Torn, need help

[Atl5Stripes]

I'm struggling with a deciding how to replace my 2008 G35. I'm looking at the Stinger GT, Stinger GT1 and Mazda 6 2.5T.

The Mazda with every option you can imagine is coming in 5K less that the Stinger GT. It has better throttle response, would be much cheaper to own and drives absolutely brilliantly like yo'd expect a Mazda to.

The Stinger is obviously much quicker and much more of a head turner, but here is what is holding me back and I'd love to hear your thoughts.

1. The turbo lag was very noticeable. Mashing the peddle to a delivery of a s-ton of power was 2-2.5 seconds. I love NA engines because of this and G's VQ35 gives you immediate power all the way to 7K RPMs. I didn't get a chance to wind out the Stinger, but that lag was brutal. The Mazda had none of that, BAM! instant power every time at seemingly all RPMs.
2. Maintenance costs. Not a fan of different sized tires. I chew up tires and Michelin's warranty specifically states that different sized tires halves the warranty. I feel like i'll be spending a fortune here.
3. Having trouble justifying the added expense between the GT and the GT1. The audio is important to me, but other than that, and a sunroof, I didn't see much there worth the extra cost. I test drove a GT1. Curious if there are any cool features I'd miss. Looking at the package details it didn't seem like it, but I'd love to hear from some real world experience.
4. I didn't get to drive it on the highway, but even at around 50 you could start to hear road noise. What's it like on the highway? Is NVH an issue?
5. Several things that make me think Kia cheaped out and annoy me.
-Piping in engine noise (GAG!!)
-Non functional hood vents
-Looks like Maaco did the paint job. Very dull, curious how it'll hold up.

That's what's holding me back, would love to hear what your experiences are.

 

[eflyguy]

There is virtually no perceptible lag on the GT. Unless you were truly coasting along just above idle, and barely touched the throttle, the GT has near-instant throttle response with max torque produced before 2k! I'm guessing you simply didn't give it enough throttle. Go try it again.

Tires - you don't have to go with the same tires when these are worn. Posted in another thread, my daughter's Challenger came with Bridgestone AS tires and as much as I know a nice summer tire might be sticker, you have to be driving like a maniac to lose traction in that car. I ride sport bikes and love the twisty roads we have up in the hills, but the first time I took her car up there I had a grin from ear to ear, and the car handled everything I (sensibly) threw at it, predictably and safely, on All Seasons. And, I know how to drive. As with my fun in the Challenger up in the hills, I was swinging the rear end around on my first Stinger (AWD, with TC still on) test drive to the initial shock of the salesman, but he got used to it and started laughing. She's getting ~20k/set on those tires. Oh, and she takes it to the drag strip a few times a year - on those same tires.

Can't help on GT1, there are a few things - like power hatch opening, dynamic headlights, 360º camera, and shift by wire - that I want and are only on the GT2. Cost is not a factor for me - I was close to buying an M3/4 or AMG 'Merc.

Road noise - it is quieter than my Sorento - I know because one of my test drives we went straight out onto the highway I just came in on. It's also a nicer, smoother, more luxurious ride than my Sorento as well! Yet still has virtually no body roll in comfort, and is as good as the Challenger I mentioned in sport.

Many vehicles pipe in fake engine noise these days. At least on the 2019, you can turn it off. Didn't bother me on the ones I've driven and I'd be putting an aftermarket exhaust on anyway.

The Challenger (again) has fake hood vents - they're a styling feature - just like the ones the Stinger has at the back as well. I theorize that Kia might come up with a GTR version that will make them functional - like the more powerful Challengers - so they're there as a placeholder.

Paint is an issue, and is discussed at length here. My plan is to dip or wrap anyway.

Finally, between this or the Mazda? Frankly for this kind of money, I don't want to be driving something that looks like a Ford or Buick or Toyota family sedan. I don't really care what people think, but I also like my vehicles to have some character.

 

[Kato_the_kia_stinger]

As price and cost to own seem to be your biggest concern, I voted that you buy a Mazda. You’re getting a fine car for the price. If you did want a Stinger, and Mazda wasn’t going to cut it, I’d suggest the GT.

 

[Never thought]

I'm struggling with a deciding how to replace my 2008 G35. I'm looking at the Stinger GT, Stinger GT1 and Mazda 6 2.5T.

The Mazda with every option you can imagine is coming in 5K less that the Stinger GT. It has better throttle response, would be much cheaper to own and drives absolutely brilliantly like yo'd expect a Mazda to.

The Stinger is obviously much quicker and much more of a head turner, but here is what is holding me back and I'd love to hear your thoughts.

1. The turbo lag was very noticeable. Mashing the peddle to a delivery of a s-ton of power was 2-2.5 seconds. I love NA engines because of this and G's VQ35 gives you immediate power all the way to 7K RPMs. I didn't get a chance to wind out the Stinger, but that lag was brutal. The Mazda had none of that, BAM! instant power every time at seemingly all RPMs.
2. Maintenance costs. Not a fan of different sized tires. I chew up tires and Michelin's warranty specifically states that different sized tires halves the warranty. I feel like i'll be spending a fortune here.
3. Having trouble justifying the added expense between the GT and the GT1. The audio is important to me, but other than that, and a sunroof, I didn't see much there worth the extra cost. I test drove a GT1. Curious if there are any cool features I'd miss. Looking at the package details it didn't seem like it, but I'd love to hear from some real world experience.
4. I didn't get to drive it on the highway, but even at around 50 you could start to hear road noise. What's it like on the highway? Is NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) an issue?
5. Several things that make me think Kia cheaped out and annoy me.
-Piping in engine noise (GAG!!)
-Non functional hood vents
-Looks like Maaco did the paint job. Very dull, curious how it'll hold up.

That's what's holding me back, would love to hear what your experiences are.

I’d get a 2019 GT1. It’s getting a ton more standard features (ventilated seats, and the entire drive wise package). I never looked at the Mazda but I’d assume it has a much louder cabin as well. But if you go for a 2018, they may still have the lease cash option but not sure about that. They were giving about a $5k rebate if you leased. You could then buyout the car after your first payment. I am seeing 2018 GT1s near me in AZ for about $40K. So if there still is lease cash, you could likely get a GT1 for around $35k.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Read around here. Lots of opinions on pros and cons. (Not interested in a poll.)

My almost five months in:

Paint is good. What's this "dull" you are referring to?

Engine sound is from the standpoint of roise reduction, it's called "noise cancelling technology" and it is very counterintuitive to me; because piping in augmented outside noise when the effort is to reduce outside noise seems backwards logic, and I don't understand countering frequencies with opposite or opposed frequencies. But that's what we are told is going on today. There is some debate as to whether or not Kia actually did this with the Stinger. How could we even find out?

Of course Kia "cheaped out"! It's a KIA! That is their modus operandi: more bang for your buck: get really close to the competition for way less money. They nailed it with the Stinger. "Cheaped out" sounds so crass, though. They economized in the less important stuff and held the line with the rest, even choosing really good hardware like the Brembos where it matters most.

Road noise is a frequently raised debate. Mostly it seems to be tires. The Bridgestones versus the Michelins, 18s squared vs 19s staggered. Sometimes the tires (Michelins in my case) are very quiet, sometimes noisy, and it is the road surface differences not the tires. I've gone very fast in this car and I did not sense cacophony building in the cabin, it remained smooth, stable and quiet.

Turbo lag. Two and a half seconds? Really? Are you one of these jammers who must have instant launch because you have the fastest pedal foot in the Nation? How about this: auto hold, press down smoothly and firmly, don't punch the pedal. I haven't felt any turbo lag to speak of. If I try for maximum acceleration the car can make me dizzy right off the bat.

You didn't even notice how big inside this car is. No Mazda is going to compete with the Stinger as a gran turismo.

I had to have a GT1 because I had to have the Harman Kardon 15 speakers and the sunroof. I didn't care about any other features, and frankly did not want any of the options other than AWD. (Subsequently, I do want that 360 degree camera, but I can live without it; it wasn't available on the 2018 anyway, so pining for what is not on offer is pointless.)

 

[StingerNYC]

The Gt has near zero lag and the torque curve on all dyno charts show just how early it hits max torque. This car has so much low end grunt and its the reason it can compete in 0-60 or quarter mile times of cars with more power or lighter weight.

Maybe you were in comfort mode? Sport mode has a huge impact on throttle response.

 

[Atl5Stripes]

I had seen a few other posts about the turbo lag, and similar responses. I am curious if the car I drove had an issue. I observed the lag accelerating from about 30. I was in sport mode. Four of five tests from a light touch to flooring it (really freaked the sales guy out with that) consistently had about a 2 second lag.

Good to know some features may be standard of '19. Not sure if I can wait that long.

 

[Paul32]

I'm struggling with a deciding how to replace my 2008 G35. I'm looking at the Stinger GT, Stinger GT1 and Mazda 6 2.5T.

The Mazda with every option you can imagine is coming in 5K less that the Stinger GT. It has better throttle response, would be much cheaper to own and drives absolutely brilliantly like yo'd expect a Mazda to.

The Stinger is obviously much quicker and much more of a head turner, but here is what is holding me back and I'd love to hear your thoughts.

1. The turbo lag was very noticeable. Mashing the peddle to a delivery of a s-ton of power was 2-2.5 seconds. I love NA engines because of this and G's VQ35 gives you immediate power all the way to 7K RPMs. I didn't get a chance to wind out the Stinger, but that lag was brutal. The Mazda had none of that, BAM! instant power every time at seemingly all RPMs.
2. Maintenance costs. Not a fan of different sized tires. I chew up tires and Michelin's warranty specifically states that different sized tires halves the warranty. I feel like i'll be spending a fortune here.
3. Having trouble justifying the added expense between the GT and the GT1. The audio is important to me, but other than that, and a sunroof, I didn't see much there worth the extra cost. I test drove a GT1. Curious if there are any cool features I'd miss. Looking at the package details it didn't seem like it, but I'd love to hear from some real world experience.
4. I didn't get to drive it on the highway, but even at around 50 you could start to hear road noise. What's it like on the highway? Is NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) an issue?
5. Several things that make me think Kia cheaped out and annoy me.
-Piping in engine noise (GAG!!)
-Non functional hood vents
-Looks like Maaco did the paint job. Very dull, curious how it'll hold up.

That's what's holding me back, would love to hear what your experiences are.

Based on the tone of your post, I would go with the Mazda. Don't compare MSRP pricing with actual purchase pricing. I have a GT1 MSRP $46,255 and Leased for $38,500. The reason I dumped my previous lease was due to the power/response of the Turbo 6. I can't imagine a Mazda 6 coming anywhere near the performance of the Stinger GT. Just washed my red/red GT1 and the paint is perfect.

 

[Paul32]

Based on the tone of your post, I would go with the Mazda. Don't compare MSRP pricing with actual purchase pricing. I have a GT1 MSRP $46,255 and Leased for $38,500. The reason I dumped my previous lease was due to the power/response of the Turbo 6. I can't imagine a Mazda 6 coming anywhere near the performance of the Stinger GT. Just washed my red/red GT1 and the paint is perfect.

Your comparing a 2.5 Turbo 4 with 250hp to a 3.3 Twin Turbo 6 with 365hp? Also, a 6 speed trans to an 8 speed?

 

[Paul32]

I had seen a few other posts about the turbo lag, and similar responses. I am curious if the car I drove had an issue. I observed the lag accelerating from about 30. I was in sport mode. Four of five tests from a light touch to flooring it (really freaked the sales guy out with that) consistently had about a 2 second lag.

Good to know some features may be standard of '19. Not sure if I can wait that long.

Did it downshift to a lower gear?

 

[Atl5Stripes]

Did it downshift to a lower gear?

It did not. I would have expected sport mode to manage the spooling though.

 

[Atl5Stripes]

Your comparing a 2.5 Turbo 4 with 250hp to a 3.3 Twin Turbo 6 with 365hp? Also, a 6 speed trans to an 8 speed?

I wanted to hear from Stinger drivers if the extra cost was worth it.

Who's doesn't love driving a Mazda?

 

[Atl5Stripes]

Based on the tone of your post, I would go with the Mazda. Don't compare MSRP pricing with actual purchase pricing. I have a GT1 MSRP $46,255 and Leased for $38,500. The reason I dumped my previous lease was due to the power/response of the Turbo 6. I can't imagine a Mazda 6 coming anywhere near the performance of the Stinger GT. Just washed my red/red GT1 and the paint is perfect.

I'm using USAA's car buying service so not paying MSRP. Best prices on both this far is still 5k. Vs. a GT1 about 8k.

 

[Paul32]

I'm using USAA's car buying service so not paying MSRP. Best prices on both this far is still 5k. Vs. a GT1 about 8k.

Maybe you should compare to the 2.0l Turbo Trims. I did notice a few of feature differences, power steering wheel adjustment, I think, power passenger seat, hatch, rear wheel drive, leather/leatherette seating, power folding side mirrows

 

[Paul32]

I wanted to hear from Stinger drivers if the extra cost was worth it.

Who's doesn't love driving a Mazda?

Of course, we are driving Stingers.

 

[Waynerm002]

I’ve driven the 2018 Mazda 6 and a Stinger GT and GT2 (recently), the Mazda has a quiet interior and so does the Stinger. I can tell you if you drive any Stinger with the Bridgestones (comes on versions with the 18” wheel/tire setup), there will be increased noise from the tires. The lag you mentioned I experienced on a 2.0T, the car felt like the turbo wasn’t working or like the car was in eco mode. Never felt that on a GT or GT2. I had to drive another 2.0T to confirm it was something with that car and not the way they all were. The Mazda has a strong pull for its 2.5T but it in no way is even close to the 3.3T in the Stinger.

Both cars are nice to drive but I personally prefer the Stinger. The interior of the Mazda is smaller than the Stinger if that is of importance to you but the Stinger will overall be the better car to drive. I suggest you try another one someplace else to comfort there wasn’t something wrong with that one. In Sport mode this car responds quickly and a 2 second delay is quite long, plus the fact that it didn’t downshift sounds like it was in manual mode and not auto.

 

[Dmchristie1]

I wanted to hear from Stinger drivers if the extra cost was worth it.

Who's doesn't love driving a Mazda?

We had a 2002 RX8- loved it but had the service department on speed dial. Lesson learned ... never buy a first year model.
Lesson learned so I thought.... I bought 2 stingers. Yellow stinger is in the shop for a month for full repaint. That said after 10k miles on the red and 6k on the yellow .... We LOVE the Stinger (s).
I would buy another Mazda....however my wife will never buy another Mazda.

 

[AV8R]

Which car makes you smile when you drive it? Pick the one that does then you have made the right decision.

 

[eflyguy]

It did not. I would have expected sport mode to manage the spooling though.

If you were tooling along at 30 in sport mode, then hit the gas and it didn't down shift, I believe you missed the pedal, because I can assure you, if you floored it, it would be in 2nd at around 4k RPM faster than you can blink, and it most certainly has no lag at those RPMs.. Also, if you were cruising in sport mode - someone with a GT please verify = at 30mph I don't think you'd be in more than 4th, which would be around 1800RPM, and the turbos are spooled up quite nicely by then, thank you.

As I said earlier - try again, because your description in no way matches what most here have experienced.

... but of course, if you can't replicate those results well, the Mazda will probably suit you just fine..

Edit:

Who's doesn't love driving a Mazda?

I suggest you just go with the Mazda.

 

[Paul32]

I'm using USAA's car buying service so not paying MSRP. Best prices on both this far is still 5k. Vs. a GT1 about 8k.

Which trim level Mazda 6 are you comparing too? If price is a major concern, maybe you should look at the Optima SXL.