ride quality

[BLAZEONE]

Alright, so a friend of mine got an IS250. The ride is amazing compared to my ms3. Is this because its RWD? Is it suspension? and is it the weight difference? I understand the price difference, and I understand that the MS3 is not a luxury car, so if the ride quality has nothing to do with the weight and rwd, then where can I find some softer suspension to improve the ride?

 

[kura808]

umm u can look at the price difference for one thing. another thing would probably be the suspension. luxury performance kind i'm assuming.

 

[mr_mazda329]

I think the MS3 rides rather well. Are you old or something.

 

[Shervin]

First of all if you missed these things then you dont know anything about the 2 cars.

1. Price
2. Class
3. Suspension

2 totally different cars in different classes for different consumers. First of all the MS3 is not a luxury sports car. It only costs 24grand to purchase. IS series are luxury sports cars and yes they are RWD.
I do not know how to make it any simpler. You are comparing apples to oranges in every aspec. FWD vs RWD. Luxury Sports vs Cheap Sports car. Softer suspension vs Stiffer Suspension. 24grand vs 30-36grand.

What do you expect for 24grand? BMW M5 Suspension?

 

[BLAZEONE]

so is there a suspension upgrade that is softer, that will create a more "luxury" ride?

 

[kura808]

there's a chance u might lose some performance wit a softer suspension setup. lexus is kinda soft i think wit their more upscale models but dunno whats up wit the IS models. never rode in one haha

maybe u should've got a subaru? they really softened up the suspension on it. if u watch the vid of it going down the salom, it wobbles around like jello..its a comparison wit the ms3. the ms3 had really good stance. dunno where the vid is but u can watch it on youtube.

 

[CnoTataymo]

Why would you want to go softer? If you go softer, your car won't handle as good and you'll probably bobble around over bumps. If you want a smoother ride, you probably should have gotten another car. I've ridden in a lot of luxury cars and sport compacts. The MS3's suspension is pretty good even though it could be better for it's power.

 

[nhluhr]

so is there a suspension upgrade that is softer, that will create a more "luxury" ride?

Get bilstein shocks/struts and also a 17" wheel/tire package and the ride will be superb.

The good thing is it's not actually softer. It's just got valving that is more suited to a comfortable ride.

 

[wisniaPl]

its sport car....you want luxury ride buy a mercedes....

 

[Kain]

Your best bet would be to swap with a regular Mazda3. He/she would probably throw in some cash in the trade, too.

 

[jp4130]

Your best bet would be to swap with a regular Mazda3. He/she would probably throw in some cash in the trade, too.

Bad Idea, the car would not work properly. Also I'm betting that the softer front suspension from the Mazda 3 would be hitting the bump stops regulerly over large bumps; this would create an even harsher ride.

 

[mr_mazda329]

its sport car....you want luxury ride buy a mercedes....

+1... If your worried about the ride, get a camry or something. I think the ride is real plush vs my miata. Both allow you to feel the road and what the car and tires are doing. Hence, sports car.

 

[Yoo Shin]

It's a value (cost) performance trade off. Want the performance/handling of the MS3 but the ride (or even better IMO) of a IS, get a BMW 335 or G35.

You can "soften" the ride of the MS3 but you'll loose much of the character of what makes the MS3 the car it is and what you like about it when you go it.

 

[BLAZEONE]

lol thanks for all the feedback. Trust me when I say this, I get the same amazing feeling you guys get each time you drive your MS3. I do not intend to sell this car ever. I plan on turning it into a track car after its paid off, but for now I would like to improve the ride comfort. And yes, the suspension is just fine for how tight it is, but I guess I should have not used an IS250 example, and just asked what suspension will make the car ride smoother. (I understand it would compromise handling)

 

[nhluhr]

the suggestion I posted would not compromise handling.

 

[BLAZEONE]

sorry nhluhr, I was caught up in all of the practical solutions like get a new car, yada yada yada. . . Thanks, I will look into this for sure! Always been a bilstein fan