You are here: Forums Hatchbacks Mazda3 Mazda3 Handling

Mazda3 Handling

10 messages,  Last post on Jul 29, 2009 at 5:43 PM

You are in the Mazda3 Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer

What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA3, Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3, Hatchback

Messages Page 2 of 2 1 2 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

#7 of 10 Re: Gravel/dirt Roads [crowheart] by pf_flyer HOST Jul 28, 2009 (3:42 pm)
Replying to: crowheart (Jul 28, 2009 3:05 pm) Discretion is the better part of valor. I would be very cautious taking any vehicle that's not really designed to go "off road" into a situation and expect to be able to drive it like I'm on a paved surface.   "Back roads that are gravel and dirt" describes quite a wide range of conditions. I've been on some well travelled gravel and dirt roads that lead back to houses off of the beaten path that I'd feel uneasy about in anything but a 4x4.   I'd be more worried about how the car will handle the road conditions than how it will handle. The ground clearance on a Mazda3 s Touring hatch is only 4.8". How rough are the roads you're talking about? Replies to this message: crowheart (Jul 28, 2009 4:52 pm)
#8 of 10 Re: Gravel/dirt Roads [crowheart] by jeffyscott Jul 28, 2009 (4:03 pm)
Replying to: crowheart (Jul 28, 2009 3:05 pm) I drove a rental mazda3 on a pretty well maintained gravel road in CA redwoods area. It was fine, but we were going slow both because we were there for the scenery and just because it was gravel. I did not go on the gravel roads that had very steep grades or that sounded like ground clearance would be an issue.
#9 of 10 Re: Gravel/dirt Roads [pf_flyer] by crowheart Jul 28, 2009 (4:52 pm)
Replying to: pf_flyer (Jul 28, 2009 3:42 pm) I will not be driving the car like it is on pavement that is for sure. I have been bringing my Subaru's on those roads with no problems for years(Impreza and Legacy Wagon). You mention a 4.8 clearance on the hatch I bet my Impreza doesn't have much more than that. My Subies are old now and i don't want to bring them on the long road trip. The Impreza has 5.7 clearance so there is almost an inch difference there. Not sure what to think...
#10 of 10 Re: Gravel/dirt Roads [crowheart] by roadburner Jul 29, 2009 (5:43 pm)
Replying to: crowheart (Jul 28, 2009 3:05 pm) I have a 2500 foot twisting gravel driveway. My MS3 is a blast to drive on it. A little left-foot braking or strategic application of the handbrake gets the car to rotate really well.

Messages Page 2 of 2 1 2 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

You are here: Forums Hatchbacks Mazda3 Mazda3 Handling