Mazda 323 1990-94
This is the
hatchback cousin of the Protégé, and one of the cheapest Mazdas ever produced.
It was designed to be inexpensive, but also be a cut above the basic cars
offered by Nissan, Toyota, or Honda. Power is adequate, but nothing to write
home about, but the automatic transmission shifts smoothly and evenly.
High-speed handling can get difficult, but the 323 is maneuverable at low speeds
and in parking situations. The interior space is a bit tight, even in front, but
the trunk’s space is good. The 323 is known for high noise levels in the cabin,
especially at high speed. The wagon model is a rare variation on the 323.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
82 hp I-4 Hatchback |
$5.216 |
G, A |
315 kg |
1.04 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
103 hp I-4 Hatchback |
$5,304 |
G, A |
315 kg |
1.09 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
125 hp I-4 Hatchback |
$5,410 |
G, A |
315 kg |
1.14 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
82 hp I-4 Wagon |
$5.216 |
G, A |
500 kg |
1.01 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
103 hp I-4 Wagon |
$5,304 |
G, A |
500 kg |
1.06 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
125 hp I-4 Wagon |
$5,410 |
G, A |
500 kg |
1.11 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
82 hp I-4 Hatchback |
221/21 |
61/6 |
55 |
36 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
103 hp I-4 Hatchback |
261/25 |
72/7 |
55 |
46 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
125 hp I-4 Hatchback |
298/29 |
83/8 |
55 |
55 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
82 hp I-4 Wagon |
225/21 |
62/6 |
55 |
36 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
103 hp I-4 Wagon |
266/25 |
73/7 |
55 |
46 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
125 hp I-4 Wagon |
303/30 |
84/8 |
55 |
55 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Mazda 626 1993-97
This is a midsize
sedan that is on the high end of the Mazda line. Though not a luxury car, it
does have a good assortment of options. The base I-4 engine gives only middling
performance, but the optional V-6 combined with the 626's low weight lead to
lively performance. Neither engine
has the low-speed torque to perform well with an automatic transmission, though
this was offered as an option with the 626. The ride quality is good, with most
bumps and holes being smoothed out, and in high-speed turns and more complicated
maneuvering, the 626 is stable. The 626 suffers in rear seat room, and even the
rear doors are difficult and small. The rear seats fold down to increase cargo
space. Wind noise and road noise are low, but the 4-cylinder engine can get
quite loud at high RPMs.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
114 hp I-4 Sedan |
$5,546 |
G, A |
300 kg |
1.27 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
116 hp I-4 Sedan |
$5,560 |
G, A |
300 kg |
1.28 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
160 hp V-6 Sedan |
$5,774 |
G, A |
300 kg |
1.39 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
164 hp V-6 Sedan |
$5,794 |
G, A |
300 kg |
1.4 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
114 hp I-4 Sedan |
248/24 |
69/7 |
60 |
51 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
116 hp I-4 Sedan |
252/24 |
70/7 |
60 |
52 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
160 hp V-6 Sedan |
313/30 |
87/8 |
60 |
71 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
164 hp V-6 Sedan |
318/31 |
88/9 |
60 |
73 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Mazda 929 1988-91
This was
conceived as Mazda's most luxurious (and RL expensive) sedan, a less-expensive
alternative to cars like the Lincoln Continental and Buick Park Avenue, but
duplicating as much as possible the amenities of those cars.
The ride is plush, and the handling similar to that of a Buick
Roadmaster, being maneuverable for its size and weight, but not as good as other
Mazdas. The 929 of this time period
is available only in automatic transmission; if you find one still running that
is of the 1988 model year or before, it might be a manual transmission version.
A quirky option on the 929 is an interior temperature sensor that
automatically turns on the air conditioner when the temperature reaches a
certain preset level. Another rare option turns on a special ventilation system
when the car is parked in hot weather and reaches a certain internal temperature
level. The interior is roomy, but the 929 sacrifices trunk space for this
roominess. Antilock brakes were an option on the 1991 model and standard after
that. Dual airbags were installed starting in 1992, but were not available
before that.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
158 hp V-6 Sedan |
$6,006 |
G, A |
310 kg |
1.62 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
190 hp V-6 Sedan |
$6,166 |
G, A |
310 kg |
1.7 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
195 hp V-6 Sedan |
$6,186 |
G, A |
310 kg |
1.71 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
158 hp V-6 Sedan |
268/26 |
75/7 |
74 |
70 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
190 hp V-6 Sedan |
305/29 |
85/8 |
74 |
85 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
195 hp V-6 Sedan |
310/30 |
86/8 |
74 |
87 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Mazda 929 1992-95
This redesign of
the 929 was made to match the competitors' designs, and also mimic the design of
higher-class cars such as the Jaguar XJ-6.
Comfort and luxury levels were increased, and the chassis, body, and
interior were enlarged and rounded. At the same time, the handling was improved,
and a single slightly more powerful engine was installed that has a little bit
better fuel economy.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
193 hp V-6 Sedan |
$6,250 |
G, A |
315 kg |
1.65 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
195 hp V-6 Sedan |
$6,256 |
G, A |
315 kg |
1.65 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
193 hp V-6 Sedan |
319/31 |
88/9 |
74 |
86 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
195 hp V-6 Sedan |
320/31 |
89/9 |
74 |
87 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Mazda B-Series Pickup
1994-97
This is Mazda's
version of the Ford Ranger pickup.
It features lighter but just as strong construction, and components that are
higher in quality and performance, along with higher-quality upholstery.
The result is a compact pickup that is a cut above the Ranger, but is a
bit more expensive to produce. The
B-Series is otherwise similar to the Ranger.
Towing is 840 kg with the 96 or112 horsepower I-4, 1.06 tons for the 140
or 147 horsepower V-6, and 1.37 tons for the 160 horsepower V-6.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
96 hp I-4 Short Bed Regular Cab Pickup |
$5,540 |
G, A |
700 kg |
1.33 tons |
1+2 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
112 hp I-4 Short Bed Regular Cab Pickup |
$5,620 |
G, A |
700 kg |
1.37 tons |
1+2 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
140 hp V-6 Short Bed Regular Cab Pickup |
$5,754 |
G, A |
700 kg |
1.44 tons |
1+2 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
147 hp V-6 Short Bed Regular Cab Pickup |
$5,794 |
G, A |
700 kg |
1.46 tons |
1+2 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
160 hp V-6 Short Bed Regular Cab Pickup |
$5,854 |
G, A |
700 kg |
1.49 tons |
1+2 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
96 hp I-4 Long Bed Regular Cab Pickup |
$5,575 |
G, A |
750 kg |
1.34 tons |
1+2 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
112 hp I-4 Long Bed Regular Cab Pickup |
$5,655 |
G, A |
750 kg |
1.38 tons |
1+2 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
140 hp V-6 Long Bed Regular Cab Pickup |
$5,789 |
G, A |
750 kg |
1.45 tons |
1+2 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
147 hp V-6 Long Bed Regular Cab Pickup |
$5,809 |
G, A |
750 kg |
1.47 tons |
1+2 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
160 hp V-6 Long Bed Regular Cab Pickup |
$5,889 |
G, A |
750 kg |
1.5 tons |
1+2 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
96 hp I-4 Short Bed Extended Cab Pickup |
$6,047 |
G, A |
700 kg |
1.45 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
112 hp I-4 Short Bed Extended Cab Pickup |
$6,127 |
G, A |
700 kg |
1.49 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
140 hp V-6 Short Bed Extended Cab Pickup |
$6,261 |
G, A |
700 kg |
1.56 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
147 hp V-6 Short Bed Extended Cab Pickup |
$6,281 |
G, A |
700 kg |
1.58 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
160 hp V-6 Short Bed Extended Cab Pickup |
$6,361 |
G, A |
700 kg |
1.61 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov* |
Com Mov* |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
96 hp I-4 Short Bed Regular Cab Pickup |
204/39 |
57/11 |
64 |
43 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
112 hp I-4 Short Bed Regular Cab Pickup |
229/44 |
64/12 |
64 |
50 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
140 hp V-6 Short Bed Regular Cab Pickup |
266/51 |
74/14 |
64 |
62 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
147 hp V-6 Short Bed Regular Cab Pickup |
277/53 |
77/15 |
64 |
66 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
160 hp V-6 Short Bed Regular Cab Pickup |
293/56 |
81/16 |
64 |
71 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
96 hp I-4 Long Bed Regular Cab Pickup |
202/39 |
56/11 |
76 |
43 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
112 hp I-4 Long Bed Regular Cab Pickup |
227/44 |
63/12 |
76 |
50 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
140 hp V-6 Long Bed Regular Cab Pickup |
263/50 |
73/14 |
76 |
62 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
147 hp V-6 Long Bed Regular Cab Pickup |
274/52 |
76/15 |
76 |
66 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
160 hp V-6 Long Bed Regular Cab Pickup |
290/55 |
80/16 |
76 |
71 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
96 hp I-4 Short Bed Extended Cab Pickup |
189/36 |
53/10 |
78 |
43 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
112 hp I-4 Short Bed Extended Cab Pickup |
212/41 |
59/11 |
78 |
50 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
140 hp V-6 Short Bed Extended Cab Pickup |
246/47 |
69/13 |
78 |
62 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
147 hp V-6 Short Bed Extended Cab Pickup |
257/49 |
71/14 |
78 |
66 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
160 hp V-6 Short Bed Extended Cab Pickup |
271/52 |
75/15 |
78 |
71 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
*For 2WD models, reduce
off-road speeds by 25%, but reduce price by $125.
Mazda Miata 1990-97
This is the
sports car member of the Mazda line.
A convertible, the Miata's engines are not necessarily high-powered, but
do well in such a light vehicle, and get great mileage for a sports car.
Handling is excellent, holding the road snugly and easy to handle in
extreme moves. The ride can be a
bit choppy, as the Miata suffers from a problem that almost all convertibles do
-- body flex. Starting in the 1994
model year, extra bracing was added, and this improves this situation. The Miata
has a loud exhaust, and there is also above-average wind and road noise.
The trunk is small, and there are no back seats, though there is a small
storage space behind the front seats.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
105 hp I-4 Convertible |
$5,080 |
G, A |
165 kg |
1.04 tons |
1+1 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
116 hp I-4 Convertible |
$5,140 |
G, A |
165 kg |
1.07 tons |
1+1 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
128 hp I-4 Convertible |
$5,194 |
G, A |
165 kg |
1.1 tons |
1+1 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
133 hp I-4 Convertible |
$5,230 |
G, A |
165 kg |
1.11 tons |
1+1 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
105 hp I-4 Convertible |
275/27 |
76/7 |
45 |
46 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
116 hp I-4 Convertible |
297/29 |
82/8 |
45 |
52 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
128 hp I-4 Convertible |
314/30 |
87/8 |
48 |
57 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
133 hp I-4 Convertible |
324/31 |
90/9 |
48 |
59 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Mazda Millenia
1995-00
This sports
sedan is intended to serve a market that wants more power and more luxury than
other Mazda models. The base engine
delivers only adequate performance, but the supercharged V-6 has lots of power.
The Millenia is surefooted in turns and very responsive, and braking is
sure and fast. Tire and wind noise
are moderate, and the engine makes hardly any noise at all, even when worked
hard. When equipped with automatic
transmission, the Millenia behaves for the most part well, but flooring the gas
pedal can lead to a harsh, abrupt downshift.
Interior space is adequate, but not large, and rearward visibility is
hampered by thick rear roof pillars.
Parking, particularly parallel parking, can be a challenge because of the
Millenia's high tail. The trunk is
large, but the glove box is small; however, there is also a lockable compartment
in each front door and in the center console.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
170 hp V-6 Sedan |
$6,096 |
G, A |
320 kg |
1.46 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
210 hp V-6 Sedan |
$6,296 |
G, A |
320 kg |
1.56 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
170 hp V-6 Sedan |
317/31 |
88/9 |
68 |
76 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
210 hp V-6 Sedan |
364/35 |
101/10 |
68 |
94 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Mazda MPV 1990-98
The MPV (Most
Popular Van) is Mazda's entry into the minivan market.
While it lags behind other vans in its class in terms of room, cargo
capacity, and towing, it has good off-road performance due to its 4-wheel drive,
something not normally found on minivans.
Two engine choices are provided; the I-4 gives rather anemic performance,
while performance with the V-6 is adequate.
The MPV is rather heavy for its size due to the 4-wheel drive and
heavy-duty suspension, which further degrades performance and affects fuel
economy. However, handling is excellent, though it can be a bit choppy on rough
surfaces. The MPV is capable of
tight high-speed turns without much body lean, and some more unorthodox
maneuvers. The rear seat can be
removed to increase cargo room, and is not too heavy.
Towing is 1.33 tons with the I-4 engine, and 1.5 tons with the V-6
engines.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
121 hp I-4 Minivan |
$6,588 |
G, A |
755 kg |
1.8 tons |
1+7 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
150 hp V-6 Minivan |
$6,734 |
G, A |
755 kg |
1.87 tons |
1+7 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
155 hp V-6 Minivan |
$6,762 |
G, A |
755 kg |
1.88 tons |
1+7 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
121 hp I-4 Minivan |
190/37 |
53/10 |
74 |
54 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
150 hp V-6 Minivan |
224/43 |
62/12 |
74 |
67 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
155 hp V-6 Minivan |
230/44 |
64/12 |
74 |
69 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Mazda MX-3 1992-96
This was Mazda's
entry into the economy sports coupe market, and was a very inexpensive car, made
to compete with the likes of the Nissan NX, Honda Civic CRX, Suzuki Swift GT,
and Toyota Paseo. It had the
curved, aerodynamic body popular at that time; however, power was not abundant
on the MX-3 with its tiny engines (two 4-cylinders and the world's smallest V-6
ever put on a production vehicle), and it did not sell well. The back seat is
tiny; the MX-3 is basically a two-seater with a little room for children or
luggage in the back. This is not a
car for the tall or large. Handling
is very good and low-speed acceleration is quick, up to about 50 kph.
Airbags were not available until the 1994 model year (when they became
standard), but antilock brakes were optional throughout the MX-3's production
history.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
88 hp I-4 Coupe |
$5,410 |
G, A |
235 kg |
1.14 tons |
1+3 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
105 hp I-4 Coupe |
$5,490 |
G, A |
235 kg |
1.18 tons |
1+3 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
130 hp V-6 Coupe |
$5,616 |
G, A |
235 kg |
1.24 tons |
1+3 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
88 hp I-4 Coupe |
217/21 |
60/6 |
59 |
39 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
105 hp I-4 Coupe |
245/24 |
68/7 |
59 |
46 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
130 hp V-6 Coupe |
287/28 |
80/8 |
59 |
58 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Mazda MX-6 1994-97
This is a sports
coupe. Two engines are available,
an I-4 and a V-6; the I-4 is somewhat underpowered, with performance being
acceptable only because of the MX-6's light weight; performance is much better
with the V-6, but fuel economy suffers.
Both engines work well with automatic transmissions.
Handling is crisp and responsive, and even tight, high-speed turns are
stable. Handling is somewhat
adversely affected by the narrow, standard performance tires, which are rated
only at 240 kph, but this is not normally a problem at highway speeds.
In addition, the traction in snow, ice, or heavy rain is affected by
these tires. The rear seats are so
narrow, and room so limited in the back, that even older children might complain
about it.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
114 hp I-4 Coupe |
$5,626 |
G, A |
275 kg |
1.19 tons |
1+3 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
118 hp I-4 Coupe |
$5,646 |
G, A |
275 kg |
1.2 tons |
1+3 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
160 hp V-6 Coupe |
$5,854 |
G, A |
275 kg |
1.3 tons |
1+3 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
164 hp V-6 Coupe |
$5,874 |
G, A |
275 kg |
1.31 tons |
1+3 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
114 hp I-4 Coupe |
263/25 |
73/7 |
59 |
51 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
118 hp I-4 Coupe |
270/26 |
75/7 |
59 |
52 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
160 hp V-6 Coupe |
333/32 |
92/9 |
59 |
71 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
164 hp V-6 Coupe |
338/33 |
94/9 |
59 |
73 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Mazda Protégé 1990-94
One of Mazda's
best-selling cars, this subcompact is an equivalent to cars such as the Ford
Escort. The interior is roomy for a
car of its size, seating four adults comfortably and 5 with a little squeezing.
The trunk is likewise roomy for a car of its class.
Unfortunately, performance with the automatic transmission is poor, with
shifting rough and delayed as well as reducing fuel economy slightly.
The Protégé is fairly agile and provides a stable ride, but road, wind,
and engine noise are all fairly loud, getting louder as speed increases.
The Protégé has less amenities or even safety features than competitors'
cars, but it is an inexpensive vehicle that sold very well.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
103 hp I-4 Sedan |
$5,254 |
G, A |
265 kg |
1.07 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
125 hp I-4 Sedan |
$5,360 |
G, A |
265 kg |
1.12 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
103 hp I-4 Sedan |
265/26 |
74/7 |
55 |
46 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
125 hp I-4 Sedan |
303/29 |
84/8 |
55 |
55 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Mazda Protégé 1995-98
This later
Protégé was optimized for city driving, with improved low-speed handling,
cornering, and ride. Bumps are well
absorbed (though they can cause a loud thump on big ones).
Interior space is improved, and the seats are more plush and comfortable.
The trunk is much larger, and so is the glove box. However, the engines
provided are much less powerful than earlier Protégés, and since this model is
26 kg heavier, there is noticeably less power available at all but low speeds.
The rear doors are narrow and may be difficult for big people to fit
through. Until the 1997 model year,
the radio sat too low to be handy, and had small, difficult to manipulate
controls as well. It is, however,
less expensive than most cars of its class.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
92 hp I-4 Sedan |
$5,430 |
G, A |
285 kg |
1.08 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
122 hp I-4 Sedan |
$5,576 |
G, A |
285 kg |
1.15 tons |
1+4 |
1 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
92 hp I-4 Sedan |
237/22 |
66/6 |
55 |
41 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
122 hp I-4 Sedan |
283/28 |
81/8 |
55 |
54 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Mazda RX-7 1991-94
This sports car
uses Mazda's proprietary rotary engine, and has a devoted, almost cultish
following. This engine offers
considerable power, but is heavy and mechanically complex as well as being a
gas-guzzler. The RX-7 was a
deliberately barebones sports car that has only the minimum of gauges, gadgets,
and amenities to make it drive well and sell well.
The handling is superb and the braking short and smooth, even without the
optional antilock brakes. It should
be noted that this is a small car with no back seat (just a small cargo space),
and a small trunk. This vehicle is
not available in automatic transmission.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
160 hp Rotary Coupe |
$5,304 |
G, A |
220 kg |
1.35 tons |
1+1 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
200 hp Rotary Coupe |
$5,504 |
G, A |
220 kg |
1.45 tons |
1+1 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
160 hp Rotary Convertible |
$5,404 |
G, A |
200 kg |
1.39 tons |
1+1 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
200 hp Rotary Convertible |
$5,604 |
G, A |
200 kg |
1.49 tons |
1+1 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
160 hp Rotary Coupe |
321/31 |
89/9 |
60 |
71 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
200 hp Rotary Coupe |
371/36 |
103/10 |
60 |
89 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
160 hp Rotary Convertible |
313/30 |
87/9 |
60 |
71 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
200 hp Rotary Convertible |
362/35 |
100/10 |
60 |
89 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Mazda RX-7 1995-96
This was the
last Mazda, and one of the last cars period, produced with a rotary engine.
(Some piston-engined versions of this model of the RX-7 were also
produced, but I haven't found information on those yet; I will post them as soon
as I find them.) It was produced
only as a coupe, and automatic transmission versions of this model were
available, with smooth-shifting, but trouble-prone automatic transmissions.
It is about 25mm shorter, but about 60mm wider than the earlier model.
The engine is much more powerful (255 hp) than previous models, but the
car is about 40 kilograms lighter than the older car, and this boosts
performance considerably. The newer
RX-7 also handles even better than earlier models, and has a somewhat better
ride than the rough ride you tended to get from earlier RX-7s.
It is also better appointed than the earlier RX-7s.
Despite the cutoff in production after 1996, the RX-7 was kept popular by
enthusiasts, and many variations of the basic design can be found.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
255 hp Rotary Coupe |
$5,836 |
G, A |
220 kg |
1.31 tons |
1+1 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
255 hp Rotary Coupe |
517/50 |
143/14 |
60 |
114 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF1
HS1 HR1 |