08-21-2004, 03:38 PM
because i don't have one...
i realized that i never wrote up a review of the mazda 3 i autoxed and i also test drove a miata today for my $25 best buy gift cert.
first off, the mazda 3
i autoxed it at vmp not too long ago before headin up to DC for a week long conference. because it was a rental, it was automatic which really hurt my autox times as anyone who rode with me can attest to. also, it was missing a good set of rubber. other than that, it was a blast to drive. it did understeer pretty badly until it caught and then snapped into a slight oversteer, but i think that could be cured by tires and better power delivery on throttle input with a manual tranny. the interior was decent for a compact econo car and it was very roomy. i'd like to try to sportier version with a 2.3L. a few mods and thats one hell of a fun car to drive.
![[Image: DSC00097b.jpg]](http://www.people.virginia.edu/~srs2z/7-25-04autox/DSC00097b.jpg)
earlier today, i test drove a new miata with the sport package (few aesthetic accessories and bilstein shocks). they didnt have a mazdaspeed miata because they arent an authorized mazdaspeed dealer, but this car was a blast to drive too. i took it through its paces on a few backroads around here and it was a good time. obviously, it doesnt pull as hard as the STi, but definitely faster than the integra. the suspension felt stiff but definitely more streetable than the STi. the pedal placement was a bit cramped as was the steering wheel which apparently didnt tilt. what was the best was the 6 speed shifter. the throws were really short and very crisp. it kept you in the power band, perhaps a little too much though. even in 6th, i was at 4k at 80mph. thats as bad as 5th in my crappy LS tranny, so the car isnt meant for highway cruising. overall the car was a bit cramped, but that should change when its gutted.
its still a fag car though. (for you, evan)
hopefully at some point, i'll own one...
i realized that i never wrote up a review of the mazda 3 i autoxed and i also test drove a miata today for my $25 best buy gift cert.
first off, the mazda 3
i autoxed it at vmp not too long ago before headin up to DC for a week long conference. because it was a rental, it was automatic which really hurt my autox times as anyone who rode with me can attest to. also, it was missing a good set of rubber. other than that, it was a blast to drive. it did understeer pretty badly until it caught and then snapped into a slight oversteer, but i think that could be cured by tires and better power delivery on throttle input with a manual tranny. the interior was decent for a compact econo car and it was very roomy. i'd like to try to sportier version with a 2.3L. a few mods and thats one hell of a fun car to drive.
earlier today, i test drove a new miata with the sport package (few aesthetic accessories and bilstein shocks). they didnt have a mazdaspeed miata because they arent an authorized mazdaspeed dealer, but this car was a blast to drive too. i took it through its paces on a few backroads around here and it was a good time. obviously, it doesnt pull as hard as the STi, but definitely faster than the integra. the suspension felt stiff but definitely more streetable than the STi. the pedal placement was a bit cramped as was the steering wheel which apparently didnt tilt. what was the best was the 6 speed shifter. the throws were really short and very crisp. it kept you in the power band, perhaps a little too much though. even in 6th, i was at 4k at 80mph. thats as bad as 5th in my crappy LS tranny, so the car isnt meant for highway cruising. overall the car was a bit cramped, but that should change when its gutted.
its still a fag car though. (for you, evan)
hopefully at some point, i'll own one...
1994 Ford Ranger
2004 Honda S2000
2007 BMW X3
2004 Honda S2000
2007 BMW X3
