Power Of An Mk1 Mx5

[dave205 19]

As above really? As if i remember correctly a couple of you on here own them??

[welshpug 1,657]

1.6 or 1.8?

[dave205 19]

Should have said 1.6

[welshpug 1,657]

early iirc were 116, they weigh just under a ton without options

[sambaileyw 2]

Try here http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/facts-and-figures/mazda/mx-5/convertible-1990/ loads of dates listed..

[dave205 19]

Any idea on the torque figures aswell?

[welshpug 1,657]

wikipedia has them

[Anthony 1,003]

• Early UK 1.6's and all Mk1 Eunos (manual) 1.6's are 116hp
  
• Eunos 1.6 (automatic) were a bit less - can't remember exactly, but it's around 100-105hp.
  
• Mk1 1.8's are 131hp, manual and automatic. Late Mk1 1.8 are a touch higher, and Mk2/2.5 models higher again (140hp on Mk2 and 146hp on Mk2.5)
  
• Late UK 1.6's are 90hp and best avoided.
  

Mine is an early Eunos 1.6 and it's a fantastic revvy little engine that just begs to be thrashed - it's not particularly quick in outright terms, but it's certainly quick enough to entertain. Think of it as a strong 205 1.6 GTi and you're on the right lines with regard character.

 

1.8 engine isn't as willing to rev but is more grunty as you'd expect from the extra capacity, I guess a little like 1.9 lump in a 205, and much like a 1.9 GTi, the longer final drive means that it's not as frantic on the road.

[Baz 421]

What's the deal with LSD's whilst we're on the subject?

[Strictly_Derv 34]

I've got 4 friends who have them, 3 have LSD's and one's welded.

Guess they're standard with LSD

[eddie bullit 37]

I don't think LSD is a standard item though a lot of the "special editions" had them. We've got a 1.8 Euphonic. black/red leather seats..heated, lsd 143 bhp, nice stereo, hard top. Really is a great little car. As soon as this cold snaps over the hard tops going back in the garage. Great drive

Edited February 17, 2012 by eddie bullit

[dave205 19]

A 1.6 diff would handle the power of a r1 bike engine fine then?

[Anthony 1,003]

UK Mk1 models rarely have a diff, but it was an option on 1.8 models at least.

 

JDM import Eunos models don't have them as standard (except some limited editions) but was a much more commonly selected option.

 

There's two types of LSD fitted as an option from the factory - viscous (1.6) and torsen (1.8)

[dave205 19]

There's two types of LSD fitted as an option from the factory - viscous (1.6) and torsen (1.8)

 

Whats the difference between the two?

[Anthony 1,003]

Put simply, it's how they work internally. Viscous uses fluid, torsen uses gears (like a Quaife)

 

Do a search on Google and you'll find plenty of info, but the Torsen's are the preferred option (and priced accordingly!) and have the added bonus that they use the larger, stronger diff housing compared to the viscous (and 1.6 open diff). That said, the 1.6 diffs still seem to be pretty damned strong, proven by the number of turbo and supercharged 1.6's there are out there.

[Anulfo 22]

Just watching an old edition of Wheeler Dealers and they are doing up an MX-5....have to say its a car i've always loved and i want one!!!!

I am aware of the forums views on Ed China's workmanship though.

[Anthony 1,003]

Just watching an old edition of Wheeler Dealers and they are doing up an MX-5....have to say its a car i've always loved and i want one!!!!

Ah, we appear to have ourselves a closet poof

 

Nah seriously, they're brilliant little cars and dare I say, in many ways they're better than the 205's we all know and love (in Mk1 form at least - they lost a little of that fizz with the heavier, more plush Mk2 IMO) to the point that it would be a tough choice between a standard 205 and a standard '5 if I weren't so heavily invested in 205's. They are supremely capable and brilliant fun, just most can't look beyond it being a hairdressers car.

 

Get one before rust and wannabe drifters kill them all