Well folks, I visited my local, friendly Mazda dealer recently to pick up a wiper blade for my wife's 3 and while there I checked out a Mazda2. It looks like it could easily be converted into a neat-o boy racer without too much trouble for those looking for an economical subcompact to play around with. A quick perusal of the aftermarket goodies available confirms this view. Whether or not you like the looks of this 5-Door is strictly a personal consideration but the 2s angular, edge-like shape was designed to minimize wind resistance according to Mazda - an important consideration in a vehicle with a small displacement engine. Available in two levels of trim, the basic Sport or the slightly upscale Touring, the latter model comes with a rear liftgate spoiler which further enhances its aerodynamic properties by reducing turbulence (and consequently drag) at the rear of the vehicle. Let's look at some of the performance-related specs:
Engine - MZR 1.5 L
Type: 1.5 L DOHC, 16-valve, 4-cyl with VVT; aluminum alloy block and head; chain-driven DOHC; direct COP electronic ignition with platinum-tipped spark plugs.
Bore x Stroke: 78 mm x 78.4 mm (just slightly undersquare)
CR: 10:1
Redline: 6,300 rpm
100 BHP @ 6,000 rpm, SAE net (75 kw); BMEP (calculated) 144 psi
98 lbs/ft Torque @ 4,000 rpm, SAE net (133 N-m); BMEP (calculated) 162 psi
Power Steering: Electronic, resulting in a reduced component count, less weight and less friction HP
Available Transmissions
5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic
Suspension
Front: MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar
Rear: Torsion beam with coil springs
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS), federally mandated, are both standard.
Brakes
Front disc/rear drum: 10.2" vented disc; 7.9" drum. These are the exact same dimensions as those used on the 2002 DX and LX Proteges, substantially heavier cars.
Equipped with ABS, electronic brake force distribution, and brake assist.
I don't think brakes will become a limiting factor no matter how one chooses to use this car.
Wheels and Tires
Sport: 15 x 6" steel
Touring: 15 x 6" alloy
Tires: 185/55-15 V-rated all-season
Possible upgrades: (1) Replace with summer-only type. (2) Replace with wider tread, lower profile 195/50-15. According to the Tire Calc this results in only a 1.504% too fast speedo error (60 mph actual reads 60.9 gauge). (3) Replace with 16" alloy wheels and 205/45-16s. Tire Calc yields a speedo error of 1.084% too slow (60 mph actual reads 59.3 gauge) - negligible. Caution, to stay within the recommended guidelines of the Tire and Rim Association, a 205/45 tire requires a wheel width of 7" minimum so clearance may become an issue here.
Curb Weight
M/T: 2,306 lbs
A/T: 2,359 lbs
Comparison: 2002 Protege - M/T = 2,634 lbs; A/T = 2,687 lbs. 2012 3, 2.0 L - M/T = 2,866 lbs; A/T = 2,929 lbs.
Fuel Consumption
Better than the 3 or the Protege but worse than the SkyActiv so order your priorities.
In the next post we'll look at some of the available aftermarket goodies that will enable you to rule the twisties with your 2. They may laugh when you sit down in your 2 but they'll cheer and applaud (or curse) you when you show them the way home.
Happy Motoring!
Engine - MZR 1.5 L
Type: 1.5 L DOHC, 16-valve, 4-cyl with VVT; aluminum alloy block and head; chain-driven DOHC; direct COP electronic ignition with platinum-tipped spark plugs.
Bore x Stroke: 78 mm x 78.4 mm (just slightly undersquare)
CR: 10:1
Redline: 6,300 rpm
100 BHP @ 6,000 rpm, SAE net (75 kw); BMEP (calculated) 144 psi
98 lbs/ft Torque @ 4,000 rpm, SAE net (133 N-m); BMEP (calculated) 162 psi
Power Steering: Electronic, resulting in a reduced component count, less weight and less friction HP
Available Transmissions
5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic
Suspension
Front: MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar
Rear: Torsion beam with coil springs
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS), federally mandated, are both standard.
Brakes
Front disc/rear drum: 10.2" vented disc; 7.9" drum. These are the exact same dimensions as those used on the 2002 DX and LX Proteges, substantially heavier cars.
Equipped with ABS, electronic brake force distribution, and brake assist.
I don't think brakes will become a limiting factor no matter how one chooses to use this car.
Wheels and Tires
Sport: 15 x 6" steel
Touring: 15 x 6" alloy
Tires: 185/55-15 V-rated all-season
Possible upgrades: (1) Replace with summer-only type. (2) Replace with wider tread, lower profile 195/50-15. According to the Tire Calc this results in only a 1.504% too fast speedo error (60 mph actual reads 60.9 gauge). (3) Replace with 16" alloy wheels and 205/45-16s. Tire Calc yields a speedo error of 1.084% too slow (60 mph actual reads 59.3 gauge) - negligible. Caution, to stay within the recommended guidelines of the Tire and Rim Association, a 205/45 tire requires a wheel width of 7" minimum so clearance may become an issue here.
Curb Weight
M/T: 2,306 lbs
A/T: 2,359 lbs
Comparison: 2002 Protege - M/T = 2,634 lbs; A/T = 2,687 lbs. 2012 3, 2.0 L - M/T = 2,866 lbs; A/T = 2,929 lbs.
Fuel Consumption
Better than the 3 or the Protege but worse than the SkyActiv so order your priorities.
In the next post we'll look at some of the available aftermarket goodies that will enable you to rule the twisties with your 2. They may laugh when you sit down in your 2 but they'll cheer and applaud (or curse) you when you show them the way home.
Happy Motoring!
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