Handling Experiences

[bubbashane]

All I have to say is is that Mazda knew what they were doing when they built the suspension for the pro.
I took it out today for a cruise around the hills and it handled
like a chamP! Curves were nothing at 45 mph! The car just leaned into them.
Not to mention that the car hasnt been drove in 6 months.
Bought it 6 months ago and has been sitting in drive way ever since.

[bruce95fmla]

why did you let it sit so long
Bruce

[turbonium959]

Are you talking about stock Protege? Because until I lowered my car and put wider tires on it, it did not handle that well.

[davens]

Originally posted by turbonium959
Are you talking about stock Protege? Because until I lowered my car and put wider tires on it, it did not handle that well.

Amen to that.
A stock DX handles like *gasp* a cheap economy car.
I put Intrax springs, KYB shocks and a rear sway bar...zero to hero in 2 hours flat. Not to mention 14" ultralightweight Miata rims with Falken Azeni tires

KYB shocks $54 each
Intrax Springs $145 (set)
Sway bar $15 (junkyard)


Well worth the money

[JesseSays]

Originally posted by turbonium959
Are you talking about stock Protege? Because until I lowered my car and put wider tires on it, it did not handle that well.

Compared to the other oem factory econoboxes, it still handles better, and the driver interface is much better.

[bruce95fmla]

My car handled wonderfully out the box, with the 13" wheels, the stock height with stock springs and 28,000 miles.
Never had a problem..
I have the rear sway bar though..
Bruce

[bubbashane]

mine still handles good being bone stock.

[davens]

1995 review

Mazda obviously tuned the Protege's suspension more toward ride comfort than handling finesse, though steering response is good and the car reacts well in urban driving. Bumps are easily absorbed, though they often produce a loud "thump." Hard cornering brings lots of body lean, and the narrow 13-inch tires on DX and LX models start squealing early. The 14-inch ES tires have noticeably better cornering grip.

Better is a relative term, right? I guess it all depends on what you're used to.
I know that I had to toss those 13" pizza cutters within the first couple days, even if it meant mounting some old 14" Honda alloys on the car. That improved grip but the car still handled like a fat lady on roller skates.
If we're looking to make comparisons againest other manufacturers, 'who's got the better handling turd' sounds like a waste of time.

[Boricua]

well, my joint handles very nice so i got no complaints. and how can you say that it handles like crap? Mazdas have the best handling in every class. thats what they're built for.

[Stefan]

i always thought my car handled great - certainly better than my c-rx, especially when you pushed it a bit.

a couple of weeks ago i swapped out the struts for kybs, whacked in some stiffer, lower springs and what do you know? it almost brings a tear to your eye how good it feels.

[bubbashane]

True that Boricua.

They do have the best handling.
The only other make of car that I think is better is
Subaru.

[Boricua]

yea man! when it comes to handling, don't f*ck with the Pro. I guarentee you will be able to take out any other small car (stock that is) w/the Pro. I even give my friends integra a run for his money on curves.

[bubbashane]

sweet dude.

My friend has a cutlass calais. It's faster than our 2nd gen
pro but he couldnt keep up with me on the curvy roads.
I kept lookin back watchin him SLIDING around the curves trying to keep up.

[Boricua]

Haha, thats hot!

[bubbashane]

dude your pro looks just like mine Bori.
Same paint and everything.

i have the custom grille and trunk though.
No rims.