I just traded my 1-month old Matrix for the P5. Even though it has the same amount of hp, the low-profile design of P5 really makes a difference in the handling department. Compared to the Matrix, the P5 is definitely a better option. Too bad I didn't go and look at it first. I would have saved myself some money.

 

good choice... and welcome to our board. you'll find all sorts of info floatin around here about the p5, search around and have fun.

 

i parked next to a matrix the other day, and i thought the car was towering over my "low-pro". hehe, i don't dislike the matrix, but i would choose the p5 any day.

welcome to our lil club!

 

Tell me about it. I especially like the dash layout on the P5. It feels more like a car instead of a space shuttle. Too bad GM had to take part in the designing process for the Matrix. If it was all Toyota engineering and design, the car would have been much better.

 

welcome aboard. Matrix looks too much like a mini-minivan to me.... but it's not a bad car I'm sure

Glad to have you on our board

 

Wow....I guess the P5 really is a lot better In my small town we have a Pontiac/Toyota dealer so I see a few Vibes and Matrices but I have the only Protege5. Mine does seem much shorter/sleeker.

I take it you had the 130hp "tame" engine instead of the 8000rpm screamer?

Glad you're happy with your choice!

Tyson

 

Ya, peek torque at 8000 RPM, that's nothing to rev about. I mean, 4-5000 RPM is where you want it and that's where the P5 gives it to ya. I drive by this silverish bluish matrix everyday on my way home and it always looks so ... tall, even with the body kit and all that funky jazz, it still looks likea minivan

 

wow...and to think that I was pretty stoked about the Matrix for a while before I decided to save a bunch of money and take the MP5. Of course I WAS looking at the XRS with 170 hp vs the MP5 at 130, but to tell the truth I kinda took off screaming when the sticker on the Matrix had a 2 in the left-most digit. I said "screw that, I can buy the MP5 and spend the $5000 to get way more than 40hp." So yea, I've got no clue about the Matrix's handling, but the price was kinda steep for the XRS. But I'm also a sucker for dials that point straight down (initially wanted the RSX, but again $20,000+ is WAY outta the price range for me).

But yea, I'm happy with the MP5 for now. And it sounds like whether I do mods or not, the car'll be unique (I mean really, how many of you guys are NOT adding/swapping stuff?? One or two??!!)

 

Welcome aboard dude...and its a good thing you came back from the DARK SIDE.....it would have gotten to you after a while.

:{D

 

WOW! One month, it must have not been very nice car. Well, anyway am glad you chose a Mazda. Welcome!

 

You took linear algebra already?

 

Yep, along with Calculus 1-4 and differential equations

 

The Matrix handled like it is pretty. It's tall cabin area really screws with the dynamics of the suspension. Even though it comes with some fairly sticky 17" Firestones, I found that the P5 handled way better because of it's lower overall profile.

I had the mundane 130hp engine coupled with an automatic, which made it even worse. It was basically a micro-minivan and reminded me of one everytime I tried to take a corner aggressively. I test drove the 180hp version before going with the P5, The 180hp engine looks impressive on paper, but all the useful torque comes in at the upper rpm range. Besides, the 6-speed gearbox shares the same gear ratios as the standard 5-speed, the middle gears are slightly shorter, but that only means more shifts. I like the smoothness of the Mazda engine and found that even though it was 50hp down, it was more useful in day to day driving. Besides, the P5 has 10lb-ft more torque over the 130hp 1zz.

Don't get me started on the interior, you have to handle it with kid-skinned gloves. Replacement parts are a bitch to get. I'm still waiting for the parts that broke during the first week of ownership. It's the dealer's problem now. I'm not knocking Toyota, but they made a big mistake by letting GM take part in the design process.