Handling differences...

What · Post by **What** » March 20th, 2005, 2:41 am

Not really inspired by other recent posts, although along the same lines. Just wondering what sort of suspension differences there are between an MX3 and say an MX6. The one guy said the GS handles better... is that just a feeling of the little weight difference or...?

I like the feel of the base RS even, just contemplating an MX6 or something like it. Haven't driven an MX6 in a long time, so I can't really do a fair comparison.

mazdubber · Post by **mazdubber** » March 20th, 2005, 1:29 pm

The GS has a front lower crossmember, rear lower tie bar, and a close ratio steering rack stock. The GS is the better handler in stock form.

RoundTop · Post by **RoundTop** » March 20th, 2005, 1:57 pm

Check the weight distro on an MX-6 as well. The MX-3 GS is 65-35 for its weigh distro (which isn't bad by a long shot for a FWD car).

I'm not aware of anyone who has done a skid pad test between the MX6 and MX3

mazdubber · Post by **mazdubber** » March 20th, 2005, 2:06 pm

Oh, I also weighed my car last night. 2600 lbs. with a quarter tank of gas, ZE and about 60 lbs of parts in the hatch. Not bad at all!

Chadley · Post by **Chadley** » March 20th, 2005, 5:20 pm

shame

neutral · Post by **neutral** » March 20th, 2005, 8:00 pm

RoundTop wrote:Check the weight distro on an MX-6 as well. The MX-3 GS is 65-35 for its weigh distro (which isn't bad by a long shot for a FWD car).

My MX-6 is 1st Gen so not a fair comparison but have driven a few 2nd Gen MX-6's. IMO the MX-3 GS handles better i.e. quicker steering response although a bit harsher ride. Stiffer may be a better word & isn't necessarily a bad thing-depends on pers. pref. Wt distro is also 65/35 for the 2nd Gen MX-6. Track and wheelbase aren't that much wider & longer on the MX-6 than for the MX-3 but MX-6 body width, & especially length, is greater with more of the MX-6 body overhanging the wheels @front, rear & sides plus 150-200Lbs. extra overall weight compared to the MX-3. Don't know about any dif in steering ratio. My general sense was that the MX-6 could be more comfortable on a long road trip but I prefer the GS handling overall.