++ ATOT official NEF thread part IV ++

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MotF Bane

No Lifer
Dec 22, 2006
60,801
10
0
The Mazda 6 gives up quite a bit in handling to the Mazda 3, and a VAST amount to the MS3. I count braking in with handling. It also has less power, and a less interesting transmission.
 

MotF Bane

No Lifer
Dec 22, 2006
60,801
10
0
Watching a bit of Law & Order, the criminal stops talking after a bit, and you almost expect the defense lawyer to look at the DA and say, "you know, my client is totally fucking nuts."
 

MotF Bane

No Lifer
Dec 22, 2006
60,801
10
0
I feel like I'm going to try to modify the Mazda 6 over the next few years, whereas the MS3 is already pretty much a finished thing.
 

MotF Bane

No Lifer
Dec 22, 2006
60,801
10
0
The Mazda 6 lacks power, and won't handle as sharply, the tires are tiny and crappy, the brakes are good but not outstanding, et cetera.
 

MotF Bane

No Lifer
Dec 22, 2006
60,801
10
0
Rear sway bar, new shocks, cut or new springs, wider wheels, wider tires, rolled fenders, salvaged performance brakes, and something for power - probably a salvaged supercharger. Those are all the initial ideas.

For the MS3, my ideas list is... wider tires.
 

MotF Bane

No Lifer
Dec 22, 2006
60,801
10
0
Does it really handle that much better than a Grand Prix, or does it feel that much better in part because of a more responsive/lively chassis?

Will I really be happy with the interior, i.e. comfortable and not feeling totally out of place with it?

Is a manual transmission still going to be fun in two months, or just a PITA chore?
 

MotF Bane

No Lifer
Dec 22, 2006
60,801
10
0
Does it have enough power to keep me from going nuts? The torque gives up 30 ft-lbs to the older Grand Prix.

Am I going to be happy with the looks of the exterior? I know I like my GP, always have, but this thing seems to be variable depending on... the day of the week?
 

MotF Bane

No Lifer
Dec 22, 2006
60,801
10
0
Even if I dump thousands in mods into it, a) I'll be kinda retarded to pour that much money in, b) I'll end up pushing to the price of an MS3, and c) I'll still not beat an MS3.
 

MotF Bane

No Lifer
Dec 22, 2006
60,801
10
0
1996 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 0-60 mph 6.7 Quarter mile 15.0
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 0-60 mph 6.5 Quarter mile 14.8
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 0-60 mph 6.5 Quarter mile 14.7
2000 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 0-60 mph 6.7 Quarter mile 14.9

Those are all GTP, my GTP is no longer a GTP, without the supercharger. So it can't possibly be better than the worst of those figures. 0-60 >6.7, quarter >15.0.

2004 Mazda 6s 3.0L (Manual) 0-60 mph 6.3 Quarter mile 14.9
Marginally faster, very much marginally.
 

MotF Bane

No Lifer
Dec 22, 2006
60,801
10
0
I don't want to buy something I'm unhappy with to save a few bucks, but... I don't think anything that I really want is anywhere near the price range.
 

MotF Bane

No Lifer
Dec 22, 2006
60,801
10
0
There's nothing out there right now really.

I could keep my Grand Prix, but it needs $500 in repairs soon, plus $400 snow tires.