Sometimes life is all about the downgrade, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

For the past 2 1/2 weeks I’ve had the privilege of driving around in uber luxurious Porsche Panameras. To start I had a 4S model, which I loved, and I finished off with the Turbo version which I just didn’t want to give back. But all good things must come to an end — and you’ll want to check for the combined review on here soon.

So, today I reluctantly handed over the keys to the Panamera Turbo to the next automotive journalist in line and got into my next tester; a Mazda3, fully loaded with manual transmission.

I admit, I let out a bit of a sigh of disappointment when I sat in the driver’s seat and watched the Panamera Turbo speed off in my rearview.

As I pulled away I immediately noticed the difference in the throttle response, brakes and the looseness of the steering wheel. Everything just felt floppy and disconnected in the Mazda3, and yet I usually love this car.

After driving Porsche engineering for 2 weeks straight, I’d become jaded.

So, while it will take me a few days to adjust, and get over the depression of no longer having a Panamera in my driveway, I will (hopefully) once again realize how much I love the Mazda3, especially with the manual transmission.

And after spending close to $200 at the pump for my time with the Turbo (yes, the Turbo ONLY), I think my wallet will be the most thankful for my downsize to the Mazda3.

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