Performance Review: Mazda MX5 1.8i - [2005]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Mazda MX5 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Mazda MX5 1.8i is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2005. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2006 Caparo T1 2.4 V8 and the 2005 Bugatti Veyron 8.0 litre W16.This particular Mazda MX5 has a 1798cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders in a St formation.

Alternative Petrol St4's includes the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo

The MX5 shares its Petrol St4 engine configuration with the likes of the 2019 Ariel Atom 4 2.0 Turbo and the 2013 Caterham 7 620 R 2.0 L Supercharged. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the MX5's Rear Wheel Drive, Cabriolet combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1155 kgs (2546 lbs) this makes the Mazda MX5 1.8i in the same weight category as the 2017 Lotus Exige 360 Cup 3.5 V6 or the give or take 50kg.

The Mazda MX5 shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp)

In terms of power the 1798cc 16V St4 engine produces 130 bhp (96 kW) @ 6500 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp) or the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (148 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated St4 throws out 123 lb-ft (166.7 Nm) @ 4500 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2015 Mazda MX5 2.0i Roadster Coupe (148 lb-ft) or the 2013 Skoda Rapid 1.4 tsi Spaceback (148 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Mazda MX5 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1998 Peugeot 306 2.0 Rallye (137.5 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Mazda MX5.

The Mazda MX5 has a Power to weight ratio of 112.5 bhp per ton and 106.4 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2005 MX5 competing with the 1998 Peugeot 306 2.0 Rallye (137.5 bhp per ton) or the 1996 Peugeot 306 GTi 6 (137.5 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Mazda MX5 generating around 106.4 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1961 Triumph TR4 2.1L (131.4 lb-ft per ton) or the 2000 Mitsubishi FTO 2.0 GPX (131.2 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 8.30 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.6 secs, this made the Mazda MX5 1.8i as fast as the 2007 Renault Megane Renaultsport 2.0 dCi 175 (8.30 secs) the 2005 Peugeot 407 3.0 V6 Coupe (8.30 secs) the 2001 Volkswagen-VW Lupo 1.6 GTi (8.30 secs) the or the 1991 Ford Escort RS 2000 4x4 MK5 (8.30 secs). This Mazda MX5 1.8i is also faster than the 2007 Seat Ibiza 1.8 20vt FR (8.40 secs) the 2006 Peugeot 207 CC GT (8.40 secs) the 2003 Vauxhall-Opel Astra 2.2 16V (8.40 secs) the and the 1996 Peugeot 106 16v GTi (8.40 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the MX5 and the 1992 Volkswagen-VW Corrado 2.9 VR6

When talking about the performance of the Mazda MX5 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 17 secs @ 80.5 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1992 Volkswagen-VW Corrado 2.9 VR6 (16.93 secs), the 1972 Dodge Charger SE Hardtop 7.2L TorqueFlite (16.93 secs), and the 2011 Toyota GT 86 2.0L Coupe (16.93 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2005 version of the Mazda MX5 1.8i has a maximum speed of 122mph.

Top Speed of the 2005 MX5 equals the 2016 Audi A3 2.0 TDI Quattro (133 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2005 Mazda MX5 1.8i then how about the 2016 Audi A3 2.0 TDI Quattro (133 mph), the 2015 Mazda MX5 2.0i Roadster Coupe (133 mph), or the 2009 Porsche Cayenne 3.0 V6 Turbo Diesel (133 mph).

Related Links:

2005 MX5 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Mazda

Car Comparison