Comparo: 2013 Honda Accord Sport vs. 2014 Mazda Mazda6 GS

And although few family sedan buyers give a hoot, some family sedan makers have been promoting their four-doors’ fun-to-drive natures. For instance, both the Accord (new for 2013) and Mazda6 (even newer for 2014) have been trimmed and kitted-out to entice buyers who aren’t afraid of the occasional on-ramp. But which of this pair of family four-doors would make the best substitute for a real sports sedan? FIRST PLACE: 2014 Mazda6 GS If you’re going to drive the sportiest family sedan you can find, you might as well get one that looks the part. Thankfully, the sharply styled, front-wheel-drive, five-passenger Mazda6 does. Seemingly, there are no “me-too” designers at the Japanese automaker’s studios. Compared to the roomier Honda, the more tightly wrapped Mazda four-door’s exterior design is more cohesive and daring. As the second model after the new-last-year CX-5 compact crossover to offer a complete application of Mazda’s so-called Skyactiv Technology, the Mazda6 professes to balance fuel and performance with a host of engineering efficiencies designed throughout the car. But in reality, the Mazda’s fuel economy is on par with the less expensive Honda, and it’s slower in a straight line. (A turbocharged diesel that arrives this fall may address both those two issues, but at an even higher cost, of course.) But, don’t be fooled by the numbers alone. Once on the move, the 2014 Mazda6 reciprocates with subtleties driving enthusiasts will appreciate. First off, the Mazda’s bolstered front seats offer more support than the comfort-oriented Honda — a big part of what is also an excellent driving position. And as much of an improvement the new Accord’s ergonomics are over its predecessor, the Mazda6’s controls are more intuitive, as is the Mazda’s driving experience. While Mazda considered a CVT and a dual-clutch type, it settled for a smooth-shifting conventional automatic. (Like the Honda, a six-speed manual is available.) The Mazda6’s electric steering gives a bit more feel than the Honda, as does a tauter suspension, which transmits a lot of information as to what the heck is going on with the four-door’s tires. Enough info that when inevitable understeer happens, you can lift off the throttle to tuck the sedan’s rear back into line. The downside to the Mazda6’s always-on-call nature is a ride that’s less compliant than the more luxurious Accord. Road and engine noise are also more intrusive in the Mazda. Small sacrifices, we think, for a sports sedan hiding in the family sedan segment. Honda’s also kept the Accord’s price to a minimum. Base, four-cylinder Accords with a six-speed manual transmission start at $25,630 (all prices include destination and pre-delivery inspection). My mid-level Sport version (with a $1,200 continuously variable automatic transmission) cost $28,415 — a good value compared to a comparably equipped, $30,090 Mazda6 GS. A sign of how competitive the segment is, the Honda is powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder that makes 189 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque, while the Mazda’s four offers just 0.1 L less displacement, five less horsepower yet three more lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy estimates are equally inconsequential in their differences. The Accord rates 7.8 L/100 km in the city and 5.5 on the highway, whereas the Mazda’s estimates are 7.6 and 5.1, respectively. Mazda is making a big deal about how light its new Mazda6 is, but the Accord weighs less than 50 kilograms more, and is about half-a-second quicker (7.5 versus 8.0) from zero to 100 km/h. While the Accord’s conservative styling may not catch your eye as much as the more stylish Mazda6, the Honda has a much roomier interior and more rear trunk space. Its extra roominess, however, does not mean the Accord Sport drives like a boat. The Honda’s steering and suspension make a great team. The sedan is agile and crisp in turns without being too soft. And the CVT should not scare off enthusiasts. There’s little of the typical “rubber band” effect. Up- and downshifts happen promptly enough. Rest assured because you can always opt for the standard six-speed manual. If sheer fun behind the wheel is not your priority, get the Honda. Its overall refinement, lower price and extra roominess make it a fantastic compromise in a competitive segment. But if you wear string back driving gloves to pick up the kids from daycare, the Mazda6 is where it’s at.

Comments are closed.