Are the P5, MP3 and MSP wheel size the same?
 

I don't know where they post should go, but since it concerns 3 third gens Pro, it may as well be here.

Anyways, I was wondering if the three cars, P5, MP3 and MSP have the same wheel size, that is, rim + tire. I'm thinking of switching to one or the other if I have the cash, but then I think the MP3 and MSP have larger wheels, which will mess up the speedo and odo calculation if this is true.

Can someone provide me with some insight? Thanks.

The Protege5 has a 16x6 wheel with a 195/50/16 tire.

I'm not 100% sure, but:
The MP3 has a 17x6.5 wheel with a 205/45/17 tire, while the Mazdaspeed has a 215/40/17 tire.

It's probably listed in the FAQ.

Njaremka is mostly correct, except that the MP3 and MSP have 17x7 wheels, not 17x6.5.

The MP3 and MSP's tires are slightly taller (1/2"-3/4") than the tires on the regular Protege and P5 and will theoretically make the speedo and odo read too high, but the error will be very small. However, if you use a 205/40R17 tire, the readings will be almost spot on. FWIW I'm convinced that Mazda used the slightly larger diameter tires on the MP3 and MSP mostly to improve appearance by filling up the wheelwells, and also to provide slightly better rim protection and ride quality due to the taller sidewalls. A 205/40R17 tire will give slightly better performance.

BTW the price of a new set of OEM MP3 or MSP Racing Hart wheels will probably be ridiculous- OEM Jap wheels almost always are- and these wheels aren't especially light either. You're much better off going aftermarket unless you're dead-set on the looks of these wheels.

No doubt, carguycw.
I've posted this before, but the Mazada dealership gouged all 4 rims with the impact wrench during a tire rotation... We had them replaced, for free..
The dealer claimed it was a "$1600 mistake"
$400 a rim - that's ridiculous.
BTW, carguy - did you ever make it out towards Deal's Gap? just curious...

I heard they weigh nearly 22lbs per wheel. The stock P5 wheel is pretty light at 16lbs.

Given this, might as go with lightweight 5 Zigens, or Black N1 rims.

One more thing, however:

Doesn't the Protege DX still use rear drum brakes and 4-lug hubs?

I know there was this discrepancy in previous years, however I don't know the in's and out's of what has changed and what has not.

If it is still true, than NO other protege wheel (ES, P5, MP3, MSP)will fit the Protege DX.

~HH

Yes, but the original post doesn't say anything about the Protege DX. :p

The P5, MP3, MSP, 01-03 U.S. ES and 01-02 Canadian ES-GT have 5-lug hubs and can use these wheels. All other Proteges have incompatible 4-lug hubs.