Mazdaspeed 3 first impressions
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more meat, more fire
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From: Orange, CA
Mazdaspeed 3 first impressions
So I took my friend to the dealer tonight to pick up his black Speed 3.
1) The interior kicks ass. It's so roomy! I like to stretch my limbs when I drive - legs and arms fully extended. The seat was already pulled back, and there was still more room to go. With me in the driver's seat there was still plenty of legroom in the back as well. By the way the Speed 3 comes with an aux input so yes, it is iPod ready.
2) The exterior is fucking beautiful. The back is reminiscent of the Peugeot 206 with the small rounded wing at the very top. Front plate is actually optional like the Corvette, so it is legal in CA to run plateless in front.
3) Last but definitely not least, the car is amazingly fun to drive. Full boost comes in at around 3000-3500 rpm I think. 265hp/270tq. For $23k (considerably less than an Evo/STi) it's a major steal. The car handles great, the brakes are fucking sweet, and the shifter is pretty tight, just like the Integra. Probably the only issue I had with driving it was that it was tricky to heel-toe because the brakes bite way harder than my car, but with a little practice this car could definitely kick serious butt.
Finally a pic I took at the dealer
Coincidentally there is a red one that made it through port without getting snatched up. Great Odin's beard I want one. I can't do it though.
1) The interior kicks ass. It's so roomy! I like to stretch my limbs when I drive - legs and arms fully extended. The seat was already pulled back, and there was still more room to go. With me in the driver's seat there was still plenty of legroom in the back as well. By the way the Speed 3 comes with an aux input so yes, it is iPod ready.
2) The exterior is fucking beautiful. The back is reminiscent of the Peugeot 206 with the small rounded wing at the very top. Front plate is actually optional like the Corvette, so it is legal in CA to run plateless in front.
3) Last but definitely not least, the car is amazingly fun to drive. Full boost comes in at around 3000-3500 rpm I think. 265hp/270tq. For $23k (considerably less than an Evo/STi) it's a major steal. The car handles great, the brakes are fucking sweet, and the shifter is pretty tight, just like the Integra. Probably the only issue I had with driving it was that it was tricky to heel-toe because the brakes bite way harder than my car, but with a little practice this car could definitely kick serious butt.
Finally a pic I took at the dealer
Coincidentally there is a red one that made it through port without getting snatched up. Great Odin's beard I want one. I can't do it though.
Apathy Kills
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: The Left Lane
How did it feel when you applied power through a turn, however? 
h:
With all that torque funneled through the front tires... :hsughr:
h:With all that torque funneled through the front tires... :hsughr:
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:: HAN Integra FAQ: If, by some miracle, yours hasn't been stolen... check it out!
Thread Starter
more meat, more fire
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From: Orange, CA
I don't know, must be some loophole. They make you sign something that makes the car exempt though, probably the same deal with the Corvettes (the only other car I know that can run plateless in front in CA).
I
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Thread Starter
more meat, more fire
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Orange, CA
I'm no RWD/AWD nazi so I couldn't care less if it's FWD. So what? Fast is fast. Probably the only thing I'd do to it is beef up the swaybars.
but i grease from there
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its like the SRT-4!
how'd the design conversation go, do you think?
"lets turbo it. kids want turbos"
"yes, good call. bigger wheels too, and a limited slip, 6 gears"
"excellent! kids also love FWD, better in the snow, dangerous when accelerating through curves, too! Kids love danger!! Put an extra strong e-brake on it tho, so they can still drift"
:squint:
how'd the design conversation go, do you think?
"lets turbo it. kids want turbos"
"yes, good call. bigger wheels too, and a limited slip, 6 gears"
"excellent! kids also love FWD, better in the snow, dangerous when accelerating through curves, too! Kids love danger!! Put an extra strong e-brake on it tho, so they can still drift"
:squint: