I am considering placing a deposit down, but am trying to decide between the base and sport models. As quite a few others posted, I am quite concerned about the curb weight. So much so, I'm seriously considering the base model. However, the reviews so far have said the DSC system is excellent, so I may actually use it for the few times we have winter weather or I just feel like zoning out a bit when I drive.

Anyhow, does anyone have an estimate how much more the sport model will weighthan the base 6 speed? I can't see the fog lamps or xenon lights adding much weight, but I'm not too sure about the DSC system.

 

I think that getting the 8 w/o the sports package would be kind of a waste. DSC shouldn't add no more than ~60lbs. (~15lbs. a wheel???). This is just my guestimation. I am sure the DSC will be well worth it.

If anything the xenon lights would be great, knowing that some one looking in their rear mirror sees a bright light then you zooming right past him :D .

 

I honestly doubt the DSC would weight more than a few ounces as they typically depending on the existing ABS. In the States though, Sport package comes with 18" vs 16". There is most likely a weight penalty from the larger wheels/tires/brakes, although I doubt mazda would have used it if it had an overall performance penalty because numbers mean so much in this market segment.

I agree that the extra weight off wheels, tires, brakes, (dunno about HID) and potentially DSC to be 60 lbs. Unfortunately, that mostly unsprung/rotation mass as well. I'll bet acceleration figures without the sport package could be a couple tenth's better (much like the Mini Cooper S with and without the 17" rim option).

It's possible that's why there's a bit of delay in curb weight figures b/c Mazda has got to get the weight of different packages sorted out...

 

Doesn't the base 6 speed model come with the larger brakes, wheels, etc?

 

I ordered with all options but I am on a diet. If I lose 50 pounds I can justify the extra weight. I will only buy beer by the 6 pack instead of the case to save on weight. I am only going to run the car with a quarter tank of gas to save on weight (a pint is a pound the world round). I am only going to have one cd in the changer so I can save on weight. I will never have extra passengers to save on weight. Only my registration will be in the glove box to save on weight. I am going to take out the tool kit and floor mats to save on weight. I will also have to keep the cell phone, radar detector, and lidatek out. Also the bouncing head dog is out, will miss him. No extra change in my pockets. I should be able to wear shorts, t-shirt, flipflops since the car comes out in the summer. I will dry my hair before I get in the car. Speed Channel had a program on that said each 100 pounds is about 0.1 seconds to the 0-60 speed.

Never mind, I cannot live without all these things and I cannot only buy beer by the six pack.

 

4spd Auto Sport Package
- 18” wheels and tires
- DSC with traction control
- Fog Lamps
- Larger brakes
- Sport suspension
- Tochigi Fuji LSD
- Xenon headlights

6spd Manual Sport Package
- DSC with traction control
- Fog Lamps
- Xenon headlights

The 6MT already includes the 18" wheel, sport suspension, LSD, and larger brakes.

 

:D :D :D That is hysterical.

 

Yeah, yeah... It does sound a little weight wennie'ish eh? Racing a 23lbs-even dual suspension mountain bike with discs has made me that way I guess. :D

Still, weight adds up to hinder performance... Besides weight reduction in unsprung mass, probably the next place it's most felt is up high on the roof (ie: sunroof). It's not just about acceleration, it also effects cornering and braking.