Possible New Mazda5 Owner Power Question

[JFRCross]

Hey everyone, I am considering a new 08 Mazda5 with manual transmission. For reference, my previous car had about 200 hp with slightly less than 3,000 lbs to pull. I am not new to Mazdas having had a 2nd Gen RX-7, a 323GTX and a 1st gen Protege in the past.

I love the size, pricing and configuration of the 5, but when I drove it I definitely felt like I had a loss less power than what I am used to. I like the handling, brakes and the shifting is great. I have racing experience (SCCA road racing and PRO Rally), so I like a good all around car for the street. The 5 is so close, but I am questioning the power. FYI, I am not a kid, but a dad of two looking for a good practical everyday driver that can hold kids, a bike and skis when needed. Like I said the 5 is so close to perfect...

My question is for those who came to the 5 from more powerful, performance cars. Do you get used to the power in the 5 and get along fine or do you feel like you gave up a lot?

Thanks

 

[RODSCALIP5]

Hey everyone, I am considering a new 08 Mazda5 with manual transmission. For reference, my previous car had about 200 hp with slightly less than 3,000 lbs to pull. I am not new to Mazdas having had a 2nd Gen RX-7, a 323GTX and a 1st gen Protege in the past.

I love the size, pricing and configuration of the 5, but when I drove it I definitely felt like I had a loss less power than what I am used to. I like the handling, brakes and the shifting is great. I have racing experience (SCCA road racing and PRO Rally), so I like a good all around car for the street. The 5 is so close, but I am questioning the power. FYI, I am not a kid, but a dad of two looking for a good practical everyday driver that can hold kids, a bike and skis when needed. Like I said the 5 is so close to perfect...

My question is for those who came to the 5 from more powerful, performance cars. Do you get used to the power in the 5 and get along fine or do you feel like you gave up a lot?

Thanks

I did not come from more powerful cars, but I have owned my 5(Auto) while owning a WRX and now a Mazdaspeed3. You will notice the lack of power while trying to floor the 5 ( at least with the Auto) but it's not Civic slow. Youll get used to it. I love my 5!!!!!!!

 

[JFRCross]

Thanks, if there were a Mazdaspeed5, there would be no question. My Golf 1.8T had 200 hp, so just a little less power/weight than a WRX. I am sure I would adjust to the 5 and just plan merging and lane changes a bit more instead of having power on demand. The manual would give me a bit more flexibility as well. I want to make a decision in the next day or two.

Thanks for your thoughts

 

[coolmazda5]

During my student times I loved my compact car torque (V6 and 5MT), but the Mazda5 MT still gives you decent torque and acceleration as needed even loaded. Also the engine does not make drama at high RPMs, which is also nice to have on a 4 cylinder.

Not V6/V8 torque but I think the rest of the features and the fun-to-drive part pay-off quickly. Also, every time you think it needs more power think about how much gas is saving you by not having it (lol2)

 

[Rocket]

I have similar experience to you with PCA and NASA. There was a 1990 C2 in the garage when I bought the 5. As long as you recognize that it is not a performance car you'll be fine. It excels in handling for what it is, but it is not a sports car. You'll come to enjoy it.

For power, it is acceptable, but not overpowered by any measure. You are not going to get a grin on your face when you stomp the gas.

Mine has kids in the morning, work supplies during the day, and plenty of toys on the weekend. I put a new washing machine in the back last week. I pull a trailer, contrary to the owner's manual. And gas mileage is good.

It is a unique car.

Good luck!

 

[raspykart]

I had a 350hp FC and autox'd it regularly, then a shifter kart so I can feel ya on the power to weight. I love driving the 5 daily though to be honest, the wife is a but bummed she gets stuck with the truck. I just keep playing the gas mileage card to get my fun in. Next toy is gonna be a 97 spec miata I thinks.

 

[opus]

My 5 replaced a 2004 GTO (350hp/395tq) with a 6 speed. The only time I really miss it is when I either have a boy racer next to me at a stoplight, or see an opening for passing and know I could have made it in my Goat. Other than that, it is fun to drive, way more practical, and in this day and age we all are having to make sacrifices and in the grand scheme of things this was a small one.

 

[AIMWO4]

I went from turbo Saabs to the 5. I have fun driving it with the stick. I do miss the turbo, but it's not that big a deal for me... with 3 kids.(ricer)

Hey everyone, I am considering a new 08 Mazda5 with manual transmission. For reference, my previous car had about 200 hp with slightly less than 3,000 lbs to pull. I am not new to Mazdas having had a 2nd Gen RX-7, a 323GTX and a 1st gen Protege in the past.

I love the size, pricing and configuration of the 5, but when I drove it I definitely felt like I had a loss less power than what I am used to. I like the handling, brakes and the shifting is great. I have racing experience (SCCA road racing and PRO Rally), so I like a good all around car for the street. The 5 is so close, but I am questioning the power. FYI, I am not a kid, but a dad of two looking for a good practical everyday driver that can hold kids, a bike and skis when needed. Like I said the 5 is so close to perfect...

My question is for those who came to the 5 from more powerful, performance cars. Do you get used to the power in the 5 and get along fine or do you feel like you gave up a lot?

Thanks

 

[skyhawk]

regarding power, the mazda5, fully loaded with adults has no problem following my cousin's dodge caliber in california freeways. (trips to disney lands.. etc) A lot of times the mz5 autotrans will gear down to 3rd but this is only for a short time bec. the car would be going too fast and I had to let go of the gas and the trans switches back to 4th.

 

[JFRCross]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate your time in adding your experiences. I will go back to drive the 5 one more time (hopefully tonight or tomorrow night) and I will write back as a new owner.

Thanks again

 

[Rocket]

I forgot to mention that compared to other front wheel cars I have owned, there is very little understeer. It is a well balanced set up. You'll still hit the apex on the off ramp with no handling vices to compensate for...

 

[JFRCross]

Just signed the deal and I will picking up my new 5 on Friday. Thanks again.

I got an '08 Sport, 5MT, Gray.

 

[RODSCALIP5]

Just signed the deal and I will picking up my new 5 on Friday. Thanks again.

I got an '08 Sport, 5MT, Gray.

Congrats! Welcome to the Mini Mini Van community!!!

 

[Snagjim]

I have an 07 5MT, with about 27,000 km so far. As for power, just rev it! The 2.3 loves to rev, and in this vehicles Mazda has done a great job on the NVH (better than in a MZ6 I rented a few months back). Shortly after I got it I found myself humming down the road at 100+ km/h, windows up, listening to the radio...and realized I was still in 3rd gear, pushing 5000+ rpm. Never felt it. It's that smooth.

All that said, I wish we could get the 2.0L turbodiesels they sell in Europe. 265 lb-ft!

 

[rweatherford]

It's a little low on acceleration as others have said, but it will run 100 MPH with no real effort. 4th gear cruising at that speed with the automatic. That's fast enough for your family hauler.

Gets about 18 MPG at those speeds.