My thoughts on the 2.5L engine

[Zòóm - Zòóm]

After 5,000 miles, I've come to a couple conclusions. As for a standing start, the engine is a dog, but then again, that is not what it's intended for.

Once I'm rolling, it's a different story, this thing will get up and go like a scalded dog. Run n gun. I never thought I could have so much fun with a four banger.

I can only imagine what the MS3 is like.

Zoom Zoom

[mpt_1981]

i'll second that. never expected to be able to go from 25 to 60 as fast i have. not near what i had with the 8 but it was a pleasant surprise. drove my boss one day and he was asking me where i was going so fast, i was just normally accelerating. i've driven other small four bangers of friends and family, but this engine seems to have some extra grunt hiding somewhere.

[barndweller]

the 6-speed is geared pretty low at the bottom so you really gotta do some fast rowing comin' outta the hole.
But I agree, once she's rollin' a bit look out, it'll stick ya to yer seat...

[wingzero_]

I agree, 1st gear is boring. 2nd-5th are fun, and 6th is just there to try and save us some fuel.

[BeansRocks]

I was really surprised by this little 4-banger... It's got quite a bit of torque, which really makes the car fun to drive - I think.

[potenza]

must get my 2.0 swapped D:

[XERO74]

I too agree. I've come from a truck and car with V8's and thought this 4 banger would be pretty crappy compared to those. Man was I pleasantly surprised. Wish I had a speed tho, but I needed an auto for the wife.

[BeansRocks]

[quote author=XERO74 link=topic=177062.msg3855760#msg3855760 date=1289441401]
I too agree. I've come from a truck and car with V8's and thought this 4 banger would be pretty crappy compared to those. Man was I pleasantly surprised. Wish I had a speed tho, but I needed an auto for the wife.
[/quote]

I had the same problem.... But I explained it like this, "Honey, you hate driving my car anyway, let me get a manual".

I'm not sure how or why that worked, but it did. Or maybe she just felt pitty for me.

[rajtech113]

in my opinion the 6 speed MT is not slow to start. Its pretty quick at all speed ranges. Nice car. However, I am disappointed with the MPG tho. Wish the direct injection gas or diesel were available now.

[chromal]

Even up at 5000-8000ft with 15-24% horsepower loss due the high elevation natural aspiration derating, it's fun. Are there any better-accelerating US market hatchback vehicles than the 2nd gen mz3 with it's l5-ve 2.5l engine and 6-spd MT? I determined the answer was "not really" in August. I disagree with the assessment that 1st gear is slow, once I've let out the clutch in 1st, I can stand on the throttle and it'll generally pull ahead of any other car I've shared the road with from a stop. Ah well, YMMV, but as corny as i must admit it sounds, I get a nice zoom-zoom feeling in my mz3, regardless of no forced induction.