I Love the Model 3 Steering Response

[StealthP3D]

Am I the only one who has noticed how crisply the Model 3 steers? All you have to do is imagine you want to change direction and it seems to go there as if it's reading your mind! Yes, I know, it can't do that literally, but the responsive steering wheel kind of makes it seem like that.

Currently running Pirelli Sottozero 2's but it's just as good with the Michelin MXM4's.

 

[UngaBunga1989]

Totally. I still have my Michelin Pilot Sport 4S's on and it has incredibly quick response to any steering input.

 

[Halloween81]

Hell yea!! I totally agree...it's like a mini go kart..lol

 

[Orwell]

Steering response was one of the first things I noticed when I first test drove the Model 3 and one of the deciding factors for purchasing. I am big on response and feel of a car.

 

[Big Earl]

That's the beauty of a very short ratio steering rack, at only 2 turns lock-to-lock.

 

[compu85]

The responsive steering is probably my 2nd most favorite thing about the car - the first being the responsive acceleration

-J

 

[UnderCharged]

not sure if anybody here has ever driven a lancer evolution, but they had a razor sharp steering response. just wondering if its comparable as i have a test drive scheduled for Saturday.

 

[Needsdecaf]

That's the beauty of a very short ratio steering rack, at only 2 turns lock-to-lock.

Yup. It has a very quick rack, and a very small steering wheel. Both of those things help make the turn in a wrist flick away. The low COG helps too since it keep's the moment of inertia needed to rotate the nose in low. .

 

[Magnets!]

not sure if anybody here has ever driven a lancer evolution, but they had a razor sharp steering response. just wondering if its comparable as i have a test drive scheduled for Saturday.

I think you'll be impressed. And the ride quality is much better than the Evo too.

 

[TEG]

I love the steering and handling in the Model 3...

 

[mswlogo]

Absolutely. I mentioned it in another thread a while back on a topic of something like "what impressed you the most" or something like that.

Everything else I drive now feels like an accident waiting to happen and I don't feel comfortable going over 50 mph.

 

[_m3_]

not sure if anybody here has ever driven a lancer evolution, but they had a razor sharp steering response. just wondering if its comparable as i have a test drive scheduled for Saturday.

I daily drive an Evo X. Every time I travel, drive other cars, then get back in my Evo, I always enjoy it and am reminded of how so few manufactures actually care about driving dynamics.

This past Christmas I got back in my Evo at the airport and it was the FIRST time in 10 years I was not (re-)blown away by its amazing driving dynamics; I drove a M3 LR RWD during the two week vacation...

Now, I'm not saying the M3 is a "drivers car", but when you turn the steering to "sport" it's not bad, sure it's pretty video-gamey, but probably 90% of cars on the road are worse. Take that, the acceleration, the lack of noise, and the general all-around refinement, and you get a really good car for running around town, so good in-fact I'm buying the dual-motor (non-p).
Thesmoking tire's review reflects my take-away exactly:

I'm interested in hearing your impressions after the test drive!

 

[Zcd1]

i actually have driven an Evo. My Model 3P is a FAR better overall vehicle. (should be for the extra $$$, right?) The Evo is fun to drive and its dynamics are legendary, but it doesn't hold a candle to the Model 3P except in ultimate cornering grip.

 

[MountainPass]

The best part is that there is still more room for improvement too, it's great that the stock car starts off so responsive.

 

[telos]

I daily drive an Evo X. Every time I travel, drive other cars, then get back in my Evo, I always enjoy it and am reminded of how so few manufactures actually care about driving dynamics.

This past Christmas I got back in my Evo at the airport and it was the FIRST time in 10 years I was not (re-)blown away by its amazing driving dynamics; I drove a M3 LR RWD during the two week vacation...

I daily drive an Evo X as well, mine's an MR with the dual clutch transmission, and I have upgraded brakes and RE71-Rs in the summer.

I also just bought a P3D+.

The P3D+ has way more torque and power, and the throttle response is amazing.

However you can feel every bit of the extra 600 lbs in the P3D+, the suspension feels a bit soft (maybe coilovers needed), and the car needs more tire (235 for a 4100 lbs car!?) and brakes (maybe bigger rotors and pads for such a heavy car).

But it's still a fantastic drive and I'm super happy with it.

 

[StealthP3D]

i actually have driven an Evo. My Model 3P is a FAR better overall vehicle. (should be for the extra $$$, right?) The Evo is fun to drive and its dynamics are legendary, but it doesn't hold a candle to the Model 3P except in ultimate cornering grip.

I bet the Model 3 would exceed the corner grip of the EVO as long as the rubber was the same and the contact patch was proportional to the vehicles weight. It's that low center of gravity that limits weight transfer in the corners.

 

[Orwell]

The best part is that there is still more room for improvement too, it's great that the stock car starts off so responsive.

So how do you improve the responsiveness of the steering? I have a feeling that you're holding back. Tell us more!

 

[MountainPass]

So how do you improve the responsiveness of the steering? I have a feeling that you're holding back. Tell us more!

Linear springs, replacement of rubber bushings with sphericals and slightly stretched tires!

 

[TEG]

Linear springs, replacement of rubber bushings with sphericals and slightly stretched tires!

What is meant by "linear springs"? Aren't the stock springs "linear", but some aftermarket (lowering) are progressive rate?
Linear vs Progressive Rate Suspension Springs | Tech Tips | Hyperco

 

[MountainPass]

What is meant by "linear springs"? Aren't the stock springs "linear", but some aftermarket (lowering) are progressive rate?
Linear vs Progressive Rate Suspension Springs | Tech Tips | Hyperco

To be specific then, firmer springs!