How Is The P/P5 At High Speeds?
 

Before I get flamed, I am well aware of the national speed limits in North America, but I'm just curious how the P/P5 feels at speeds over 140KPH (85MPH) up to it's top speed? It it quite stable, feeling like it could safely go much faster, or does it feel light and unsettled? Any input would be appreciated. (I didn't get a chance to go over 120KPH on my test drive.)

I've had my P5 up to over 160 kph on the 407 (I'm in the Toronto area too). Road noise gets up there but the revs are still low and nothing distressing happens to the car at that speed. At least we don't have the roof rack 'noise generator' that Mazda USA seems to think everyone wants.

well you can do the math.......I have had mine up to 120 MPH and it felt as smooth there as it did at 70 MPH

Handles and tracks nicely, but ditto about the noise. The Pro's short 5th gear, which is nice from 70-90 mph, IMHO becomes a little annoying above 90 mph because the engine is turning 4500+ rpm. Also, acceleration isn't stellar above 100 mph because of the car's lack of serious horsepower. You need a LOT of road to get from 100 to 110 :)

Pretty much agree with what everyone said. Feels very stable even at 160km/h. If it weren't for the wind/engine noise you won't feel you are going that fast until looking at the speedo.

Yeah, but he's only talking about going around 85 mph... I drive 110 miles a day, usually between 80 and 90 mph, and It's a lot smoother/handles a lot better at that speed than a lot of cars I've driven at 65 mph.

it handles great, although, as mentioned before, the road and wind noises are disturbing. i've driven mine at 190 km/h down a narrow country road (asphalt) and it took the turns nicely. it does slightly understeer, but which compact car wouldn't? handling depends largely on the tires, too- so be sure to get wide ones.

COOL!!! Thanks for all the replies guys.

I do a lot of highway commuting to/from work etc., so a stable ride between 70-100mph (when I'm late!) is important to me.

nailed to the ground at 185kph.

i've had cars that felt f*cking scary at that speed (like they were going to float off the road at any time) but the P5 was solid. i was very impressed.

on thehighway ive hit 109, felt solid as a rock, but yeah gotta say it was noisy, i was following another car though so mightve helped

Car handles great. Very solid and true above 100 mph with no floating or tracking. Fastest gone is 135 mph.

When I first read your post, I was going to say "135 - WTF?", but then I read your tag line.:D

Those of you talking about how loud it was at high speed - what exactly is so noisy? Wind noise, engine, exhaust, or a combination of all 3?

The fastest I've gotten my P5 to go was 110 mph. It handled well and I wasn't worried about control, although I was on a highway that wasn't extremely curvy. But since I have an automatic, even with the overdrive off it was tough getting to it go over 110, but thats fast enough for me.:)

I took mine to 215KMH (on the speedo). Felt great , got to montreal real quick. I do however think she feels alot better around 180. Just make sure you have a long straightaway with new pavement, cause she gets bouncy on the old Quebec stuff.:rolleyes:

I don't....hehe:D