For those who wanted specs on the 03 Protege
May-3rd-2002, 10:12 PM
#17
That's me!!
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 337
Originally posted by P5er
I mean new Mazda3 will have more modern suspension with more potential than very good but already maxed-out "older" suspension in 2002/2003Mazdaspeed Pro.
I mean new Mazda3 will have more modern suspension with more potential than very good but already maxed-out "older" suspension in 2002/2003Mazdaspeed Pro.
May-3rd-2002, 10:33 PM
#18
Protege Enthusiast
Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 160
it is maxed-out for a sporty compact car standarts.
similiar class shocks/springs/anti-roll bars on Mazda3 will give you better handling than on current Protege.
I would never buy MazdaSpeed 2.0l turbo with older suspension knowing that brand new Mazda3 is just around the corner.
similiar class shocks/springs/anti-roll bars on Mazda3 will give you better handling than on current Protege.
I would never buy MazdaSpeed 2.0l turbo with older suspension knowing that brand new Mazda3 is just around the corner.
May-3rd-2002, 10:41 PM
#19
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Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 337
Originally posted by P5er
it is maxed-out for a sporty compact car standarts.
similiar class shocks/springs/anti-roll bars on Mazda3 will give you better handling than on current Protege.
I would never buy MazdaSpeed 2.0l turbo with older suspension knowing that brand new Mazda3 is just around the corner.
it is maxed-out for a sporty compact car standarts.
similiar class shocks/springs/anti-roll bars on Mazda3 will give you better handling than on current Protege.
I would never buy MazdaSpeed 2.0l turbo with older suspension knowing that brand new Mazda3 is just around the corner.
And why did you buy a Protege 5 with this new and wonderful Mazda 3 around the corner?
May-4th-2002, 02:19 AM
#20
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Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 75
I wonder if they are using stock internals and also not using an intercooler so they have to run low boost levels, like 6 or 7 psi.
But Damn, add Forged pistons, a nice FMIC and a manual boost controller...BAM! low 13 second mustang killer.
But Damn, add Forged pistons, a nice FMIC and a manual boost controller...BAM! low 13 second mustang killer.
May-4th-2002, 02:02 PM
#21
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Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 160
when I bought P5 there was no word on "new and wonderful"
Mazda3 being around the corner.
I wanted hatch and a 5 door one, I also wanted ABS, side air-bags on it. I test drove Golf 1.8t (5 door) and it's handling/interior space/price sucked, next was ZX5 which I really liked but it was built by Ford N.America (sucks) and there was none availabile with ABS/side-airbags. I really liked handling/interior room/price/warranty deal on P5 and my local dealer had 25 P5's on the lot, two of which had ABS/Sideair bags.
The weakest point of P5 is... by far is it's old outdated 2.0l engine.
I guess you did not do your homework on 2.3l Duratec engine, new multi-link rear suspension, and I only hope that Mazda3 suspension will be as fun to drive as Mazda6 already is.
Mazda3 will be lighter than Mazda6 (maybe as much as 400lbs lighter)!!! I can't wait, and that's why now, when hearing about MazdaSpeed Pro comming I'm not as excited about it as I would have been 2-3 years ago when that car would have been best in it's class.
Mazda3 being around the corner.
I wanted hatch and a 5 door one, I also wanted ABS, side air-bags on it. I test drove Golf 1.8t (5 door) and it's handling/interior space/price sucked, next was ZX5 which I really liked but it was built by Ford N.America (sucks) and there was none availabile with ABS/side-airbags. I really liked handling/interior room/price/warranty deal on P5 and my local dealer had 25 P5's on the lot, two of which had ABS/Sideair bags.
The weakest point of P5 is... by far is it's old outdated 2.0l engine.
I guess you did not do your homework on 2.3l Duratec engine, new multi-link rear suspension, and I only hope that Mazda3 suspension will be as fun to drive as Mazda6 already is.
Mazda3 will be lighter than Mazda6 (maybe as much as 400lbs lighter)!!! I can't wait, and that's why now, when hearing about MazdaSpeed Pro comming I'm not as excited about it as I would have been 2-3 years ago when that car would have been best in it's class.
Last edited by P5er; May-4th-2002 at 02:11 PM.
May-4th-2002, 02:27 PM
#22
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Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 160
how is it maxxed-out for a sporty compact car under 16K?
it's springs/shocks and anti-roll bar are already quite stiff/firm and heavy (I'm talking Noth American standards for compact car under $16K).
Sure you can use stiffer/firmer or heavier ones but the difference will not be as big as on other compacts in the same class with soft North American tastes (Corolla,Sentra,Golf and even ZX3/ZX5)
Mazda's P5 suspension is much stiffer/firmer than N.American average with great, quick and responsive steering what makes it very fun to drive .... like you don't know?
If we only could have new 2.3l in it.
I may keep my P5 as a family car (4 month old son and wife) and buy new Mazda3 when it comes out some time at the end of next year and that would be the car to do some tweaks to, and make it "a killer on the road" kinda car.
it's springs/shocks and anti-roll bar are already quite stiff/firm and heavy (I'm talking Noth American standards for compact car under $16K).
Sure you can use stiffer/firmer or heavier ones but the difference will not be as big as on other compacts in the same class with soft North American tastes (Corolla,Sentra,Golf and even ZX3/ZX5)
Mazda's P5 suspension is much stiffer/firmer than N.American average with great, quick and responsive steering what makes it very fun to drive .... like you don't know?
If we only could have new 2.3l in it.
I may keep my P5 as a family car (4 month old son and wife) and buy new Mazda3 when it comes out some time at the end of next year and that would be the car to do some tweaks to, and make it "a killer on the road" kinda car.
May-6th-2002, 02:47 PM
#23
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Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 77
Don't get too excited about the Turbo engine only making 170 BHP...don't forget, this engine was not designed for a Turbo, unlike the VAG 1.8T, or the Mitsubishi 2.0 Turbo. I agree the boost pressure will be light, but if you are daring, you could chip it and have more HP and gobs more torque. 170 BHP in this car will easily get you under 7 seconds to 60 if grip is available on take off. This is still a relatively light car by today's standards.
The VW 1.8T engine is probably the best example of a low boost engine with minimal turbo lag. In stock form, they almost feel like a normally aspirated engine, certainly nothing like a Saab high pressure turbo. Add a chip and get out of the way. The main difference is the engine was designed as a turbo engine, including a very strong bottom end. I doubt this is the case with the Protege 2.0. I think Mazda should keep with the small engine for the next generation, just come out with a new design that is up to date on power. Less weight in the front makes for better handling.
As far as suspension tuning, I'll wait and see how the 6 and the 3 are. There are lot's of examples of supposedly higher tech suspension designs double wishbones, multi link, etc. It really comes down to how it is all tuned. As much crap as people think Ford is (I'll agree by the way, 4 North American FMC products in the past 10 years, no thanks for anymore) their suspension tuning in Europe, and on some cars in the USA is top flight, because they take the time to work it out. Note, handling is more than just pulling .90 g's on a smooth skidpad.
JMO.
The VW 1.8T engine is probably the best example of a low boost engine with minimal turbo lag. In stock form, they almost feel like a normally aspirated engine, certainly nothing like a Saab high pressure turbo. Add a chip and get out of the way. The main difference is the engine was designed as a turbo engine, including a very strong bottom end. I doubt this is the case with the Protege 2.0. I think Mazda should keep with the small engine for the next generation, just come out with a new design that is up to date on power. Less weight in the front makes for better handling.
As far as suspension tuning, I'll wait and see how the 6 and the 3 are. There are lot's of examples of supposedly higher tech suspension designs double wishbones, multi link, etc. It really comes down to how it is all tuned. As much crap as people think Ford is (I'll agree by the way, 4 North American FMC products in the past 10 years, no thanks for anymore) their suspension tuning in Europe, and on some cars in the USA is top flight, because they take the time to work it out. Note, handling is more than just pulling .90 g's on a smooth skidpad.
JMO.
May-7th-2002, 12:55 AM
#25
Cripple Fight!!!!
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Northern VA
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MS Pro spec, straight from the horse's mouth
well, straight from the brochure that Mazda was handing out at the Mazdaspeed booth at Carlisle 
Caution: HUGE pictures coming up, hope you have broadband!
Caution: HUGE pictures coming up, hope you have broadband!
May-7th-2002, 01:46 AM
#27
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Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 337
Originally posted by protetype
::cough:: are people not reading the key word there.. "Target Horsepower". Wouldn't this mean that they haven't come up with a number yet, as in it has not been fully tested.
::cough:: are people not reading the key word there.. "Target Horsepower". Wouldn't this mean that they haven't come up with a number yet, as in it has not been fully tested.
May-7th-2002, 08:34 AM
#28
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Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Rockford, IL
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On an optimistic note, wouldn't Mazda want to lowball target numbers? That way they can be certian to meet and/or exceed that spec in final production. Let us not forget Ford's (the parent ompany) SVT Cobra scandal a couple years back. I'm sure they don't want a repeat of that episode.
May-7th-2002, 12:18 PM
#29
Half-assed sport 20
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Greenbelt, MD
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Originally posted by HubbMP5
On an optimistic note, wouldn't Mazda want to lowball target numbers? That way they can be certian to meet and/or exceed that spec in final production. Let us not forget Ford's (the parent ompany) SVT Cobra scandal a couple years back. I'm sure they don't want a repeat of that episode.
On an optimistic note, wouldn't Mazda want to lowball target numbers? That way they can be certian to meet and/or exceed that spec in final production. Let us not forget Ford's (the parent ompany) SVT Cobra scandal a couple years back. I'm sure they don't want a repeat of that episode.
May-7th-2002, 03:47 PM
#30
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Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Palm Bay, FL
Posts: 163
good point. several people and magazines had a little fit when the sentra spec v was bumped down a mere 5hp. oh, and the miata was bumped down recently too. i'm sure they'll try to avoid that this time around.