Gee35 - Interesting. I can certainly see why you get some heated arguments started. I am not senseless for wanting to use these.
Again, the whole point of these is to prevent the brakes from raining brake pad dust all over the wheels. Nothing is more disgusting than a disc-braked car with alloys covered in brake dust.
How do the 'black drums' as you call them affect the touted workings of the wheels and brakes? They don't. Not in the least.
The only thing you've lost is the ability to SEE them. Obviously to you and I'm sure to some others, seeing the rotor is going to be important. Me? Over time I'm not going to WANT to see the nasty, dirty, rusty rotor, caliper and suspension pieces.
If it were a Porsche or something of that caliber, no I wouldn't want the wheels covered. But this is a Mazda that's going to see the worst conditions that Ohio and Michigan Winters have to offer, and those pieces are going to get ugly while remaining functional.
If you like the concept and want a set - call Kleen Wheels. If you don't - don't.
Why have "superior" four wheel discs and then compromise them?
http://www.shotimes.com/brakes/survey/brakes9.html "Aftermarket Kleen Wheels Dust shields: They shut down the rounded Taurus' natural wheel well air flow. I had almost red-hot brakes after cruising down the highway with only this simple change. No dust, but...Severe brake fade. Even with CM pads. Nuff said."
So hey it's your car but why have the superior fade resistance of disc brakes for hard use but then apply Kleen Wheels which would possibly compromise them under hard use. Might as well have rear drums like the rest of the regular vehicles out there that seem to function just fine.
Told you they don't let heat dissipate properly. Low dust pads would be the best way to go instead of the product you are speaking of. Also, brake pads that put out an incredible amount of dust do so because they are made of cheap materials. Look at the front wheels of any Focus and you will see what I mean...
Gee35 - I hadn't seen anything like that, and it's good information to know. To be fair, I hadn't even looked. Thanks for this.
Vocus - An "I told you so."?!?! Nice.
If you're right and large amounts of dust indicate poor brake materials, I'd better tell the guys I've seen with the 3-series cars exhibiting exactly what I'm talking about. Or the Audi's or Jags I've seen. They're all getting inferior materials on their cars.
Believe what you want then. I have an 02 Jetta 1.8T and it hardly ever has brake dust on the wheels. Yet my co-worker's 01 Jetta has black front wheels all the time. VW chnaged brake pad materials for 02, and the new ones don't produce much dust.
A lot of the high-performance brake pads create a lot of dust. There were some pads out there which worked well and didn't create much dust, bt most were expensive. Just recently there has been a trend toward lower-cost pads with high-performance AND less dust.
I have a nice 2 lane freeway off-ramp as part of my typical drive. It's a 180 degree turn followed by a long straightaway. I have had several opportunities to pass cars on the outside of that ramp and 6 goes into the best drift I have felt in any FWD car. The looks I get range from disgust to pure shock as I pass these other cars at +20mph. The tires squeal quite a bit, but the 6 stays in complete control. IMO, that's one of the best feelings that driving can offer.
What? The feeling of being pressed into your seat as you accelerate from 70 to 90 on a straightaway without downshifting because your car has so much horsepower and torque isn't the best feeling that driving can offer? You must be a Mazda owner or something...
yeah well, maybe after I cook up a new batch of moonshine and head home from the NASCAR track, I'll mount some booster rockets on the back and experience that next.
With all due respect Boxfan, whatever it takes to make you smile. Seriously. Freedom of choice and all that. But I'm right with Maltb on this one.
ANYONE who drives can mash the gas pedal in a straight line. You, me and even my grandmother could do it. It is another thing entirely to have the stones and skill to stomach squealing tires and the ensuing drift of a 3,000 pound bullet mere feet from a guardrail.
ANYONE who drives can mash the gas pedal in a straight line. You, me and even my grandmother could do it. It is another thing entirely to have the stones and skill to stomach squealing tires and the ensuing drift of a 3,000 pound bullet mere feet from a guardrail.
rofl...good grief, Mario Andretti-lite get over yourself. The "stones" to make a car squeal on a corner...yeah that's a tough one, lol. Lets see you do that with a RWD car, oversteer threatening with just a bit more throttle. The 6 handles nicely but it's no Miata or RX.
"What? The feeling of being pressed into your seat as you accelerate from 70 to 90 on a straightaway without downshifting because your car has so much horsepower and torque isn't the best feeling that driving can offer? You must be a Mazda owner or something..."
Can't you like both equally? I had a 91 LX 5.0L Mustang notchback 5sp with around 300 hp and boat loads of torque (yes, it was modified). That car would terrorize 99% of the cars on the road in a straight line. Power induced oversteer was a touch of the pedal away. There is NOTHING like the sound of a rompin' stompin' American V8, especially a healthy Ford 5.0L. Was it fun? Hell yeah! Is my 130 hp Protege ES fun? Hell yeah!
There was a reason I left this board for a couple of weeks. Thanks for reminding me that this is your personal board BlueGuy. Instead of going with the spirit of what I'm saying, you'd rather focus on trying to make fun of me. Coming from the likes of you, I'll take the Andretti comment as a total compliment since Mario is one of my all-time favorites. Thank you.
No, of course not, it may not be a tough one for some people. But the fact remains, and my point since you appear to have missed it, is that compared to mashing the gas in a straight line, it most certainly DOES take more guts (stones, cojones - let me know what the BG approved word is) and skill to go around a 60mph corner at 80 with the car in protest.
Accelerating from 70 to 90 on a straightaway is do-able in a Ponycar, but if you hit a bump, you're going into the weeds. And taking a corner at 80 mph is suicide in any car, and downright irresponsible..........this is a Mazda 6 board, not a forum for testosterone-laden ponycar drivers..........the Mustang is not going away (although I wish it would). And the Mazda 6 is hardly a replacement for it, but as a former stang owner, I'd take a 6 ANY day over that ancient rattly piece of junk.
it most certainly DOES take more guts (stones, cojones - let me know what the BG approved word is) and skill to go around a 60mph corner at 80 with the car in protest
I'd wholeheartedly disagree...it takes pretty much zero skill to negotiate a 60 mph posted on-ramp at 80 in a brand new so-called sport sedan. Tell me you're zipping through at 110+ I'll be impressed. 20 MPH over the limit in a car built in 2003? Nah. Those signs are posted for all cars...thus a guy in a 1967 Camaro can safely manage that corner at the posted limit.
Sorry you don't need to modulate your steering inputs, throttle or anything else in a 2003 FWD midsize sedan when taking a 60 mph corner at 80. Where exactly does the skill come into play? Press gas, turn wheel...that's it. The car will exhibit a bit of the usual FWD understeer but that's about it for exciting theatrics.
BTW, you're doing something wrong if your tires are squealing on a 60 mph posted ramp and you took it at 80. Sounds like you turned in too late...
I know you were responding to another's comments, but my intent was to comment on the spirit of the 6. You are correct that it takes more skill to drift gracefully in a RWD car. But the fact that you can get a FWD car to drift is excellent. Most will understeer, so the mere fact that the car does it without a ton of skill is admirable. I have done the same turn in a miata and it can be a bit tense, but very pleasurable. Now if my kids could fit in a miata the rest of the time....
Where did impressing you ever come into play here? 110+?!?! LOL. Yeah, uh huh. Whatever.
This all got started 'cause MaltB drifted through a corner and enjoyed it on the way to work. I agreed with him and said I think it takes more guts to do that than trying to accelerate in a straight line. I wasn't talking about some 300hp+ RWD 'stang or Ferrari. We're talking about the 6 and cars for mortals.
You seem to have taken issue with the fact that you and I disagree. To quote you "Get over yourself." I can't remember a single thread where your opnion was anything but 180 degrees opposed to mine. However, I chose not to argue and attempt to belittle your postion (as you have with me) by letting you have your own opinion.
To the average Joe who wouldn't know what to do with a RWD car, the difference in necessary nerve is significant. 'Scuse me for talking to a group so far beneath you BG.
I don't think you understood my post. I was just trying to illustrate the fact that fun comes in different forms when it comes to cars. I wasn't trying to compare a Mustang with the Mazda6. I don't even own the Mustang anymore.
What? Macho? Simple fact...the Mazda6 can definitely pull off a 60 mph posted ramp at significantly more than 80 mph.
I was laughing at the bragging and the statement that it takes skill and "stones" to do something so simple...something one can do without fuss or bother in a 91 Honda Accord, let alone a brand new 2003 Mazda6.
Yeah fun comes in all shapes and sizes and I'm glad he's enjoying his car, but to insinuate that something so mundane requires moxie and driving skill is where I draw a line.
Maybe the kids so many people mock with their lowered Civics can teach some people in here a thing or two about how to really push a car to a point where skill and gumption come into play.
The 6 can do so much more...
BTW, sorry if I offended you. That was not my intention.
I just got off the phone with Dave at Bank Street Mazda in Ottawa (largest volume dealership in central Canada according to him)and they have 4 spankin new Mazda 6's on the lot right now. He also said delivery times would be much less than in thre US.
Finally I'll be able to see this car in person and make my own opinions.
Fair enough. I completely agree - a '91 Accord could do it without issue. An old Chevette could probably pull it off.
What I'm talking about, and where I think the disconnect between you and I has been, is that I don't think the problem in this scenario lies with the car. It has everything to do with who's driving it and the nerve they possess.
To you and me, looking down at the speedo, seeing 80mph and taking a curve intended for 60mph won't illicit much of a response (perhaps a heavier foot?). Others will simply flip out and go for the brakes. They're liable to become concerned more so than say, rolling at 70 and planting the accelerator on the floorboard.
To you and me, looking down at the speedo, seeing 80mph and taking a curve intended for 60mph won't illicit much of a response (perhaps a heavier foot?). Others will simply flip out and go for the brakes. They're liable to become concerned more so than say, rolling at 70 and planting the accelerator on the floorboard.
That everybody has a different level of skill and nerves when it comes to driving. Plus the more you drive a new car the more you find the limits which is better than finding the limits after its too late. I was in NC with a friend and we were driving through some twisty backroads and they wanted to drive my car (P5) but they were not able to drive it as fast and as well as I did through the twisties. Do you really think everybody buys cars because they can handle great? I'm sure alot of people buy them because they like they way the look and feel under normal driving. Remember that we are a small percentage that likes to go to the limits while driving. I will say that it sure is fun. I know alot of people that I wouldn't trust driving +20mph through some roads no matter what kind of car they are driving.
I just got off the phone with Dave at Bank Street Mazda in Ottawa (largest volume dealership in central Canada according to him)and they have 4 spankin new Mazda 6's on the lot right now. He also said delivery times would be much less than in thre US.
Finally I'll be able to see this car in person and make my own opinions.
Drifting isn't something easily done in other family cars. They understeer instead, and can only drift with careful manipulation.
The 6 will drift with a certain level of confidence, if you will, without understeering. This is a very rare gift, and all those who are arguing the merits of the this attribute must not understand it. Slightly drifting is the fastest way possible to negotiate a turn.
BTW, regarding speeds- the stock 16" wheels have gotten me through 20mph turns at 60mph, without drifting. I get nervous after that because of all the sand in the road.
Really, I think the handling aspects are so good, I don't see the need to argue them. Those that want to argue against the '6 just don't know how to drive aggressively. It's not just about better tires, it's about angles, feedback, and timing.
Uh, actually, I'm with you both all the way. Some people in this discussion love to trash the 6 for not having enough HP. I was trying to be sarcastic and direct my comment at THEM (not at you, malt). Sorry, maybe some LOLs and ;)s would have helped.
Squealing your tires is a lot easier than a four-wheel drift, and flooring any car takes zero skill.
"May I see your license, registration and proof of insurance please?" These are the words you may soon be hearing if you continue "drifting". I hope you will be more careful and respectful of your fellow drivers in the future. I wouldn't want to see any of you crunch your new driftmobile, end up in the hospital or cause someone else to do so. I know the 6 is fun, but at the very least, wait until the road is clear of other traffic to do your antics.
Don't worry, I'm actually not an aggressive driver at all. I never "play" unless the roads are totally clear and there's nothing I could drift into nearby. When I take a 20mph turn at 60, I promptly slow down after I've got the grin on my face :-D
I'm considering either getting a 6 or an altima, auto-trans? HOw do the 4 cylider's compare between these two in terms of handling and ride??? I 'm also considering the 6s, but not sure if i need a v-6. any opinions?
Lots of people, myself included, will say that the 6i is more fun of a car than the 6s due to its more balanced handling.
The big difference between the 6i and the 2.5s is that the all Mazda6's have a sporty (though comfortable) suspension setup, whereas only the 3.5s Altima has the sporty suspension.
Actually, handling is such a strength of the '6, it bests the Altima in any trim. You won't get the torque steer or the understeer that can plague the Altima. Ride quality is very good also, but I won't comment further on that because it makes certain Accord owners here get defensive.
I would go for the 6. The handling and ride will be subjective so drive them both. Even if the Altima feels better to you the 6 is still a very solid-handling car and the better interior would put it heads and tails above the Altima IMO.
there is a comparison board for your choices on here, so i'll be brief.
The 2.5 alty has better low end power but they cheaped out the suspension on that version vs the 3.5. In terms of handling and ride, the 6i kills the 4cyl alty (IMO).
You guys both have the 6i-MT, right? Do you think the 6s would drift like the 6i? I'm still debating the engine choice with myself. If I drag the decision out long enough maybe I can even get a hatchback!
(Maltb) Have you noticed how nicely the 6 can drift?... (Ruefus)It is another thing entirely to have the stones and skill to stomach squealing tires and the ensuing drift of a 3,000 pound bullet mere feet from a guard rail... (blueguydotcom) The "stones" to make a car squeal on a corner...yeah that's a tough one, lol. Lets see you do that with a RWD car, oversteer threatening with just a bit more throttle... (cdnp5) everybody has a different level of skill and nerves when it comes to driving. Plus the more you drive a new car the more you find the limits which is better than finding the limits after its too late."
I had to read all of these post before I made a comment. I believe this conversation started with Maltb talking about how nice it was to feel his 6 drift. From the sound of most of your conversation I feel like I'm in a forum with Evil Canival's family members. But I find myself agreeing with CDNP5's statement that mentioned, everybody has a different level of skills, as far myself I'm a novice by every sense of the word.
BUT, I love the feel of power that the Mazda 6 offers me. And the keyword here is ME! I would love to be able to take a curve at 20, 30, or 40 miles over the posted speed limit but there's something about dying that scares me to, well, you know. Besides when I'm driving with my wife if I even attempt to show her what the 6 can do, she'll be grabbing the dashboard and the overhead handle, stomping on her side of the floor (as if she had brakes over there), and turning colors to the point where I think it would be better to just drop her off at the morgue, that is if she doesn't kill me first (smile). What I'm trying to say is this car is fun, fun, fun to drive. Most of the time when I hear your comments, I have no idea what you're talking about. But it sure does sound nice! I guess if I were to tell you some of my favorite moments you would call me a "wimp" to the third degree. So for those of you who have no mercy on people who don't have the skills you have, all I'm asking that you give me (and people like me) a chance to enjoy whatever feeling we choose to express in this forum. In other words, let's show a little respect to each other, and let's not be so critical.
On a positive note this forum is and has been a great place to get advice. And one of the best links I've received was from STRETCHSJE who posted this link on post # 6477, http://www.MazdaRevItUp.com/ . From what I can tell, Mazda is traveling to different parts of the county to teach people like me how to be a competent Mazda6 driver (then maybe I can get back here and talk your language). And who knows, they may be able to show some of the more experienced driving enthusiast in this forum a thing or two. But regardless of what happens with my new learned skills I'm willing to bet ANYONE, that my wife still won't let me drive like a Mazda maniac in rush hour traffic. Zoom, zoom, zoom
Local tree hugger couldnt take being blown away on the highway anymore, so he/she just traded their hybrid-honda in for a new 6 at my dealer. Not that the 6 gets bad mpg's......
Agreed, Phantom, that RevItUp promotion sounds almost too good to be true. I'm surprised nobody else commented, because I'm personally very excited over it, and it'll probably turn me into a Mazda fanatic if it's all I hope.
Taken from an interview on RotaryNews:
What of the effect the Internet and enthusiasts had on the design changes made to the RX-8, from the RX-Evolv?
(Charlie) Enthusiasts allowed Mazda to be Mazda. They kept working with the concept, as input came in from the Internet, and focus groups, through the folks in R&D, who used the net to keep tabs on current thought. There was so much of a strong interest in the vehicle from the beginning, we knew we had to get it right.
Mazda listens and responds, and I think it shows. The '6 is just about exactly the car I'd have built if I were designing a midsize (on a budget). Maybe they are reading this- give me RWD!
My previous car, a '99 Chrysler 300M was great at drifting. Don't laugh. 300M handles really well, especially when equipped with Performance Handling Group package (mine was). I used to take curves at high speed all the time.
I appreciate that Mazda6 drifts well too.
P.S. it can be dangerous to get used to taking corners at high speed. If conditions are not perfect and/or tires are not new anymore, you could get in real trouble. I almost did once, my 300M almost did a 360 because the road was a little wet and tires were getting old.
Comments
Again, the whole point of these is to prevent the brakes from raining brake pad dust all over the wheels. Nothing is more disgusting than a disc-braked car with alloys covered in brake dust.
How do the 'black drums' as you call them affect the touted workings of the wheels and brakes? They don't. Not in the least.
The only thing you've lost is the ability to SEE them. Obviously to you and I'm sure to some others, seeing the rotor is going to be important. Me? Over time I'm not going to WANT to see the nasty, dirty, rusty rotor, caliper and suspension pieces.
If it were a Porsche or something of that caliber, no I wouldn't want the wheels covered. But this is a Mazda that's going to see the worst conditions that Ohio and Michigan Winters have to offer, and those pieces are going to get ugly while remaining functional.
If you like the concept and want a set - call Kleen Wheels. If you don't - don't.
Here's a link.
Why have "superior" four wheel discs and then compromise them?
http://www.shotimes.com/brakes/survey/brakes9.html
"Aftermarket Kleen Wheels Dust shields: They shut down the rounded Taurus' natural wheel well air flow. I had almost red-hot brakes after cruising down the highway with only this simple change. No dust, but...Severe brake fade. Even with CM pads. Nuff said."
So hey it's your car but why have the superior fade resistance of disc brakes for hard use but then apply Kleen Wheels which would possibly compromise them under hard use. Might as well have rear drums like the rest of the regular vehicles out there that seem to function just fine.
Vocus - An "I told you so."?!?! Nice.
If you're right and large amounts of dust indicate poor brake materials, I'd better tell the guys I've seen with the 3-series cars exhibiting exactly what I'm talking about. Or the Audi's or Jags I've seen. They're all getting inferior materials on their cars.
But like I said, believe what you want.
I have a nice 2 lane freeway off-ramp as part of my typical drive. It's a 180 degree turn followed by a long straightaway. I have had several opportunities to pass cars on the outside of that ramp and 6 goes into the best drift I have felt in any FWD car. The looks I get range from disgust to pure shock as I pass these other cars at +20mph. The tires squeal quite a bit, but the 6 stays in complete control. IMO, that's one of the best feelings that driving can offer.
ANYONE who drives can mash the gas pedal in a straight line. You, me and even my grandmother could do it. It is another thing entirely to have the stones and skill to stomach squealing tires and the ensuing drift of a 3,000 pound bullet mere feet from a guardrail.
rofl...good grief, Mario Andretti-lite get over yourself. The "stones" to make a car squeal on a corner...yeah that's a tough one, lol. Lets see you do that with a RWD car, oversteer threatening with just a bit more throttle. The 6 handles nicely but it's no Miata or RX.
Can't you like both equally? I had a 91 LX 5.0L Mustang notchback 5sp with around 300 hp and boat loads of torque (yes, it was modified). That car would terrorize 99% of the cars on the road in a straight line. Power induced oversteer was a touch of the pedal away. There is NOTHING like the sound of a rompin' stompin' American V8, especially a healthy Ford 5.0L. Was it fun? Hell yeah! Is my 130 hp Protege ES fun? Hell yeah!
No, of course not, it may not be a tough one for some people. But the fact remains, and my point since you appear to have missed it, is that compared to mashing the gas in a straight line, it most certainly DOES take more guts (stones, cojones - let me know what the BG approved word is) and skill to go around a 60mph corner at 80 with the car in protest.
I'd wholeheartedly disagree...it takes pretty much zero skill to negotiate a 60 mph posted on-ramp at 80 in a brand new so-called sport sedan. Tell me you're zipping through at 110+ I'll be impressed. 20 MPH over the limit in a car built in 2003? Nah. Those signs are posted for all cars...thus a guy in a 1967 Camaro can safely manage that corner at the posted limit.
Sorry you don't need to modulate your steering inputs, throttle or anything else in a 2003 FWD midsize sedan when taking a 60 mph corner at 80. Where exactly does the skill come into play? Press gas, turn wheel...that's it. The car will exhibit a bit of the usual FWD understeer but that's about it for exciting theatrics.
BTW, you're doing something wrong if your tires are squealing on a 60 mph posted ramp and you took it at 80. Sounds like you turned in too late...
This all got started 'cause MaltB drifted through a corner and enjoyed it on the way to work. I agreed with him and said I think it takes more guts to do that than trying to accelerate in a straight line. I wasn't talking about some 300hp+ RWD 'stang or Ferrari. We're talking about the 6 and cars for mortals.
You seem to have taken issue with the fact that you and I disagree. To quote you "Get over yourself." I can't remember a single thread where your opnion was anything but 180 degrees opposed to mine. However, I chose not to argue and attempt to belittle your postion (as you have with me) by letting you have your own opinion.
To the average Joe who wouldn't know what to do with a RWD car, the difference in necessary nerve is significant. 'Scuse me for talking to a group so far beneath you BG.
I was laughing at the bragging and the statement that it takes skill and "stones" to do something so simple...something one can do without fuss or bother in a 91 Honda Accord, let alone a brand new 2003 Mazda6.
Yeah fun comes in all shapes and sizes and I'm glad he's enjoying his car, but to insinuate that something so mundane requires moxie and driving skill is where I draw a line.
Maybe the kids so many people mock with their lowered Civics can teach some people in here a thing or two about how to really push a car to a point where skill and gumption come into play.
The 6 can do so much more...
BTW, sorry if I offended you. That was not my intention.
Finally I'll be able to see this car in person and make my own opinions.
Anyone else in Canada been for a test drive yet?
BG -
Fair enough. I completely agree - a '91 Accord could do it without issue. An old Chevette could probably pull it off.
What I'm talking about, and where I think the disconnect between you and I has been, is that I don't think the problem in this scenario lies with the car. It has everything to do with who's driving it and the nerve they possess.
To you and me, looking down at the speedo, seeing 80mph and taking a curve intended for 60mph won't illicit much of a response (perhaps a heavier foot?). Others will simply flip out and go for the brakes. They're liable to become concerned more so than say, rolling at 70 and planting the accelerator on the floorboard.
Gotcha.
Finally I'll be able to see this car in person and make my own opinions.
Anyone else in Canada been for a test drive yet?
fowler3
So how much snow do you have?
The South Shall Freeze Again!
The 6 will drift with a certain level of confidence, if you will, without understeering. This is a very rare gift, and all those who are arguing the merits of the this attribute must not understand it. Slightly drifting is the fastest way possible to negotiate a turn.
BTW, regarding speeds- the stock 16" wheels have gotten me through 20mph turns at 60mph, without drifting. I get nervous after that because of all the sand in the road.
Really, I think the handling aspects are so good, I don't see the need to argue them. Those that want to argue against the '6 just don't know how to drive aggressively. It's not just about better tires, it's about angles, feedback, and timing.
Squealing your tires is a lot easier than a four-wheel drift, and flooring any car takes zero skill.
I know the 6 is fun, but at the very least, wait until the road is clear of other traffic to do your antics.
The big difference between the 6i and the 2.5s is that the all Mazda6's have a sporty (though comfortable) suspension setup, whereas only the 3.5s Altima has the sporty suspension.
Actually, handling is such a strength of the '6, it bests the Altima in any trim. You won't get the torque steer or the understeer that can plague the Altima. Ride quality is very good also, but I won't comment further on that because it makes certain Accord owners here get defensive.
The 2.5 alty has better low end power but they cheaped out the suspension on that version vs the 3.5. In terms of handling and ride, the 6i kills the 4cyl alty (IMO).
1. 6s in Canada? I'm calling my dealer tomorow and see if they have any for test drive?
2. Don't hit refresh, just hit "Read Subscriptions" - you are double posting.
Dinu
I had to read all of these post before I made a comment. I believe this conversation started with Maltb talking about how nice it was to feel his 6 drift. From the sound of most of your conversation I feel like I'm in a forum with Evil Canival's family members. But I find myself agreeing with CDNP5's statement that mentioned, everybody has a different level of skills, as far myself I'm a novice by every sense of the word.
BUT, I love the feel of power that the Mazda 6 offers me. And the keyword here is ME! I would love to be able to take a curve at 20, 30, or 40 miles over the posted speed limit but there's something about dying that scares me to, well, you know. Besides when I'm driving with my wife if I even attempt to show her what the 6 can do, she'll be grabbing the dashboard and the overhead handle, stomping on her side of the floor (as if she had brakes over there), and turning colors to the point where I think it would be better to just drop her off at the morgue, that is if she doesn't kill me first (smile).
What I'm trying to say is this car is fun, fun, fun to drive. Most of the time when I hear your comments, I have no idea what you're talking about. But it sure does sound nice! I guess if I were to tell you some of my favorite moments you would call me a "wimp" to the third degree. So for those of you who have no mercy on people who don't have the skills you have, all I'm asking that you give me (and people like me) a chance to enjoy whatever feeling we choose to express in this forum. In other words, let's show a little respect to each other, and let's not be so critical.
On a positive note this forum is and has been a great place to get advice. And one of the best links I've received was from STRETCHSJE who posted this link on post # 6477, http://www.MazdaRevItUp.com/ . From what I can tell, Mazda is traveling to different parts of the county to teach people like me how to be a competent Mazda6 driver (then maybe I can get back here and talk your language). And who knows, they may be able to show some of the more experienced driving enthusiast in this forum a thing or two. But regardless of what happens with my new learned skills I'm willing to bet ANYONE, that my wife still won't let me drive like a Mazda maniac in rush hour traffic.
Zoom, zoom, zoom
Taken from an interview on RotaryNews: Mazda listens and responds, and I think it shows. The '6 is just about exactly the car I'd have built if I were designing a midsize (on a budget). Maybe they are reading this- give me RWD!
My previous car, a '99 Chrysler 300M was great at drifting. Don't laugh. 300M handles really well, especially when equipped with Performance Handling Group package (mine was). I used to take curves at high speed all the time.
I appreciate that Mazda6 drifts well too.
P.S. it can be dangerous to get used to taking corners at high speed. If conditions are not perfect and/or tires are not new anymore, you could get in real trouble. I almost did once, my 300M almost did a 360 because the road was a little wet and tires were getting old.