There are some cars consumers will likely never cross-shop against one another. The Buick Regal GS and the Mazda 6 is one example of this. Those looking for a piece of the “zoom-zoom” and “Driving Matters” life may not step foot into Buick’s territory. Though, that’s certainly something that could change as the brand continues to reinvent itself.
However, Jalopnik argues for Buick in a new piece, urging those shopping the 6 sedan to skip it and check out a Buick Regal GS. It’s not a terrible argument either. The Regal GS is born from the racy, previous-generation Opel Insignia OPC, though Europe was graced with the 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 engine. North America makes do with the 2.0-liter LTG turbocharged four-cylinder.
For the price of a new Mazda 6 Sport, complete with a manual gearbox and 184 horsepower, a used Regal GS, with a manual gearbox and 260 hp, can be had for the same $22,500 ballpark price. The Regal GS also gets Brembo brakes, leather seats, navigation and other premium appointments. The 6 may offer good looks, but its option sheet pales in comparison.
Even if you’re not a used car buyer, if you’re looking for actual performance from a midsize sedan, the Buick delivers. A new Mazda 6 Grand Touring, loaded to the gills with everything Mazda has to offer, will run around $34,000. A new Regal GS? Around $30,000. Though a manual transmission is not available with the GS any longer, and Mazda doesn’t offer the row-your-own option on the Grand Touring trim.
It may be even better to wait it out, though. The 2018 Buick Regal is slated to debut tomorrow. And from what we’ve seen with the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport, it’s looking like an excellent basis for a new Regal GS.
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The Buick Regal GS is better looking, better driving , and better optioned than an equitable Mazda 6. However, it is a Buick sedan and because of that it manages to only hang on to the slightest relevancy because Buick started selling SUV’s. If it weren’t for those SUV’s Buick would be nearly dead if not totally in the NA market. So sad.
I am going to get tons of downvotes because this is a GM site, but the Mazda 6 is a better looking, better driving, and better optioned than an equitable Regal GS.
The Jalopnik article compares a 2015 Regal to a 2017 Mazda 6… but why not compare a 2015 Regal to a 2015 Mazda 6? The ’17 Mazda 6 is the same as a ’15…
So a 2015 Mazda 6 touring, similarly optioned to a Regal, has a KBB value of 16,750. The Regal comes in 30% more expensive at 21,650. Factor in Gas though, and you save about 10,000. (that’s not an estimate, that’s the total fueleconomy.gov gives, 1250/yr over 8 years). So the price difference is just about double? Is the regal TWICE as good as the Mazda 6? Is it worth paying almost $16,000 more for it?
Now is it worth the 30%-50% more? clearly that’s up to the driver, but the Mazda 6 is a little bigger, and handles really really well. You can also get cool tech you can’t get on the regal like auto steering and auto cruise. Great fuel economy from an NA motor, and it can use regular gasoline. (I know the regular vs. premium gas is up for debate on the regal… I’m on the regal forums…)
On the drag strip the Regal should win, but is it more fun to drive? Not according to C&D…. Not to mention do you know how rare late model regal GSes are?
My Cadillac CTS was getting aged and I needed a new car, but I only drive cars with sticks. I love GM cars and race Corvettes, so the Regal GS looked like a no brainer.
Now I really really really wanted to buy a Regal GS… so I went and test drove one.
Holy Torque Steer…. It officially has more torque steer than any car I ever drove.
Handling wasn’t terrible, but I didn’t think it was better than the Mazda 6
The shifter was more utilitarian than sporty
And looks are subjective, but while I thought the regal looked “good”, I think the Mazda 6 is sexy… one of the best looking cars out right now.
No question theres a lot of subjectivity to it, But I just really don’t understand how you compare “new” to “used” in this context. Sure, compare the Regal GS and a Mazda 6, and choose the Regal GS if its worth it to you, but this test was set up for bias!
I honestly think the Mazda 6 is underpowered. I felt like it felt underpowered just like the Malibu with the 2.5 that I have. I understand it’s for fuel economy purposes only. But honestly Mazda is just being a wimp of not offering an alternative powertrain.
Looks alone the Regal is better than the Mazda 6.
yes the Regal has more class than the 6 but now its not a real Buick , it will not be assembled in the USA
Having owned a Mazda 6…Simply put..It has ZERO power…Handling is adequate…tech… Absolutely terrible…Unspeakably bad
Interesting article but really underscores the downside of GM’s recent sale of Opel to Peugeot. The most competitive cars in GM’s stable were all basically Opels and I would expect that that pipeline will be shut down with Opel’s sale. I’ve never understood why GM didn’t simply sell Opels in the U.S. under the Opel name (as it did until the 1970’s) rather than disguising them as Buicks. Another huge, missed opportunity for GM.
I would love to purchase a new GS it is a really nice looking vehicle…One of GMs sharpest…Too me…But the last Buick I owned was a 1987 Grand National (in 1987)…It would just kill me to look at the tail lights of V6 Honda Accords turning 14.4s, even the 2017 Malibu 2.0t 9speed was just clocked at 14.3 by Car and Driver…to a best of 14.6 or 14.7 by a GS. I have a 2014 335i lease ending and I am going back to american cars… It looks like a Chevy SS is the only performance sedan GM has left…Why no turbo V-6 option Buick?! A Chevy it will be!
Think the reason would be probably stepping on ATS or ATSV’s foot
Used Cadillac CTS-VSport? Perhaps an ATS? There are good GM Sedans available, but outside of the SS and the Regal most of them seem to be coming from Caddy.
The LaCrosse I think is good for what it is, but it doesn’t seem to be what you’re after.
It’s mostly gonna be stepping on ATSV if they put turbo V6 on the regal
I’ll take my ’14 regal any day and twice on Sunday over a Mazda.
I love my GS. MINE is a 2002 turbocharged and I have over 300thou on it and I won’t buy another car unless it’s a regal GS and I would not give up my old lady car for anything .