Driving 2006 Mazda MAZDA3
Submitted by michael on Sat, 2006-04-01 06:57
The 2.3 liter four cylinder engines produce 160-horse-power and that’s why there is less torque especially on the lower rpm. The torque at 1000 rpm there is 120 torque/feet. At 3000 rpm it is 140 and at 4500 rpm the torque is 150.
If acceleration is the desire then you will have to shift down a gear to get more torque in both the 5 speed automatic and manual transmission. Red line of rpm is at 6500 but still the engine zooms to 7000.
The sophisticated 16 valve head with a variable induction system and variable valve timing optimizes efficiency of intake and torque. The engine produces sporty sound when accelerated and on freeways it is very smooth.
The tests reveal that with variable intake and variable valve timing only 2-horsepower is gained and the torque increase is marginal. Question is why it is used then. The reason is that both of them allow flatter torque and a good horse power peak.
The manual 5-speed transmission beautifully shifts up and down and the automatic transmission also has very smooth shifts. The friction is reduced considerably by good design of cable linkage and synchronizers.
Mazda 3 has crisp handling and it is fun to drive especially the handling is very good on the twisty roads. If lanes are changed abruptly, the steering is steady and sharp. The Power-Assisted Electro-Hydraulic Steering of Mazda also minimizes drag on engine and reduces vibration, noise and harshness.
The 2.3 liter engine on the 3s Mazda models has slighter bigger brakes than the ones on 2.0 liter models. These brakes are sensitive and quite effective.
Fuel economy of Mazda3 is 28 miles for city and 35 miles for highway per gallon if the transmission is manual. The automatic reduces 2 miles in city and 1 mile on highway.
Mazda 3s have well spirited 2.3 liter engines that deliver decent power. To benefit completely from these engines you will have to go for the manual transmission.
Engine Torque
The 2.3 liter four cylinder engines produce 160-horse-power and that’s why there is less torque especially on the lower rpm. The torque at 1000 rpm there is 120 torque/feet. At 3000 rpm it is 140 and at 4500 rpm the torque is 150.
Acceleration
If acceleration is the desire then you will have to shift down a gear to get more torque in both the 5 speed automatic and manual transmission. Red line of rpm is at 6500 but still the engine zooms to 7000.
Engine
The sophisticated 16 valve head with a variable induction system and variable valve timing optimizes efficiency of intake and torque. The engine produces sporty sound when accelerated and on freeways it is very smooth.
Variable Valve Timing
The tests reveal that with variable intake and variable valve timing only 2-horsepower is gained and the torque increase is marginal. Question is why it is used then. The reason is that both of them allow flatter torque and a good horse power peak.
Transmission
The manual 5-speed transmission beautifully shifts up and down and the automatic transmission also has very smooth shifts. The friction is reduced considerably by good design of cable linkage and synchronizers.
The optional transmission is known as automatic Sport A/T transmission. This is a very good transmission. You put in the gear and go. For quick shifting it has a manual mode too.
Handling and steering
Mazda 3 has crisp handling and it is fun to drive especially the handling is very good on the twisty roads. If lanes are changed abruptly, the steering is steady and sharp. The Power-Assisted Electro-Hydraulic Steering of Mazda also minimizes drag on engine and reduces vibration, noise and harshness.
Brakes
The 2.3 liter engine on the 3s Mazda models has slighter bigger brakes than the ones on 2.0 liter models. These brakes are sensitive and quite effective.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy of Mazda3 is 28 miles for city and 35 miles for highway per gallon if the transmission is manual. The automatic reduces 2 miles in city and 1 mile on highway.
