Hello everyone! The crazy thing is that I never even knew about the Stinger until a week ago, and I just picked up a Snow White Pearl GT1 this morning. I was planning on getting the mazda 6 but the This awesome machine has won me over, totally unexpected. Just wanted to thank this community as you guys were an awesome resource during my decision making.
Expected new owner
- Thread starter David T
- Start date
Stinger GT SS
5000 Posts Club!
G’day & welcome to the “research library”, congrats on your new purchase, enjoy the ride.
TwistedOrca
Active Member
Good deal, definitely not your typical or percieved KIA.
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Waynerm002
2500 Posts Club!
Congrats and welcome to the forum. Drove the 2018 Mazda 6 recently and that thing is awesome with the 2.5T! I’m still a while away from getting a new car and the Stinger GT and the Mazda 6 are my top 2 cars now. I wanted to go 2.0T but the Stinger doesn’t feel right with that engine, the power in the Mazda 6 though, wow. Plus the 6 feels more luxurious than the Stinger 2.0T, it is so quiet and composed. I really hope they improve the Stinger 2.0T’s power and make it as quiet as the GT. Waiting on the Genesis G70 to see what it brings to the table.
@Waynerm002:
I agree the new Mazda 6 with the 2.5T is pretty awesome, just as fast or faster than the Stinger 2.0T. I can see how you feel it’s more luxurious, the top trims are nice and very roomy. However, I personally did not like the brown leather and suede, so I actually prefer the GT Reserved trim level.
There’s a few reasons why I went with the Stinger. First, I think fit and finish and overal quality is better on the Stinger. For example, when I drove 6 in both top trims, I’ve notice excessive shaking from the rear view mirror. While the 6 feel nice and spacious, overall layout and ergonomics of the cabin is better on the Stinger, better placed arm rest and cup holders for example. I also thought the Stinger has better handling and more fun to drive. The 6 with the 2.5T is fast too, but it just felt more “refined” and less fun. The last thing was the infotainment, where I think the Stinger is better and already have ACP/AA. Then there’s also the current lease deals which made the Stinger a better buy.
I agree the new Mazda 6 with the 2.5T is pretty awesome, just as fast or faster than the Stinger 2.0T. I can see how you feel it’s more luxurious, the top trims are nice and very roomy. However, I personally did not like the brown leather and suede, so I actually prefer the GT Reserved trim level.
There’s a few reasons why I went with the Stinger. First, I think fit and finish and overal quality is better on the Stinger. For example, when I drove 6 in both top trims, I’ve notice excessive shaking from the rear view mirror. While the 6 feel nice and spacious, overall layout and ergonomics of the cabin is better on the Stinger, better placed arm rest and cup holders for example. I also thought the Stinger has better handling and more fun to drive. The 6 with the 2.5T is fast too, but it just felt more “refined” and less fun. The last thing was the infotainment, where I think the Stinger is better and already have ACP/AA. Then there’s also the current lease deals which made the Stinger a better buy.
From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
Waynerm002
2500 Posts Club!
KIA has the quality thing down pat now but lately they have been de-contenting the Optima and the Stinger 2.0T for the price should be, in my opinion, a step above the Optima in terms of noise quality. They have been doing great but with the new Japanese models out, they have caught up to KIA with options, Camry and Accord are getting more sporty and the Optima refresh doesn’t seem to offer much. They may be planning on dropping it in favor of some SUV, who knows, that seems to be the market is going.
I’m on my 3rd Optima Hybrid and they are great driving cars, for being a hybrid. I would take a hybrid Stinger.
I’m on my 3rd Optima Hybrid and they are great driving cars, for being a hybrid. I would take a hybrid Stinger.
Kia Stinger
Staff member
Welcome aboard, David! And thank you for signing up. Congratulations on your brand new Stinger GT! How did it feel driving home? What did your Stinger replace?
Felt great! Most fun I had driving in recent memory. My old car is a 1st production Mazda CX-5, which I’m still keeping for when I need the extra space.
robz32
Texas Stinger Swarm
Welcome aboard and congratulations!!
The 2.0T will eventually be replaced by the Theta III 2.5T that will put out 300+ HP - which should significantly boost the performance/fun factor of the base/turbo 4 Stinger.
The 1st model slated to get the new 2.5T (in RWD application) is the next gen Genesis G80 - so it's a few years away before we see it in the Stinger.
Supposedly will be a hybrid version of the Stinger.
As for the Optima - there has been talk that the next gen (and if not the next gen, the one after that) of the Optima, Forte and Cadenza will get AWD. Which makes sense as the Theta III 2.5 in FWD application will put out around 280+ HP.
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From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
HomeLAN
Member
Howdy.
Rufus
1000 Posts Club!
congrats on your new Stinger and welcome to the "Hive!" 
mhal8876
Stinger Enthusiast
Welcome and Congrats on your Stinger!
I test drove a GT1 and a Mazda GT Reserve today. Here are my thoughts copied from a mazda forum
Both interiors were very nice to me. Placement of controls were fine and seat comfort was great. Steering felt fine too.
Ride was more harsh on the GT Reserve and definitely more noisy. The Stinger was much much quieter and ate up any imperfections on the road. Throttle response was better also even in comfort mode.
Two big negatives for the Stinger however was the placement of the rearview mirror and that the configuration of the vehicle I would want currently does not exist in the US. Placement of the mirror was a negative because it was difficult to see if a vehicle ahead of you (on a cross street) was pulling out in front of you or crossing in front of you (making a left).
Is the Stinger worth 10k more? That's what I'm struggling with.
DiabloStinger
1000 Posts Club!
I’ve bought 7 Mazdas in 12 years. They have nothing that compares or competes with the Stinger. I drove the new Mazda 6 as it rolled onto the lot... huge disappointment. I has a 2016 6 that’s I traded out of a year early on a lease to get this Stinger before I couldn’t find one.
My biggest issue with the 6 is still the transmission. It just doesn’t allow the engine to stay torqued long enough. It’s way better than my anemic 2016 but they are 100 hp from a car anywhere as fun as this Stinger. And the steering and brakes are no contest.
Trust me please. My wife hates Kia and supports my rebadging ASAP. However, she loves how this car drives. It reminds me of my 2008 r32 for handling and is still faster than my fully built Mazdaspeed3 with 350 at the wheels.
My biggest issue with the 6 is still the transmission. It just doesn’t allow the engine to stay torqued long enough. It’s way better than my anemic 2016 but they are 100 hp from a car anywhere as fun as this Stinger. And the steering and brakes are no contest.
Trust me please. My wife hates Kia and supports my rebadging ASAP. However, she loves how this car drives. It reminds me of my 2008 r32 for handling and is still faster than my fully built Mazdaspeed3 with 350 at the wheels.
From interior to exterior to high performance - everything you need for your Stinger awaits you...
Same thing happened to me. I love my car! Really, REALLY good!
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I agree with this, somewhat disappointed in the new 6 as well. In terms of driving dynamics, the Stinger beats the 6 in pretty much every category. The interior is nicer too. Is it worth 10k more? I think so. You’re getting a v6, RWD, better brakes and tires, a more practical trunk, better interior finish and infotainment. And with the lease rebate the difference is actually less than 10k.
The only reasons I would choose the 6 is if I need more rear passenger space and better fuel economy. Although I would opt for the 2.0T Stinger for the case of fuel economy, still faster and more fun than the 6.
Awesome, congrats to you too!
