MS3 at high speeds?

[dommo_g]

I think that this car feels very stable at high speeds. I was doing 130 down 95 this afternoon until a car cut me off. Even then while braking it felt great. Though I wouldn't reccommend making any sudden movements at that speed.

At 130...you didn't get 'cut off'. The term cut off implies the cutting off driver did something wrong. I don't go that fast unless I have clear open road with no other cars for a looong way ahead of me.

 

[nondual]

Its a 10K repair bill paid by Mazda if it happens... at that run rate I doubt Mazda would allow any more MS3's to be sold until the issue was resolved if it was a recurring and highly probable issue. Not to mention a recall notice would have gone out by now... there isnt even a TSB on it which is the first step car makers take to fix issues like this

Like I said in the other thread.. this is a forum.. you will hear about every single horror story and I assure you I doubt any 08 (or even current production) MS3 will have this issue.

If the engine drop scares you that much I suggest you visit the VW forums and get a feel for the issues they are running into with their "pimp ride" - I suspect you will find a few horror stories like the engine falling out (theirs are more tranny related) -

Doubt all you want, but it happened to me on a current model (you've seen my work order). It IS happening and Mazda is freaked out enough to have two Mazda folks from Japan interview me about it personally. They said there are NHTSA complaints about it.

 

[zoom-zoomhatch]

I for one filed a complaint on the NHTSA website when my mount broke, maybe they'll turn some heads and get something done about it eventually.

 

[Ms3InMd]

At 130...you didn't get 'cut off'. The term cut off implies the cutting off driver did something wrong. I don't go that fast unless I have clear open road with no other cars for a looong way ahead of me.

(blah) No, just kidding I shouldn't have gone so fast, but the left lane was completly open.

 

[nonopr]

145 Mph

I have had this car in a staight line at 145 mph and the car feels very good. I do get a bit worry when it come to side to side turns it feels a bit disconnected. I dont know if the tires are the best but when time come to change tires I will do the research.
At 145 still feels with power to keep to the 150 and over.(nana)
All this in a close road no people to endanger

I have had my MS3 up to about 90-110 (This morning too...until I saw a cop.) on several occasions for short periods of time. It always felt smooth to me at those speeds. Like others have said, sudden movements, braking, etc., all will effect how the car feels to you. Feelings aside, multiple reviews on the car by professionals have said the car is and feels stable (to them of course) at high speeds.

 

[maybemazda]

yeah, it looks to be the car I am gonna get. Has everything I want and dont really need to mod it. I like going fast and its just not safe to do in a car that cant handle it. I think my LGT is just to big of a car to do that in without better suspension or brakes. I know its not really refined for that kind of driving, but I just feel more compfortable in a smaller car no matter what. The only thing i am wondering is if I will be able to pick one up used for cheap, if not new is fine. The MS6 is so cheap to buy used that i am wondering if the ms3 will do the same. I found a used ms3 with like 4000mi, for like 22 i think, but maybe in a year I can pick one up with 10-15000 miles on it for like 20grand or so. Thx for your responses.

 

[Boston5761]

Check out the thread of the MS3 at 155 mph on the Autobahn. The video can be seen at Sport Compact Car. The car looked rock solid at that speed.

R

As much as I love Mazda and the Speed3, I have to say that there's just not a car out there under 50K that is "rock solid" at 155. That's the problem with kids today...they see this s*** and think that their entry level performance car can handle these excessively high rates of speed, and end up with it wrapped around a telephone pole or worse...kill innocent others. For what, because Sport Compact Car posted videos of it going 155 on the ******* Autobahn. This is NOT a race car...it's a quick $23K FWD!! I couldn't tell you how many times I've heard people on these forums bash SRT-4 owners for making such remarks, oh, but when MAZDA comes out with a car that can't even contend with the NEON in straight line performance it's a beast! It's a ******* "race car"...no, it's a car that can't even keep the motors from falling out of the damn thing, but yet we're talking about taking these at speeds over 140. Like I said...I love the car and while yes it is quick. It is by no means a car that should be driven at theses speeds, that's the end of discussion. Threads like these just piss me off... You want to drive like a race car driver, you want to go 140+...? Then ******* buy a race cae and take it to the TRACK. Quit, before you kill yourself or someone else...

 

[Ms3InMd]

As much as I love Mazda and the Speed3, I have to say that there's just not a car out there under 50K that is "rock solid" at 155. That's the problem with kids today...they see this s*** and think that their entry level performance car can handle these excessively high rates of speed, and end up with it wrapped around a telephone pole or worse...kill innocent others. For what, because Sport Compact Car posted videos of it going 155 on the ******* Autobahn. This is NOT a race car...it's a quick $23K FWD!! I couldn't tell you how many times I've heard people on these forums bash SRT-4 owners for making such remarks, oh, but when MAZDA comes out with a car that can't even contend with the NEON in straight line performance it's a beast! It's a ******* "race car"...no, it's a car that can't even keep the motors from falling out of the damn thing, but yet we're talking about taking these at speeds over 140. Like I said...I love the car and while yes it is quick. It is by no means a car that should be driven at theses speeds, that's the end of discussion. Threads like these just piss me off... You want to drive like a race car driver, you want to go 140+...? Then ******* buy a race cae and take it to the TRACK. Quit, before you kill yourself or someone else...

I can kinda agree with this.

 

[Rainman]

As much as I love Mazda and the Speed3, I have to say that there's just not a car out there under 50K that is "rock solid" at 155. That's the problem with kids today...they see this s*** and think that their entry level performance car can handle these excessively high rates of speed, and end up with it wrapped around a telephone pole or worse...kill innocent others. For what, because Sport Compact Car posted videos of it going 155 on the ******* Autobahn. This is NOT a race car...it's a quick $23K FWD!! I couldn't tell you how many times I've heard people on these forums bash SRT-4 owners for making such remarks, oh, but when MAZDA comes out with a car that can't even contend with the NEON in straight line performance it's a beast! It's a ******* "race car"...no, it's a car that can't even keep the motors from falling out of the damn thing, but yet we're talking about taking these at speeds over 140. Like I said...I love the car and while yes it is quick. It is by no means a car that should be driven at theses speeds, that's the end of discussion. Threads like these just piss me off... You want to drive like a race car driver, you want to go 140+...? Then ******* buy a race cae and take it to the TRACK. Quit, before you kill yourself or someone else...

Don't read my comments and think that I am advocating driving on ANY street or highway at this speed. Also do not believe that I imply that driving the car at 155 mph is like driving the car at 30 mph. My comments were simply to inform that the car had been videotaped travelling at 155 mph during traffic with no obvious signs of instability. ANY car travelling at those speeds is not LITERALLY rock solid. My comment was meant to be a relative description only.

I too think that it is irresponsible for people to drive this way on public roads in North America where we do not have provisions for this type of speed on our roadways. There is a reason why I cannot say that I personally have driven my car at this pseed. However, if I had the opportunity to drive this car with a roll cage on a closed track I would jump at the chance to experience that speed in this car. And I am sure that I wouldn't have to modify much to do so dependably and safely.

I do agree that much of the problems we face have to do with drivers, young and old, believing that their abilities extend further than they do in reality. I also agree that some people may try to emulate what they watched someone show on an Internet video. However, I do believe that ultimately each person is responsible for his, or her, own actions. Because the information is available does not mean that someone has to use it for misadventure. Anyone can post a video. What someone does after they watch it is their own business. Anyone who would go out on the street and then try to recreate this speed because they watched the video would have done the same without the video because they clearly are not concerned about the consequences of their actions.

R

 

[Vixen]

Doubt all you want, but it happened to me on a current model (you've seen my work order). It IS happening and Mazda is freaked out enough to have two Mazda folks from Japan interview me about it personally. They said there are NHTSA complaints about it.

I was at my dealer last week with a friend. She was trying to decide if she wanted to get a CX-7. She ended up getting a 3. Anyway, the salesman was saying that the car is designed to have the engine drop in an accident instead of getting pushed back into the cabin. I hadn't heard that before.

 

[AntimonyER]

I am extremely impressed with the stability of the MS3 at high speeds. I have a four lane road that is deserted at night, in the middle of nowhere, which I like to make some speed runs on. There is one stretch that allows me to top it out, which includes a left hand sweeper around when I hit 125-130. The car is planted around that curve, and to top it out you have to go over a bridge with a bump to get on and off at 150. And even then no real scary effects.

I don't recommend ever driving that fast unless you are an experienced driver at high speeds (I am an amateur road racer) and in a situation where the only person you can hurt is yourself (no traffic, no passengers). A pothole, oil slick, animal, sand, rock, tire tread, anything you hit at that speed WILL cause you to crash. Why do you think cautions are called for even small pieces of debris in racing?

But if you do ever find yourself in a situation where that speed is required (murderous case of road rage or perhaps a tornado on your tail) know that this car won't lose it for no reason. I think it was even more planted than my Z06 was at those speeds.

 

[nondual]

I was at my dealer last week with a friend. She was trying to decide if she wanted to get a CX-7. She ended up getting a 3. Anyway, the salesman was saying that the car is designed to have the engine drop in an accident instead of getting pushed back into the cabin. I hadn't heard that before.

Yeah..that's what the Mazda peeps said to me about the aluminum mounts - they have to be 'weak enough to drop the engine so it doesn't get pushed back into the cabin'. Whatever, as long as they're strong enough to not break when I'm not in an accident.

 

[Boston5761]

(I am an amateur road racer)

what does have to do with anything, Michael Waltrip is a EXPERT road racer but still managed to hit a telephone pole almost killing him a wek ago. Thats like me saying its okay for me to perform open heart surgery on a patient because im a DIT, (Doctor in training). Going on your comments this road is a public road, deserted or not...who's to say that one night while your driving your car down this stretch of road at 140 that a mother and child won't be on this same stretch. Racing training of any kind can not be applied to a situation like this, nothing taught in Skip Barber, etc. You are not in a race car, you're in a oem production car, things taught their are to be used in racing situations. Not careless reckless driving. Race cars and steet cars behave totally different.

 

[jhowey]

Logic, why would the manufacturer let the car go that fast if the car itself could not handle it. No I do not reccomend it and that kind of speed on a non track setting is not a good idea but you talk like the car cant handle that and is not suppose too which I believe is false.

Breakaway motor mounts are a common design in many new cars it is nice to know because if you are doin 140 and hit a wall then engine will not come into the cabin in theory. But I dont believe they crash test 140 mph impacts.

 

[Boston5761]

Logic, why would the manufacturer let the car go that fast if the car itself could not handle it. No I do not reccomend it and that kind of speed on a non track setting is not a good idea but you talk like the car cant handle that and is not suppose too which I believe is false.

Breakaway motor mounts are a common design in many new cars it is nice to know because if you are doin 140 and hit a wall then engine will not come into the cabin in theory. But I dont believe they crash test 140 mph impacts.

Many cars are capable of going at speeds that they cant handle, hell, a Geo Metro can go 110+. To explain this to you I'll say this...It is cheaper to produce a car like this that is capable of these speeds than to try and regulate it. Meaning all mazda had to do was take a engine already in production, modify it and slap it in a car that too was already in production. For them to try and regualte this would require them to add extra sensors, extra controls, and to be honest...speed is what sells. Especially when your talking about a car that falls in the 16-25 year old range of buyers.

I said nothing about breakaway motor mounts...I said the engine is falling out of these cars and people are talking about driving them 140+. These mounts are failing without any contact or wrecks to speak of. A couple of people have had theirs fail going 30mph, not 140. And if a car is involved in a wreck going 140 and hits a wall...the last thing you have to worry about is hoping your breakaway motor mounts work properly.

 

[Rainman]

Because a company has known issues with a few of its cars does not mean that ALL of its cars will have this issue. Nor does it mean that in the proper setting that car should not be driven up to its potential on the off chance that the known issue might suddenly spring up in the car being driven at the limit. If that was the case, none of us should be driving ANY car at speed as ALL cars have had issues at one time or another.

Quite often car manufacturers produce cars which are quite optimistic in terms of vehicle speed shown on the speedometer. However, many of these cars cannot attain these speeds even under the best of circumstances. Less frequently, they produce cars whose performance supersedes the speed shown on the speedometer. Normally, this is not the case. Generally, when manufacturers produce an automobile the speedometer covers the range of speeds that most drivers will use that car in.

The MS3 is sold in several markets worldwide including the European market. As was shown in the Sport Compact Car video there are areas where it is legal to travel at speeds in excess of 150 mph on public roadways. The MS3 did so without too much fanfare. The MS3 is electronically limited to 155 mph. The engine is capable of doing more. The manufacturers likely chose this limit because beyond which the control of the car becomes problematic for all but the most skilled drivers. I am fairly certain that the car doesn't self-destruct at high speed just becasue Mazda found it easier to leave the car as it was rather than limit it.

It is fairly easy for Mazda to limit the car in any way they choose. Such is the beauty of the ECU reflash. Already they have limited the top speed, as well as the torque in the first three gears to decrease torque steer.

Granted, this is not a race car. However, it is a performance-oriented car and as such is designed to handle stresses that your average grocery-getter may not be.

Just my orthopaedic fellow $0.02.

R

 

[adamsredms3]

I can't wait for the day when any topic on any forum can stay on track. This post started out as how the MS3 handles at higher speeds for those who wish to drive fast (reason why most of us bought this over a regular 3 anyways).

Will the whining about the motor mounts by stickied in a "For those who like to be paranoid thread" so all those people trying to tear apart this great auto can have somewhere to stand on their soapbox. Over the past few weeks I have gotten real tired of reading the same (direct) motor mount sh-t over and over. Check for your missing washer, if its not there put one in. Done.

And yes, driving fast is dangerous on public roads - everyone here knows that. This post was about driving the car at higher speeds and how people felt about the cars handling. Not about where or what they were doing at those speeds. I didn't read once about any members here condoning what they were doing. I also got a kick out of the comment about it being cheaper to produce faster cars...are you for real?

No I've got to go outside and drive fast to get out all my frustration. Good thing I'll have one of the best handling front wheel driven cars made underneath me.

 

[Vixen]

I can't wait for the day when any topic on any forum can stay on track. This post started out as how the MS3 handles at higher speeds for those who wish to drive fast (reason why most of us bought this over a regular 3 anyways).

Will the whining about the motor mounts by stickied in a "For those who like to be paranoid thread" so all those people trying to tear apart this great auto can have somewhere to stand on their soapbox. Over the past few weeks I have gotten real tired of reading the same (direct) motor mount sh-t over and over. Check for your missing washer, if its not there put one in. Done.

And yes, driving fast is dangerous on public roads - everyone here knows that. This post was about driving the car at higher speeds and how people felt about the cars handling. Not about where or what they were doing at those speeds. I didn't read once about any members here condoning what they were doing. I also got a kick out of the comment about it being cheaper to produce faster cars...are you for real?

No I've got to go outside and drive fast to get out all my frustration. Good thing I'll have one of the best handling front wheel driven cars made underneath me.

It's not good to drive when you're upset(fight)

 

[adamsredms3]

It's not good to drive when you're upset(fight)

Or like this (beer)

 

[Vixen]

Or like this (beer)

I hate it when people drive like(boobs)