Test drove the Mazdaspeed3

[arabian goggler]

I was impressed.

The accelleration was insane in 3rd and 4th gears. I mean EVO IX pull at highway speeds. Trust me, I just got to drive my cousins new EVO and that was nuts, but for 23k, the mazdaspeed3 pulls like an EVO above 40mph.

1st and 2nd gears feel limited, but pretty much take complete advantage of what the rubber on the FWD will allow.

When I was in 3rd rolling at 40-45mph and rolled into the throttle, once the boost came up the tires gave a howl/squeel from about 50-65mph. Really, you will come away smiling that a stock FWD car can pull that hard.

The handling was connected, little body roll, excellent steering feel, and well dampened. The brakes had very good bite and even though the car is a bit over 3000lbs, they made the car feel much lighter than it actually is.

The car is definately powerful once moving, perhaps it's because of the ecu restrictions on the first couple gears, and also because the IC gets better flow at highway speeds, that makes it feel stronger in 3rd and 4th.

In comparison to my RL, it pulls to 60mph with about the same feel, but I have to admit, from +60mph it will walk my RL. Not ashamed about it, it put a smile on my face...

I might look into buying one in the future, but I am too upside down right now to get out of the RL.

[sheek360]

i might test drive one soon then.

[KSC]

That's probably the extra torque talking.

I swore I just saw a MS3 stock dyno posted recently that confirmed the HP numbers are similar if not a bit less than some RL's

[jaycizzo]

Originally Posted by KSC

That's probably the extra torque talking.

I swore I just saw a MS3 stock dyno posted recently that confirmed the HP numbers are similar if not a bit less than some RL's

Stock or modded RL's?

[vandy0419]

Originally Posted by KSC

That's probably the extra torque talking.

I swore I just saw a MS3 stock dyno posted recently that confirmed the HP numbers are similar if not a bit less than some RL's

I posted one and it maxes out at 218whp and boy do those numbers drop like a mother top end...at least ours hold pretty constant.

Say, ker-plunk!

[jaycizzo]

Nevermind. Still decent power but not near what they're advertising.

[handyjoe]

Originally Posted by jaycizzo

Nevermind. Still decent power but not near what they're advertising.

Eh, if you factor in a driveline loss of 15% and the standard Mazda b.s. factor...its right on.

[vandy0419]

Originally Posted by handyjoe

Eh, if you factor in a driveline loss of 15% and the standard Mazda b.s. factor...its right on.

Except the power sucks after 5700rpm

[jaycizzo]

Originally Posted by handyjoe

Eh, if you factor in a driveline loss of 15% and the standard Mazda b.s. factor...its right on.

True. Not sure what I was thinking.

[KSC]

Originally Posted by handyjoe

Eh, if you factor in a driveline loss of 15% and the standard Mazda b.s. factor...its right on.

HAHA!

Yeah, stock for stock our HP numbers are neck and neck, but that extra 45++ lbs of tq is real kick in the ass durring mid range.