3.0 diesel torque question

**Thematt202** · 24th March 2010, 18:24

I've currently got a Mazda Rx8 and I'm thinking if swapping to a 3.0 vectra diesel as I'm sick of the lack of torque from the Mazda. Gonna test drive at the weekend but before I do, how fast does the 3.0 diesel actually feel? I know it's not gonna be as quick to 60 as the Mazda but the rx8 doesn't actually feel fast due to the way the power is delivered (peak torque is only 156lb/ft @ 5500 rpm! Is the diesel fun for straight line acceleration and does it kick you in the back when you floor it?

Cheers!

**Penfold101** · 24th March 2010, 18:29

Yup, the mid-range torque at about 2000-3000 is phenomenal, you just have to get used to it running out a bit after that and changing gear mroe than I would expect you'd have to in the Mazda, especially with the Wankel engine and the rev limit on it. Get a test drive and see what you think...

**Big Sig** · 24th March 2010, 18:35

On the way back from PVS in 2008 I had someone in an rx8 behind me, He thought he could get past but I just left him in the distance, although mine was an euro3 3.0cdti running a box

Not sure how close it would have been without the box fitted. The c6 dervs are deceptively fast.

**Thematt202** · 24th March 2010, 19:51

So does the diesel really push you back into the seat when you're giving it some? To the above poster, I've pulled onto 70mph roads from roundabouts, floored it in 2nd all the way up to 9500rpm and not managed to get past golf TDIs, Insignia diesels, Scirocco diesels and all manner of non sports cars that the Rx8 should eat alive on paper. It revs forever but doesn't have much pull.

**mattv6diesel** · 24th March 2010, 19:55

yep mate just drive one put it in 3rd at 30 mph (or 4th if you don't mind some points) and nail it then watch the speed shoot up. trust me had 3

**m8internet** · 24th March 2010, 19:57

What version of the 3.0 V6 CDTI are you looking at; up to 2006 Y30DT with 174PS or the 2006 onwards Z30DT with 184PS ?

I have the Y30DT and the trick with it is to keep the revs at or above 1800rpm
When accelerating, the power band is roughly between 2000 and 3300 rpm
I can feel the acceleration all the way right up to about 130 mph
However, the ultimate is between about 40 and 90 mph
If you REALLY push it it can do this in something silly like 10 seconds

**Big Sig** · 24th March 2010, 19:58

Its not so much of a push you back as its a linear acceleration. Just gets you going very quick. Not so much in 1st or 2nd but when doing 30 or 40 just floor it and you will soon be doing 90 without realising it.

TBH the 1.9 150 isn't much slower, just more unreliable.