Caliber srt-4 goes 0-60 in 5.5 seconds

[boostdog]

Thanks to srt4evah over at caliberforums .com he found

http://car-reviews.automobile.com/Dodge/review/2008-dodge-caliber-srt4-road-and-track-test/3162/

here is his thread

http://www.caliberforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4615

for the lazy

"On a rough stretch of pavement with a mediocre start, using the optional Performance Pages which are within 0.1 second (so an SRT engineer tells me), I was able to record 5.5 seconds to 60 mph; a perfect start could easily trim that down to 5.2 or perhaps even less. "


Should net a mid 13 sec pass i believe.

[orlandomsp]

Links don't work.

[boostdog]

sorry they work now.

[dichiee]

It's still ugly hehe

[boostdog]

It's still ugly hehe

personal oppinion noted...but look out for them on the street I have a feeling looks aside they are going to be nasty fast!

[SwampAss]

That's awesome. 5.5 is great. I don't know how I'd feel about my brakes wearing if I stomp on the gas though. Nail and you're expending tires, gas, AND brakes haha.

[Babyface13]

I think there will be alot of people that under estimate these cars.

[SwampAss]

I think it's going to be funny if the first one dynos a stock 290hp @ the wheels hehe.

[TonyBSRT]

WTH? I've heard so many things about this new SRT4, it's crazy. I'm glad it's still ugly that way I don't feel the need to trade.

The whole brake traction control, LSD-less thing pisses me off too!

[boostdog]

WTH? I've heard so many things about this new SRT4, it's crazy. I'm glad it's still ugly that way I don't feel the need to trade.

The whole brake traction control, LSD-less thing pisses me off too!

ya the lack of lsd is disappointing maybe they'll make that an option the following prod. year.

[shamrock]

seems quick

[GoFast]

if thats true all i have to say is...DAMN!! imagine once people start upgrading with lsd's, cai, and some tuning!

[Babyface13]

If that true most of us will only see one side of it .....the backside lol so it wont matter how ugly it is lol. It may be ugll comming but I bet it will make you cry to see it going lol

[SwampAss]

We'll have the myriad of tests that range from 5.5 to 6.5 second 0-60 and a bevy of different whp numbers that will range from 230-280whp. Everyone will cite the 5.5 0-60 and the 280whp numbers forgetting the rest or making an excuse that "so and so" didn't know how to drive/run the dyno.
Then we'll have a bunch of videos of people racing evos, mustangs, MS3s, and cobalts talking about kills.
Everyone will talk about the shitty limiters on the MS3's 1st and 2nd gear and everyone here will say their car is a dog shit sandwich to look at.

Does that about cover it?

I saw it on the SRT-4 Neon forums when they first debuted (I was going to buy one) and saw it here too.

Most of the caliber SRT guys will do the same thing. It's the same story, just change the name of the car.

[Falconx84]

^^ nostradamus reincarnated

[LENNY127]

i think the 0-60 times are irrelevant , our times might be 5.8 seconds stock at best, but dont forget we need to be in 3rd to reach 60mph if we had just a tad taller gears our 0-60mph times would be .4 to .5 seconds faster(thats how long I have recorded on a gtech the 2-3 shift time), so 0 to 60 are not as important as everyone makes out to be, I want to see what it will do in the 1/4 mile and that will be a little more indicative of its overall acceleration.

[BluMicaR]

Didn't Car and Driver post our MZSP3 at 5.2 or 5.4 0-60 in the April or so issue this year, with a stock GT model?

[shamrock]

Those are some fast numbers eventhough I believe them to be false, but I think Dodge dropped the ball on design though. Now if it looked like that white rendering that the youg engineer did, then that thing would be bad ass.
But whats going to be funny is when you see one at a light and it takes off, get a bag of pop corn and watch it sit there and rip the tread off the front tires(rlaugh)

[CX-7owner]

omg r u kiddin me, dat nu brake loc diff wud ttly help.

[boostdog]

We'll have the myriad of tests that range from 5.5 to 6.5 second 0-60 and a bevy of different whp numbers that will range from 230-280whp. Everyone will cite the 5.5 0-60 and the 280whp numbers forgetting the rest or making an excuse that "so and so" didn't know how to drive/run the dyno.
Then we'll have a bunch of videos of people racing evos, mustangs, MS3s, and cobalts talking about kills.
Everyone will talk about the shitty limiters on the MS3's 1st and 2nd gear and everyone here will say their car is a dog shit sandwich to look at.

Does that about cover it?

I saw it on the SRT-4 Neon forums when they first debuted (I was going to buy one) and saw it here too.

Most of the caliber SRT guys will do the same thing. It's the same story, just change the name of the car.

I think you may ( hope you are atleast) wrong on that as the calibers target audience are people that are older than the typical neon srt4 owner. Ya there will be the ones that do the things you said but hopefully the jacka*s' will not even bother with this car. I am a sure advocate for keeping the caliberforum clean of idiots too...soo we'll see how it goes.

[Rotary_Powered]

That's badass quick, doesn't matter what any of say. A year ago we were all hailing the MS3s times and now everyone here is going to be like "5.5 that's not a big deal, blah blah, not important, blah blah... lol

[We Are Ninja]

Everyone is so wrapped up in that little cute-ute's drag racing capabilities... I thought Mazdas drivers favored balance and handling prowess, not just knuckle-dragging ability.

It's an SRT-4; you know it'll be fast in a straight line, but the article only really briefly touched on it's handling characteristics...

Still, that was quite the glowing write-up.

[desperado-c]

Thanks to srt4evah over at caliberforums .com he found

http://car-reviews.automobile.com/Dodge/review/2008-dodge-caliber-srt4-road-and-track-test/3162/

....

That's not a review, it's a paid ad. Take it with a grain of salt and wait for the legitimate auto press to review the car. Personally, I have nothing against the car and won't be surprised if it performs and handles as well as a tall Neon.

[MS3ICA]

ive seen 5.4 to 6.1 for our cars, and our cars have more torque :)

[boostdog]

ive seen 5.4 to 6.1 for our cars, and our cars have more torque :)

hey i saw in your sig you have the exhaust mod done...what is that exactly?

[zoom-zoomhatch]

I haven't seen a dealer with the new srt on the lot yet, but I wouldn't mind driving one just for kicks.

[We Are Ninja]

That's not a review, it's a paid ad...

That's the first thing I thought, as well...

[boostdog]

I haven't seen a dealer with the new srt on the lot yet, but I wouldn't mind driving one just for kicks.

They should be out in 6-10 weeks for purchase

[boostdog]

That's the first thing I thought, as well...

What makes you think it's a paid ad?

[SuperStretch18]

What makes you think it's a paid ad?

Not a single negative about the car in that column.

[SuperStretch18]

Don't get me wrong; it will probably be fast as f***, but there has to be something less than stellar at this price point. Stereo? Seats? Handling? Blind spots?

[BlackCherry06]

The interior as a whole is the weak spot here. I'm actually a little spoiled by my past and current Mazdas, as when I look inside most domestics (Chevy, Pontiac and Dodge, specifically) I see acres of cheap, light looking plastics. Considering Mazda isn't even the top of the heap where interiors are concerned, this points out just how bad some American brands are.

[camrycev6]

We'll have the myriad of tests that range from 5.5 to 6.5 second 0-60 and a bevy of different whp numbers that will range from 230-280whp. Everyone will cite the 5.5 0-60 and the 280whp numbers forgetting the rest or making an excuse that "so and so" didn't know how to drive/run the dyno.
Then we'll have a bunch of videos of people racing evos, mustangs, MS3s, and cobalts talking about kills.
Everyone will talk about the shitty limiters on the MS3's 1st and 2nd gear and everyone here will say their car is a dog shit sandwich to look at.

Does that about cover it?

I saw it on the SRT-4 Neon forums when they first debuted (I was going to buy one) and saw it here too.

Most of the caliber SRT guys will do the same thing. It's the same story, just change the name of the car.

Preach Swampass...preach! You nailed it!

[MS3ICA]

hey i saw in your sig you have the exhaust mod done...what is that exactly?

i just remved the resinators, have straight 21/2 inch pipe from the cats, its sounds 1000% better. its kinda like and old truck grumble at low rpm and then quickly turns into a loud angry roar!!!! its awsome, on the cheap too 100bucks

[LENNY127]

guys look at it this way, more poeple now to go against at stoplights and this match up will be good since we will be fwd both. i come up on an evo on the fwy and no problem now, but at a stoplight I ll pretend he aint there.

[Betelgeuse]

Given the weight and hp/tq, 5.5 isn't surprising although I'd like to see some more mag times before taking their word for it. C&D got 5.4 for the ms3. I'm curious to see what they get with the caliber. I think the numbers will be close to the ms3 and probably a little better in some cases but I'm skeptical it'll be a mid 13s car stock.

[clos561]

it comes with a 3 inch exhaust already ladies.....only upgrade would probably be downpipe if thats not already 3 inch....thats how they have more hp.....a ms3 with 3 inch tbe will do 0-60 5.5 ez....and be dam near 300 hp and well over 300 tq

[mkit8971]

it comes with a 3 inch exhaust already ladies.....only upgrade would probably be downpipe if thats not already 3 inch....thats how they have more hp.....a ms3 with 3 inch tbe will do 0-60 5.5 ez....and be dam near 300 hp and well over 300 tq

Keep in mind the ms3 has higher compression pistons and more boost stock. I do believe the SRT has two cats as well.

[CHICO2003]

Not a single negative about the car in that column.


you obviously didn't read the article. If you did, you would have noticed plenty of negatives.

Even still, that website is pretty lame. how many freakin search engines does it need? Jury's out until a more reputable publication/website reviews this thing.

[bushrat]

And what exactly does this "freer flowing intake" equate to? The MS3 stock airbox is like an Escher painting, I bet they'll see fewer gains from a CAI or SRI if the stock intake is anything special.

[Donas64]

I think it's going to be funny if the first one dynos a stock 290hp @ the wheels hehe.

I think some MS3 owners heads would explode!

[SwampAss]

It could pull 400. I didn't buy my car hoping to win an HP contest. :D

[flipstylex]

nice fast car too.... my grandmother is lookin into this new caliber... what can i say, she lives her life on the edge (alright)

[Donas64]

It could pull 400. I didn't buy my car hoping to win an HP contest. :D

C;mon now SwampAss, its too early to start with the excuses, we'll still love ya even if a Caliber shows you its taillights. :)

[flipstylex]

Caliber is like an suv with big rims, and a coil over, put it on autocross, and watch it skate on ice hahahahah !

[SwampAss]

C;mon now SwampAss, its too early to start with the excuses, we'll still love ya even if a Caliber shows you its taillights. :)


Dude, I almost got beat by an Acura CL-S and got beat by a mid 90s Camaro that I think might have been stock! Haha...

My suckness knows no bounds.

[Rotary_Powered]

I still think some people are arrogant once they buy somewhat fast cars they feel free to bash other cars in the same category. While of course their purchase is the best. Not all people do this but sadly I see it too often.

[flipstylex]

well, its not bashing, its more of... facts. and an opinion of coarse.. if you don't like it, don't read it pal...

[CX-7owner]

Really, honestly, the MS3 is for someone with class, and taste, The Caliber is for ricers.(wiggle)

[numbnuts22715]

Really, honestly, the MS3 is for someone with class, and taste, The Caliber is for ricers.(wiggle)

loll... i dont even think ricers would want the caliber...


And what's with the wide range of performance specs that I've seen with the mazdaspeed3? 0-60's seem to vary by anything up to almost a full second.

Also, why does the dodge site say the caliber will go 0-60 in the low sixes, and this is saying 5.5?

I'm unsure if this question has been asked, so I apologize if it has.

[Rotary_Powered]

well, its not bashing, its more of... facts. and an opinion of coarse.. if you don't like it, don't read it pal...
That's fine, this a forum your free to give your opinion :) So am I. I didn't mention anyone in particular, but trust me if it's anything like last time were was a Mazdaspeed/SRT debates they got ugly. Just saying.

BTW did anyone see the motor trend article? I believe they are limiting boost in first two gears as well.

[Donas64]

Dude, I almost got beat by an Acura CL-S and got beat by a mid 90s Camaro that I think might have been stock! Haha...

My suckness knows no bounds.

Thats why you're a cool dude, you know how to laugh at yourself. I know I laugh at myself everytime I ponder the 100 whp beast lurking under my hood!

I pity the moped that trys to run with me!!!

[clos561]

the caliber is gona make most people swallow there own words..its gona be fast...but this BSD is pretty fuckin wierd...i still think the mazda looks better all around and im sure a majority of the WORLD can agree to that

[clos561]

Keep in mind the ms3 has higher compression pistons and more boost stock. I do believe the SRT has two cats as well.

we got 1-2 more psi? yea that plays a role but i still think they did alot to get big numbers and thats y they going with the brake slip differential, since from what i hear is alot cheaper than lsd... we have 2 cats also right? and we have 2.5 inch... they could get 3 inch catless and see some gains but they wont be as drastic as our gains...

[boostdog]

ya the gains will be minimun I assume with it already being at 3" ...removing the cats will help for sure on the srt-4 as does any turbo car. I just wonder how loud it will be?..?

[clos561]

it will probably be a low rumble since the compression is lower than ours...

[laloosh]

personally i think this car wont be that great. It soing to be slower than the old srt4. Its gonna dyno around 250ish probably. Thats just my opinion.

[mkit8971]

some new info on the SRT...

http://www.drivesrt.com/en/dodge_caliber/pdf/tech_specs_teamplate_calibersrt4.pdf

[mkit8971]

some new info on the SRT...

http://www.drivesrt.com/en/dodge_caliber/pdf/tech_specs_teamplate_calibersrt4.pdf

I dunno why the weight says 2,966 unless it got lighter?

[oskinosmee]

Damn that thing is even lighter than the MS3.

[DeadGeneration]

I read a review that said the MS3 is for racer-boys probably because they couldn't print Ricer in a professional review. Hmm yea, 5.5 seconds is too slow for me though.

[Falconx84]

hmmm ... looking at the article.... 285 hp @ 6400rpm??

wow, I'd imagine by 6400 it HAS to be running outa steam - which would means the MS3 should make more power quicker. I guess we'll have to wait for the dyno and compare curves

although externally... I love the MS3 curves (wink) whereas the caliber looks like it has a lot of stuff just tacked onto it, kinda like the VW "un-pimp the auto" commercials

[TonyBSRT]

^^Have to agree with you there. the MS3 has MUCH better lines. The SRT4 looks like some 16yr old went to Autozone and ransacked the APC section!!

[laloosh]

if that car makes power at redline thant its going to be faster than use. Less weight, more power, better curve...its simply physics lol. I though they were suppose to be heavier?

[dcomiskey]

personal oppinion noted...but look out for them on the street I have a feeling looks aside they are going to be nasty fast!


Agreed on the looks. Absolutely hideous "car."

And why look out for them on the street? If you're one of those dumb asses who try to prove they have a big wiener by street racing illegally, yeah, you might get beat. But, I'm hoping you don't do that. I don't understand why you douchebags continue to pull this shit on the streets.(drive2)

[boostdog]

Agreed on the looks. Absolutely hideous "car."

And why look out for them on the street? If you're one of those dumb asses who try to prove they have a big wiener by street racing illegally, yeah, you might get beat. But, I'm hoping you don't do that. I don't understand why you douchebags continue to pull this shit on the streets.(drive2)

I actually did not mean that as in a race...I do not condone street racing at all any one that races on the streets in a d-bag! So I agree with you it was meant as a general statement.

[dcomiskey]

rock on.

[Rotary_Powered]

DAMN IT! Release the thing already I want to read the comparison reviews already! MS3 vs SRT-4 vs WRX. Should be fun to watch the videos too! Too bad the RalliART comes in so late into the game after the MS3 is long gone. That would have been a sick four way comparison.

The next Cobalt SS is going to have the Solstice GXP engine though so that should be interesting :) The Si, SER-V and GTI are being left behind. Come on VW turn up the boost like you did in the EU (230+hp).

[Texaco]

No doubt the MS3 power versus price got me into the showroom and sealed the deal. However, it is two months of roaming Colorado mountain passes and twisties that brought out the real character of the car. This machine is perfectly tuned for the corners; the handling/power is amazing. The sport bike is collecting dust because the MS3 is so much fun to drive hard in the fun sections.

The 0-60 and 1/4 have to be there to extract this much fun, but for me the real value is working the backroads. The balance, braking, and exit speed characteristics are extremely addictive. If other machines whip me strait line; fine. I believe the MS3 engineers put a huge amount of work into the total package and created a low cost machine that delivers a huge smile when pushed hard. It simply begs you to wick it up through the corners and short straits. The torque is amazing, almost electric motor like, and the engine is incredibly smooth throughout the entire power band.

Bring on the competition, I don't doubt for a second that the MS3 engineers nailed it with the overall performance versus price on this car. Then they topped it off with a fantastic interior, seats, controls, and looks.

[clos561]

No doubt the MS3 power versus price got me into the showroom and sealed the deal. However, it is two months of roaming Colorado mountain passes and twisties that brought out the real character of the car. This machine is perfectly tuned for the corners; the handling/power is amazing. The sport bike is collecting dust because the MS3 is so much fun to drive hard in the fun sections.

The 0-60 and 1/4 have to be there to extract this much fun, but for me the real value is working the backroads. The balance, braking, and exit speed characteristics are extremely addictive. If other machines whip me strait line; fine. I believe the MS3 engineers put a huge amount of work into the total package and created a low cost machine that delivers a huge smile when pushed hard. It simply begs you to wick it up through the corners and short straits. The torque is amazing, almost electric motor like, and the engine is incredibly smooth throughout the entire power band.

Bring on the competition, I don't doubt for a second that the MS3 engineers nailed it with the overall performance versus price on this car. Then they topped it off with a fantastic interior, seats, controls, and looks.

+1

[Antonio DiMarco]

No doubt the MS3 power versus price got me into the showroom and sealed the deal. However, it is two months of roaming Colorado mountain passes and twisties that brought out the real character of the car. This machine is perfectly tuned for the corners; the handling/power is amazing. The sport bike is collecting dust because the MS3 is so much fun to drive hard in the fun sections.

The 0-60 and 1/4 have to be there to extract this much fun, but for me the real value is working the backroads. The balance, braking, and exit speed characteristics are extremely addictive. If other machines whip me strait line; fine. I believe the MS3 engineers put a huge amount of work into the total package and created a low cost machine that delivers a huge smile when pushed hard. It simply begs you to wick it up through the corners and short straits. The torque is amazing, almost electric motor like, and the engine is incredibly smooth throughout the entire power band.

Bring on the competition, I don't doubt for a second that the MS3 engineers nailed it with the overall performance versus price on this car. Then they topped it off with a fantastic interior, seats, controls, and looks.

You hit the nail right on the head. I could care less about straight line performance. If I did I would save my money and strap a rocket to a go-cart. Power is only good if it's well controlled. Muscle cars offer nothing to me. The MS3 isn't a muscle car. And it shouldn't be compared to them. It's a powerful, well-balanced driving car.

[laloosh]

I htough i was the only one who put my bike away after i got the ms3. I have a 2006 r6 with mods and sticky tires and find it rather boring now lol

[Max Freed]

No doubt the MS3 power versus price got me into the showroom and sealed the deal. However, it is two months of roaming Colorado mountain passes and twisties that brought out the real character of the car. This machine is perfectly tuned for the corners; the handling/power is amazing. The sport bike is collecting dust because the MS3 is so much fun to drive hard in the fun sections.

The 0-60 and 1/4 have to be there to extract this much fun, but for me the real value is working the backroads. The balance, braking, and exit speed characteristics are extremely addictive. If other machines whip me strait line; fine. I believe the MS3 engineers put a huge amount of work into the total package and created a low cost machine that delivers a huge smile when pushed hard. It simply begs you to wick it up through the corners and short straits. The torque is amazing, almost electric motor like, and the engine is incredibly smooth throughout the entire power band.

Bring on the competition, I don't doubt for a second that the MS3 engineers nailed it with the overall performance versus price on this car. Then they topped it off with a fantastic interior, seats, controls, and looks.

Big +1, I've always been about bang for the buck, and IMO the MS3 cannot be beat for the $$, not just for performance but for overall fit and finish.

While the performance specs for the SRT may be similar, I highly doubt that the overall package will come close to the MS3.

Also, the styling of the SRT is so over-the-top...I really think Dodge dropped the ball as far as looks go. They are clearly appealing to a younger demographic here, while the MS3 has looks that appeal to a much broader audience.

[Texaco]

I htough i was the only one who put my bike away after i got the ms3. I have a 2006 r6 with mods and sticky tires and find it rather boring now lol


(drinks)

[grazzmaster]

Styling cues from Pontiac?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v111/grazzmaster/Paztek.jpg

In my opinion, anyone who is flaunting such an ugly car would look like an f'n jackass (no relation to Swampass). I'm confused as to what it's styling purpose is....WTF is that thing trying to be? A Dodge Nitro? A Jeep? A prop from the movie Spaceballs? It's too ugly to race. More distance between it an myself, the better. I'd rather let it go by, laughing at whoever thought it was a good idea to buy. Dodge....yeah, that's the idea.

If looks are a clue, handling probably isn't it's strong point. Might go fast in a straight line, but that's so one-dimensional, typical.

[DeadGeneration]

I thought I heard the MS3 was a little bit sloppy on the handling especially compared to other mazdas.

[Dragon Queen]

I thought I heard the MS3 was a little bit sloppy on the handling especially compared to other mazdas.


You heard right...the quality of handling performance Characteristics have Fallen over the years with new model Mazda's.

Our handling should Rival BMW, and we don't.

I read all you MS3er's making a mockery of the SRT-4..but you will soon get a horrible reality check when SRT's start walking on MS3's just like the SRT walked on the MSP's.

Let us not be high and mighty here..(fuoops)

[Antonio DiMarco]

You heard right...the quality of handling performance Characteristics have Fallen over the years with new model Mazda's.

Our handling should Rival BMW, and we don't.

I read all you MS3er's making a mockery of the SRT-4..but you will soon get a horrible reality check when SRT's start walking on MS3's just like the SRT walked on the MSP's.

Let us not be high and mighty here..(fuoops)

Exactly what is your point of reference? I've owned 6 Mazdas and I can honestly say that each one has improved over the earlier model in handling, power and overall build quality. Cite references please. :-)

[xelderx]

Our handling should Rival BMW, and we don't.

I read all you MS3er's making a mockery of the SRT-4..but you will soon get a horrible reality check when SRT's start walking on MS3's just like the SRT walked on the MSP's.



Don't confuse your post by trying to make two different points using the same logic. The SRTs won't walk any Mazda in the handling department. The SRT-4 handling was terrible on stock suspension and only moderately better in the ACR version. I don't forsee a vast improvement on this model.

I doubt we'll see any of the new SRTs chassis racing in any professional road racing series.

[Dragon Queen]

I'm talking about Speed wise Not handing wise When I say SRT's Walking on MS3's.

In Handling mazda fell below the previous years

[Antonio DiMarco]

I'm talking about Speed wise Not handing wise When I say SRT's Walking on MS3's.

In Handling mazda fell below the previous years

You are making a statement about Mazda handling without any evidence or references. Are we talking subjective "butt measurements"?(glare)

[xelderx]

I'm talking about Speed wise Not handing wise When I say SRT's Walking on MS3's.

In Handling mazda fell below the previous years

I agree that the new Mazda 3 chassis does not have the same steering feel that the Proteges had, but the new Mazdas are still at the top of the heap, handling wise, in their respective classes and price range compared to other manufactures.

[mkit8971]

I believe the new SRT-4 will pull around .90 in the lateral G's

[Falconx84]

^^ keep telling yourself that and it might come true

"when you wish upon a star...."

[clos561]

You heard right...the quality of handling performance Characteristics have Fallen over the years with new model Mazda's.

Our handling should Rival BMW, and we don't.

I read all you MS3er's making a mockery of the SRT-4..but you will soon get a horrible reality check when SRT's start walking on MS3's just like the SRT walked on the MSP's.

Let us not be high and mighty here..(fuoops)

nice job on posting somethings totally un-true

[Falconx84]

its just someone trying to stir things up a bit

start a war, you know ... like the "i vtec" guy

if you ignore them, they go away

[Max Freed]

You heard right...the quality of handling performance Characteristics have Fallen over the years with new model Mazda's.

Our handling should Rival BMW, and we don't.

I read all you MS3er's making a mockery of the SRT-4..but you will soon get a horrible reality check when SRT's start walking on MS3's just like the SRT walked on the MSP's.

Let us not be high and mighty here..(fuoops)

First off, I could personally give a fuck if the SRT is quicker in the 1/4 mile or 0-60 or whatever, it is still an ass-ugly car. Trust me, when the inevitable magazine comparos come out, the MS3 will be on top when everything is taken into consideration.

Second, why should our handling should rival BMW? You are comparing two totally different platforms, FWD vs. RWD, as well as a completely different class of vehicles.

You want to see sloppy handling? Check out that video on youtube that compares the 2008 WRX vs. the MS3, and get back to me when you've got your head out of your ass.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmYnA7iGMoU

[03.5MSP]

You heard right...the quality of handling performance Characteristics have Fallen over the years with new model Mazda's.

Our handling should Rival BMW, and we don't.

I read all you MS3er's making a mockery of the SRT-4..but you will soon get a horrible reality check when SRT's start walking on MS3's just like the SRT walked on the MSP's.

Let us not be high and mighty here..(fuoops)
Ummmmmmmm what?

[mkit8971]

^^ keep telling yourself that and it might come true

"when you wish upon a star...."

Actually the senior manager for SRT, Herb Helbig, said that. Just relaying the message since this thread is about the SRT-4 and people tend to think the handling will blow.

[Dragon Queen]

I agree that the new Mazda 3 chassis does not have the same steering feel that the Proteges had, but the new Mazdas are still at the top of the heap, handling wise, in their respective classes and price range compared to other manufactures.


Thank you....unsubscribing

[xelderx]

Hey guys...don't frown on me...I only agreed with one of her points which was in fact true, but skewed to the negative. Most everything else she said was just crazytalk....

[CHICO2003]

you're unsubscribing after that?!!! hahaha but it's true!!

as good as the MS3 is... it is somewhat strange that the MSP handles better. obviously that's all it does better but still. don't believe me? drive the 2 cars back to back then talk to me. better yet... check out their respective skidpad and slalom #s. mind you there are more factors... but those are good indicators.

[shamrock]

I dont care if the SRT-4 can do mach 1, it is still not that attractive(hah)

[03.5MSP]

For me the way a car looks is more important. You can always make a car faster, but there is only so much you can do to the chassis and body lines to make it look totally different.

I would hate myself for sitting in a car everyday that looks like a turd, sorry.

[mkit8971]

I'll agree the car is not that great looking, but aftermarket can take care of that as well.

[CX-7owner]

You can paint the ugly black plastic littered all over the mirrors and top, but you cannot change those hideous fender flares at the rear, or those horrible tail lights that extend out into the side of the car, the WAY too big rear spoiler, overall It's too squared, and even if the dimensions are close to the MS3, the MS3 hides it and looks 234234324 more like a hatch than this fugly POS.

[mkit8971]

You can paint the ugly black plastic littered all over the mirrors and top, but you cannot change those hideous fender flares at the rear, or those horrible tail lights that extend out into the side of the car, the WAY too big rear spoiler, overall It's too squared, and even if the dimensions are close to the MS3, the MS3 hides it and looks 234234324 more like a hatch than this fugly POS.

Agreed but there are things you can do to help minimize the eye sores. A simple change of wheels with beefier tires can help fill those fender flares better. Maybe coat the tails with nightshades? But you at least gotta give SRT credit for making something that looked like garbage look at least presentable and a little more unique.

[ElGaspo]

you need to seriously watch the video that max first posted, comparing an ms3 w/ the latest gen wrx. i think our cars will handle better than dodge, it's a proven fact that we're already better handling than the subie. (drive2)(drive)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmYnA7iGMoU

[mkit8971]

you need to seriously watch the video that max first posted, comparing an ms3 w/ the latest gen wrx. i think our cars will handle better than dodge, it's a proven fact that we're already better handling than the subie. (drive2)(drive)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmYnA7iGMoU

Why don't you wait till the car comes out to say you handle better then them? Senior SRT manager already said it pulls .90 lateral G's.

[CX-7owner]

He also said it weighed >3000 when it <3000+.

[xelderx]

And the stock tires are not as sticky as the ones for the MS3. We'll have to wait and see if the slightly extra width makes a difference. I highly doubt it given the extra weight.

[niky]

Funny... when I had seat time in a Mazda3 last year, I felt that they weren't quite as sharp as the Protege... heavier, sloppier, slower.

But after driving a basic Mazda3 for a week two months ago (small engine, automatic tranny, craptastic Goodyear Eagle NCT5s), I've changed my tune. I'd count it as 50:50, either way.

Mazda did an exceptional job on the chassis. There's less steering feel than in the Protege, and it still feels heavier on turn-in, but there's less mid-corner understeer, and the whole car feels more substantial and composed than the Proty ever did. I still don't like the fact that it doesn't feel as light on its feet or as nimble, but the suspension feels so keyed in, it's almost forgiveable.

The only thing wrong with new Mazdas is the weight. Sure, the electric power steering may leave something to be desired compared to the old racks, but even BMW have fallen prey to this problem.

Besides... having owned a 626 and having driven a Mazda6, I can tell you right off I'd rather drive the latter than the former... the 626 was a fine car, but the Mazda6 makes it feel like total crap... :lol:

[mkit8971]

And the stock tires are not as sticky as the ones for the MS3. We'll have to wait and see if the slightly extra width makes a difference. I highly doubt it given the extra weight.

Ok so lets say it does weigh 3,189 lbs like originally stated, how could an extra 75 lbs over the MS3 make that much of a difference? I dont see the weight playing a factor here when comparing it to a MS3.

[xelderx]

Ok so lets say it does weigh 3,189 lbs like originally stated, how could an extra 75 lbs over the MS3 make that much of a difference? I dont see the weight playing a factor here when comparing it to a MS3.

When you consider that it's 3" taller overall than the MS3 and has more ground clearance. That makes the center of gravity higher. It also has slightly less track front and rear. I believe all of these things combined will keep the MS3 on top of the handling category.

[mkit8971]

When you consider that it's 3" taller overall than the MS3 and has more ground clearance. That makes the center of gravity higher. It also has slightly less track front and rear. I believe all of these things combined will keep the MS3 on top of the handling category.

Not exactly sure where you're getting its 3 inches taller. The base Caliber SXT comes in at 59.8" to the MS3s 57.7". The SRT will be about 1.5-2 inches shorter then the SXT model.

[xelderx]

Not exactly sure where you're getting its 3 inches taller. The base Caliber SXT comes in at 59.8" to the MS3s 57.7". The SRT will be about 1.5-2 inches shorter then the SXT model.


Well...almost 3" taller...sorry I was a little lazy.


http://www.rsportscars.com/eng/cars/caliber_srt4.asp
http://www.autobytel.com/content/shared/articles/templates/index.cfm/article_id_int/1195/article_page_order_int/8
http://www.supercars.net/cars/3386.html


Car and Driver did say they were .5" shorter at 59.9"

I'm wondering if the added height is due to the rear spoiler and the 1.5-2" shorter that you reference is just how much shorter the suspension is...not an estimate of the overall height.

[mkit8971]

Well...almost 3" taller...sorry I was a little lazy.


http://www.rsportscars.com/eng/cars/caliber_srt4.asp
http://www.autobytel.com/content/shared/articles/templates/index.cfm/article_id_int/1195/article_page_order_int/8
http://www.supercars.net/cars/3386.html


Car and Driver did say they were .5" shorter at 59.9"

I'm wondering if the added height is due to the rear spoiler and the 1.5-2" shorter that you reference is just how much shorter the suspension is...not an estimate of the overall height.


Hmm ya im not sure how they got the height. But i do see where you are pulling the figures from.

This sheet says our height is 60.4" and we weigh 2,966:
http://www.srtforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=384802

This sheet says our height is 59.7" and we weigh 3,189:
http://picasaweb.google.com/5thfreedom/SRT4SpecSheet/photo#5108721803662943922

Damn dodge doesnt get their sh*t straight

[laloosh]

iver read its taller than a regular caliber. Stupid pointless 19s are the cause of that.

[xelderx]

iver read its taller than a regular caliber. Stupid pointless 19s are the cause of that.

I double checked on that too and if Tirerack is correct the SRT tires are 27" dia. and the SXT tires are 27.2 diameter. The SRT's 19" tire is actually a little shorter than the SXT's 16" tire.

[boostdog]

Well looks like production has been pushed back AGAIN!!!! and it won't hit dealers until almost the end of the year now..man this is irritating!

[xelderx]

The Edmunds test doesn't look promising.

http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/vdp/articleId=122859/pageNumber=1

[numbnuts22715]

neither did the car and driver... I think it was car and driver anyway.

[SwampAss]

anyone else notice there's no spare. Looks like a compressor and maybe a tire patch kit or goo. (like the R32)

[Kosh]

Maybe it is under the car and you have a screw in the hatch you turn to lower it? That was the way it was in my parents caravan from 1992(?) maybe this is built on the same platform lol

[JDM74]

It may be fast, but that doesn't matter because you can't out run ugly.

[D.WES415]

That Car Is Ugly As Hell. Ill Take A Neon Srt-4 Over That.

[clos561]

The Edmunds test doesn't look promising.

http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/vdp/articleId=122859/pageNumber=1

lol fuck yea, speed3 for the win(boobs)

[Kosh]

It may be fast, but that doesn't matter because you can't out run ugly.

lol best