, mazda manual trannies are very smooth and easy to learn on....I think I read the stats somewhere on the p5 that the auto and stick versions were almost 1 full second apart..that may be off a little but I know the manuals are a good bit faster.