114.7mm, 205x45x17??????
Um, isn't it 114.3 x 5.
Look at where I live, newoundland Canada. One of the highest snowfall rates on the PLANET. I drove my mp3 ( now own a MSP ) with 4 14" steelies, and 175 tires, studded. Got me everywhere. Granted, she's still a low car, so don't try deep powder, but as for slush, ice, general crappy snowy weather, I drove mine fine. I'd say no other mp3 or msp on this forums sees anything like my winters. I also live on one of the longest hills in the city, and it's steep. I get home no problem even on very icy days. Try driving with the stock tires on in the snow, just once, do it! It's fun....ok, scary as hell, and you'll never do it twice.
0-60 is 8.1-8.3. This is NO joke. That car ain't breaking past 8.0. I came from 97 prelude, and you WILL miss the power. But, handling wise, forget it. nothing else comes close....well, except the speed
The shifter ain't no Honda either, but it ain't no american pos either.
The MP3 does have euro spec steering close ratio, the msp doesn't. It takes less turns of the wheel to turn. Advantage, the car is very direct. The slightest turn of the wheel, and you'll be in another lane. You'll also know exactly what the front wheels are doing all the time, and it's very easy to drive because of the "one with the car" feel. Disadvantage, she'll follow bumps and ruts a lot more then the speed. not as bad as some cars I've driven with large tires ( Stangs, Vette's etc ), but it is worse then the speed. And the wheel is somewhat stiffer to turn of course.
Problems? Bushings. Rear sway bar bushings, and front as well. Fronts will squeak when cold, so does rear. There are new updated bushings for both. I have had great success with the rear updated ones, near a year now ( knock on wood ). But, if your car gets the infamous "clunk", you'll know it, and hate it quickly. You'll need a new sway bar, and bushings ( part 156E) to get rid of it. Test the car you might be getting by going over a bumpy road. Make the car sway left/right. It'll sound like something loose in the trunk.
some have had shifter forks break. Honestly, if you drive like s***, expect it to happen on any car I guess. Think what you will.
I got about 450-500kms in town per tank. The car has no stock alarm unless the dealer put it in. The speed does.
any more q's?
