Decided to get up a little early today and take the speed for a trip down to Big Sur. For those who don't know this is one of the best roads for really getting a feel for what our cars are all about. Only catch is that you can often get stuck behind a slow moving RV or a rubbernecking mustang convertible(with top down regardless of temp) that is an obvious rental car. This morning I got a pretty clear shot for most of the drive. Coming back I was able to hit the turns at speed and I must admit I am impressed. I am coming out of a 2003 Mach1 Mustang that had full suspension as well as intake and exhaust. In the turns the Mazda would own the Mustang no questions asked. I used to have an 06 Civic Si which also was a blast in turns but as everyone knows you have to rev the crap out of them to get them up to speed. The speed is combination of the light feel and handling of the Si and most of the torque of the Mustang. I was worried that I would miss the straight line performance of the Mustang but after today I don't think that will be a problem. Not only does the Mazda allow me to tear up twisty road but it also doubles as a "responsible" daily driver that I can haul around my family of four and put the dog in the back. I have only had my car for three weeks but I am really digging it so far.