Big Jim Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Is the increase in brake power significantly felt when you switched? Yes. As posted in the linked threads my seat of the pants feeling is that there was a 20% improvement in braking power. That feeling was later substantiated with the comparison of braking distances from a Mazda 6 owner where he compared the published statistics to non-speed 6 and speed 6 and to put it into perspective he also compared it to published Corvette brake performance. There most certainly is a very significant improvement. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackBetty Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 I'd like to upgrade the brakes but I'm guessing they won't be able to fit behind my winter wheels (16's). 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Jim Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 You might ask on one of the Mazda forums if anyone knows if 16" wheels would fit over Speed 6 brakes, but I'm guessing you are right. I think I remember that they won't clear anything under 17". Keep your eyes open for some 17" snow tires and wheels. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrewdingemans Posted January 3, 2013 Share Posted January 3, 2013 I'd like to upgrade the brakes but I'm guessing they won't be able to fit behind my winter wheels (16's). The speed 6 brake upgrade will not allow you to run any 16" rim. I have a brand new set of winters that I can no longer use due to the fact that my patience ran out and I did the upgrade. Smallest rim size is 17" with the speed 6 brake upgrade. With searching around almost everywhere is advising 18 as the smallest to go. I am getting between +48 and +52 as an offset for stock speed 6 rims. 17's however are the way to go for winters, much better priced than 18's 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuntman Posted January 6, 2013 Share Posted January 6, 2013 I just got back from Maine with my 2010 fusion sport with the factory brand tires. It did great in the snow. had no issues. But mine is AWD, dont know if that makes a differance for you. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rodrigo Posted January 8, 2013 Author Share Posted January 8, 2013 Thanks for chiming in, stuntman. We basically have the same car, same tires, same experience. I was generally impressed how the car handled itself on icy mountain roads despite the 20,000 miles on the stock tires and a heavy load of passengers and cargo. Select shift was really useful in decsents. I can imagine how this car would fare on better tires, as suggested by forum members! I did see a Mazda 6 stuck in a ditch with about a foot of snow. Despite chains on front tires, all it did was spin its wheels. A large SUV towed it out. Someone here mentioned about turning traction control off and letting the wheels spin until it finds traction underneath the snow... I had this in mind during my trip, but glad it didn't have to to come to that in my case. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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