tekguy

A yellow s2000 roadster was next to me today as I was getting on the freeway. We lined up at three stop signs head to head. He peeled his wheels out at every green only to get a red at the next coming block. I refuse to race off the line on the street because it draws way too much attention. We got on the on ramp and I got in front due to some traffic. He pulled behind me really close. It made me a bit uncomfortable so I changed lanes. We were side to side and I swear this guy was the biggest meathead I had ever seen. He looked rediculous in that little car. I was in third when I looked over to see him shift upward(he must have been going to fifth). I calmly shifted into fourth steped on the gas and never saw him again. My friends were amazed and I actually was as well. We were doing a clean 110 around a nice freeway curve with no worries at all. We later hit a windy road on the way to our destination. The car seemed to handle better with a few people in the car. Any one else notice this?

DolphinAvant

you got 3.0?

a4elias

the car was glued to the road! straight line, curves - anything! i was increasing speed as i felt in control of the car, and a great steering feedback... my friend on back seat reported afterwards that the max speed was just under 125.

i think your observation can be true -- extra weight restricts suspension movement, and therefore less body roll??? just guessing... anyway, my experience with high load + high speed handling is very positive too.
i have non-sport suspension, BTW.

a44kp

With anyone else in the car or over a 1/2 tank of fuel and handling, braking and accelerating seems to suffer. I have the sport package, but I think it's too soft, especially with respect to rebound dampening. And as I add weight and speed, it seems to be taxing the suspension.

Levish

but if turns are involved then no lighter is always better

you can add in better high speed stability FYI through Alignment adjustments/suspension dampening and ride height

tekguy

Yeah it's an 03 3.0.

April

More weight that needs to change direction means it takes longer and has more of a pendulum effect. Also creates a higher center of gravity.

My gas tank sits upright over the rear transaxle, between the trunk and passenger compartment. You can really feel the difference between a full tank and an almost empty one !