Encounter with Mazdaspeed3...
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 326
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From: Greenville, SC
Encounter with Mazdaspeed3...
First let me say I was not racing! So, please no comments on that subject. Ok, so I was getting onto one of my favorate on ramps with a chance for a quick burst of acceleration when I look in the rear view mirror and some guy in a Mazda right on my tail so I decide to play...that didn't work. Got up to about 90 mph in third and looked in the rear view mirror and he was still there! I slowed down and when I got off at the next ramp and looked at the rear of the car and saw it was a Mazda Speed3. Pretty good acceleration for a $24,000 car.
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From: Temecula, CA
Yeah it's a total sleeper, no one assumes it has any real guts and it doesn't look that much different than a regular Mazda 3. It makes passing the slow drivers sitting in the left lane easy, before they know you're passing and try to accelerate you're already long gone. Great DD although the interior could be nicer.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Toronto
Chances are that the boost has been turned up. Alot of the Jap tuner cars are turbo. The engines last right up until the warrenty runs out. Not to mention, Mazda parts are more expensive then Porsche parts.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Clifton, NJ
But mazda parts in no way shape or form cost more than porsche parts.
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From: Temecula, CA
With 268 Hp in stock form and a 3200 Lb weight it does hold it's own. Granted it won't keep up with a newer 911 or later Boxster, it definitely does accelerate hard. Biggest problem with the Speed3 is traction when taking off, once under way the car can put down its power.
As far as throwing rods, I have heard the same but mainly from cars that have been modified. Powertrain is 5 years 50K miles so I still have some time before the warranty runs out.
Not sure on parts, mine is still under warranty and I haven't had it in for any warranty service.
As far as throwing rods, I have heard the same but mainly from cars that have been modified. Powertrain is 5 years 50K miles so I still have some time before the warranty runs out.
Not sure on parts, mine is still under warranty and I haven't had it in for any warranty service.
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Joined: Jun 2001
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From: North Bay Area, CA
It's usually hard to tell with impromptu speed contests. On paper you had a slight power to weight advantage, but was his car modified? Did he start in second while you were in third? Did he abuse his car with a speed shift? Who knows.....
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Drifting
Joined: May 2007
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From: Semiahmoo/Blaine, Wa
I don't think anyone would suggest that a mazdaspeed3 is trying to compete with a Porsche in all respects. It is just one of those cars out there that can provide a ton of fun for not much money, and has sufficient space to be useful too.
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From: Temecula, CA
Owning an 09 Speed3 I agree 100% The car has lots of shortcomings including lots of plastic inside, rattles, torque steer and it is very difficult to shift smoothly. On the other hand it is fast, handles well and it is invisible to people and police. It also has enough space to haul the kids and stuff. Great DD but definitely not a Porsche by any stretch of the imagination.
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Joined: Mar 2011
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I traded in a 2008 MazdaSpeed 3 for a 2007 C2 7 months ago. Off the line the Porsche has got it all the way, as the Mazda is detuned in the first 2 gears, its not until you get into 3rd gear that you get full power. So on an on-ramp he could give you a good run for your money. Those cars have 280 ft/pounds of torque and move pretty well, and so from about 40 to 70 mph he could probably stay with you, beyond that you should start to lose him.
