The E70 is larger and heavier than the E53 and you do feel it. C'mon, the unladen curb weight increased over 300 lbs from the E53....do you expect that mass to magically not be felt?

They shortened the final drive on the E70 and gave it a 6-speed automatic. However, it won't feel as fast as your current 4.4i

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2014 Mazda 3 GT: Ø Consumption: (click for details)