Mazda5 v.s. Pontiac Vibe GT

I currently have a Mazda5 5 speed, but would like something less van (I don't need a 3rd row) and more sporty (6 Speed). Recently I have been reading about the Vibe GT. From what I read the platform of the Vibe is the same as the Matrix. I did a comparison on edmunds.com and the size of the Pontiac is similar to the Mazda5, only difference is the Vibe is wider by a inch and the mazda5 is taller by 2 inches and the Vibe is lighter, faster, and gets better MPG. Ideally I want to be able to fit my kart in the back, so if the dimensions are correct I should be able too. Any reason why a Vibe is not a good idea?

The more time I spend in the girlfriends the more I realise the matrix/vibe is a corolla wagon.

The 5 is a mix of MZ3 and MZ6 so there might be an actual solution in regards to the suspension.

The Vibe is a corolla wagon with a E36 M3load of plastic body cladding, either a 1zz or a 2zz engine (this is a good thing) and a terrible name. It is in fact, a corolla wagon. The first gen ones have MUCH better sight lines than the second gen ones (the rear window is stupidly small for some reason) and sold in far greater numbers. Opt for the GT if you want the big motor. Personally, I'd stick with the Mazda. It's a sliding door Mazda 3. Sure it's a bit soft, but all it needs is a rear sway and it will liven right up. Having owned cousins of both vehicles (a 99 corolla, and a 2005 mazda3, currently a 2007ms3) I can tell you right now, while in THEORY the Toyota is sportier, in practice the Mazda really is. All a 6 speed is is an extra final gear and shorter ratios up front. The 2zz is sort of a rev monster, so it's helpful, but not all neccesary.

EDIT- For the record, any and all mz3 suspension will bolt up to a Mazda 5. So...... coilover away. Hotckiss makes a wicked set of sways, (but you couldn't pay me to do a FSB on one of these cars ever again) Tripoint makes a great rear bar, AWR has adjustable endlinks for both factory and aftermarket applications, Coilovers from nearly anyone (I like the H&R ones myself, price wise they can't really be matched), Cusco top plates, there's chassis braces all over the map, camber links, you name it.

I'd pass on the Vibtrix, personally. A really, really good commuter car and general appliance. Very reliable, very practical, and safe. That is about where I run out of compliments, other than to say it is better than the Corolla simply because of the hatch.

mtn wrote: I'd pass on the Vibtrix, personally. A really, really good commuter car and general appliance. Very reliable, very practical, and safe. That is about where I run out of compliments, other than to say it is better than the Corolla simply because of the hatch.

Everything is better as a wagon. Everything.

I wouldn't say the Matrix/Vibe is straight up a Corolla wagon. It's got some Caldina in there, and in fact shares a chassis with neither.

The pontiac/gm sold a supercharger kit for the vibe for awhile. You can still find them online. While not for the GT/GTS version, I have seen them on the awd. Yeah you're stuck with the auto though.

And if you think the Vibe/Matrix isn't much more than a Corolla hatch, and that's a good thing to you... but you want a new one...

The forthcoming Scion iM will be the modern version. It may well be the car to replace my 1g xB.

mndsm wrote: EDIT- For the record, any and all mz3 suspension will bolt up to a Mazda 5.

From what I have been reading the MZ3 Suspension is not a bolt on, and I have looked at upgrading to energy suspension components and was told by the manufacturer they will not fit.

The other issue is the MPG, I wish I could reach 30.

trigun7469 wrote:

mndsm wrote: EDIT- For the record, any and all mz3 suspension will bolt up to a Mazda 5.

From what I have been reading the MZ3 Suspension is not a bolt on, and I have looked at upgrading to energy suspension components and was told by the manufacturer they will not fit. The other issue is the MPG, I wish I could reach 30.

You a first gen or a second gen mz5? That might be the issue there. First gen ones were literal bolt ons. Part numbers were even the same in multiple catalogs.....

I have a huge RSB and it firms it up substantially, also have H&R springs. Made it considerably more responsive.

Sliding door FTW.

IMO, it looks better than a vibetrix also.

In reply to chandlerGTi:

funplaince!

mndsm wrote:

trigun7469 wrote:

mndsm wrote: EDIT- For the record, any and all mz3 suspension will bolt up to a Mazda 5.

From what I have been reading the MZ3 Suspension is not a bolt on, and I have looked at upgrading to energy suspension components and was told by the manufacturer they will not fit. The other issue is the MPG, I wish I could reach 30.

You a first gen or a second gen mz5? That might be the issue there. First gen ones were literal bolt ons. Part numbers were even the same in multiple catalogs.....

1st gen, steering feels like a bus, I don't have a budget to upgrade my suspension I can only afford to repair when things break.

This thread is relevant to my interests. I'm going to be selling my Prius very soon. I recently test drove a 2010 MS3, which I was smitten with. Love it. But not sure I want to spend the $14k-$17k it'll take to snag a good example. If I decide not to, the Mazda5 comes into the picture. Not really interested in the Vibe/Matrix. The 5 would be a very sensible choice and fit my family needs, since I have 3 active kids. I've driven a few of them, and just a few months back test drove a 2010 with a 5 speed (or was it a 6spd??). I was very impressed, I really liked the car. It felt like what it was, a Mazda3 wagon that was stretched. But I really want something kind of fun to drive.

chandlerGTI, I love the picture of yours. What year is it? Did you do the upgrades yourself? Was it fairly easy?

Mine is a 2012, I bought it new in 2011. I've done all the mods myself, the RSB, springs, shocks, struts and short shifter are the only real changes from stock (wheels/tint). The 6spd came out with the 2012 model, 2010 and before is 5spd. It is easy to work on, it had some stuff done under warranty: 1st/2nd gears and synchros (need it again) and a hub bearing. Otherwise I drive about 36,000 miles a year and I just put gas in it and change the oil. I observe 28.6 lifetime mpg, I can do better but I chose to fit wider wheels and drive it like its stolen all the time.