Different compression ratios, different engine tuning, and an incentive to make people but the MX-5 over the Mazda3

 

[quote author=sammifan link=topic=61572.msg1052183#msg1052183 date=1162753749]
One of my friends informed me that the Mazda 3 and 2006 Mazda MX-5 share the same engine (MZR4-2.0). I did an little searching and thanks to Wikipedia, I found out this is true. My question is, why does my 3 have only 148hp while the MX-5 has 170?
[/quote]

You are correct.

Ponder this perspective: What if the MazdaSpeed3 motor was put into the Mx-5? Natch.

 

[quote author=Bezor link=topic=61572.msg1052465#msg1052465 date=1162768914]
[quote author=sammifan link=topic=61572.msg1052183#msg1052183 date=1162753749]
One of my friends informed me that the Mazda 3 and 2006 Mazda MX-5 share the same engine (MZR4-2.0). I did an little searching and thanks to Wikipedia, I found out this is true. My question is, why does my 3 have only 148hp while the MX-5 has 170?
[/quote]

You are correct.

Ponder this perspective: What if the MazdaSpeed3 motor was put into the Mx-5?  Natch.
[/quote]
it would fly

 

[quote author=sammifan link=topic=61572.msg1052183#msg1052183 date=1162753749]
One of my friends informed me that the Mazda 3 and 2006 Mazda MX-5 share the same engine (MZR4-2.0). I did an little searching and thanks to Wikipedia, I found out this is true. My question is, why does my 3 have only 148hp while the MX-5 has 170?
[/quote]

[quote author=Kyle Hadcock link=topic=61572.msg1052322#msg1052322 date=1162762677]
Different compression ratios, different engine tuning, and an incentive to make people but the MX-5 over the Mazda3
[/quote]

Like Kyle said, the engine is tuned differently. The MX-5 is a sports car... and is tuned appropriately. The Mazda3, particularly the 2.0 motor, is designed for economy. Any more questions?

 

So why don't people just tune their engines so they can fly around like an mx-5

 

[quote author=Uggie26 link=topic=61572.msg1054169#msg1054169 date=1162855984]
So why don't people just tune their engines so they can fly around like an mx-5
[/quote]

if they could only afford the 2.0L mz3 when they bought it at the time of purchase, what makes you think they can easily afford the parts off the MX-5's 2.0L?

 

[quote author=Uggie26 link=topic=61572.msg1054169#msg1054169 date=1162855984]
So why don't people just tune their engines so they can fly around like an mx-5
[/quote]

Keep in mind... by "tuned", I don't mean - They added a chip, adjusted some screws and PRESTO!

To match the 2.0 in the MX-5, the 3's 2.0 engine would have to be disassembled. For most people, the cost of that operation would be exorbitant and completely unjustifiable.

 

Besides, even with the MX-5 motor, you wont be "flying around" like an MX-5. The MX-5 is a great deal lighter than the 3. Plus, who the hell would want a naturally aspirated 2.0 3 that needs premium fuel?

 

Well, as an owner of both an '06 3S Touring hatch, and an '06 MX 5, I gotta say, they're both a hoot to drive. Best fun I've had with my clothes on in a long time...

However, make no mistake,the MX5 will eat the 3's lunch all day long. It's a light, purpose built sports car, that like most Mazda's provides more bang for the buck than just about anything available in it's price range.

Now, with some mods, the 3 would certainly make the match much closer...but out of the box, the MX5 is superior.

Just my .02...

 

get a turbo and kill a mx-5

 

From a practicality standpoint, the 3S is head and shoulders better than the MX5...but nobody buys an MX5 for practicality...

Gas mileage is comparable between the 2....about 29-30 mostly around town ,for me anyway...

 

that's why you drive the 3 during the week, and drive the mx-5 on the weekends 8) . I test drove a mx-5 and really liked it; however my weekend car may require a little more power out of it 8)

 

I've had a two Miatas over the past 15 years. If the 3 had the same indescribable feeling of balance within the entire the car, I'd have bought a 3 when they came out. Honestly, the additional power that the MazdaSpeed3 puts out is sort of a waste. Instead of more power, I'd have liked for Mazda, as good as the 3 is, to work more into having the 3 feel like a Miata. The 3's faults are its shifter/clutch, interior materials, and stronger brakes.

Don't get me wrong, the 3 is very nice car, for my needs, I'd like to see it integrated/balanced a bit more as much as a fwd car be.

 

get a turbo and kill a mx-5

even with a turbo, i dont think a 3 could be faster than the miata around the cones, where the miata was made to run. ive driven the miata a few times before, and that car handles great. so much so that i dont really care that the car isnt fast in a straight line.