I just returned from a trip in an RSX backseat, pretty comfy, BUT the big thing I noticed.....the engine. It was a million times smoother quieter and more refined than the rattle trap in my car. I am amazed with how much patience I have for it. Even worse, on friday my coworker thought something was wrong with the engine when I turned it over, b/c it rattled so bad on startup. Ugh, loud, not great mileage in comparison, rattly. These are things I completely missed in the honeymoon phase of new car buying. From now on, when I buy a car, I will be much more attentive to personal experiences and not just paper values.

 

didn't you go for a test drive? the engine has been loud since i got it. my neighbor just got a corolla, and compared to my engine, it's like sitting in a lexus. plus, you're comparing an acura engine that's basically brand new to one that's been around since the 626 was still around. it's older technology, but it's proven to be reliable.

and about this rattling engine... if it's not gone after your engine reaches normal operating temps, there might be something wrong with it. go get it checked out.

good luck.

 

Yup the RSX engine is more refined but the car is also more expensive. Call me crazy but I like the sound of the FS-DE since it sounds raw, guttural and aggresive. A trait found in older sportier cars but missing in the econobox class.

The 3.2 inline-6 M3 engine sounds lacks the turbine smoothness of the 3.0 inline-6 in the 330, but I think it sounds better too.

 

I agree. One of the things I like about this car is that it DOES have a little mechanical noise. It has that old Fiat/Lancia buzz to it, sort of hollow sounding.

 

does your rattle noise go away when engine gets warm???if it does mazda has a fix for it..... the noise is the result of the intentional swirl effect that is generated when the variable tumble control system plates in the intake are closed...this is a cold emission thing ...it accelerates the burn of cold air/fuel mixture............. the fix consists of a updated delay valve and a pcm reflash(reprogram).......the noise isnt hurting your engine but if it bothers you your mazda dealer can fix you right up

 

i must agree, the engine in the p5 is the only thing i hate about the car. Mazda can, and has done MUCH better. Look at all their past cars, the BP, the B6, rotaries, etc etc..... after driving my se-r, and other cars i get in the protege and it feels very gutless. then i take a corner and am in heaven.

On another note, i need to convince my self to go test drive a mazdaspeed, cause i think itd be perfect for me. but we'll see

 

I still think someone left a wrench in my engine when assembling it. Oh, and it isn't the infamous cold start rattle, it's happening at all temps. Though I do also get that damn cold rattle.

 

mazda engines in general are not the most refined, when compared to Honda motors.. I have noticed that most honda's idle smoother, shift smoother and in some occasions even ride better....
Bruce