MazdaSpeed Protogé

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Nov 26, 2002 | 05:03 AM

dowroa

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From: RTP, NC, USA

Car Info: 2003 Subaru WRX MBP w v7!!

MazdaSpeed Protogé?

I know everyone has gotten all in a huff about the SRT-4 from Dodge. I am not starting a thread on which is better...

I was just wondering if anyone has driven/thought about the mazdaspeed protegé? I know it is "underpowered" but it looks like a nice tight car for autox'ing for the price. Straight out of the box, it looked like it might have the weight and suspension that might make it a dominant forcing in the handling department.

Just wonder if anyone could offer up any intelligent opinions on the matter. I don't have that much information on these "tiny beasts", and was just looking for some input

.

edit: remember kids, just because you are an engineer, you still have to be able to speel

Last edited by dowroa; Nov 26, 2002 at 06:38 AM.

Nov 26, 2002 | 03:31 PM

PacificMartin

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I've driven a base Protoge, and I have to say that they handle well for a FF car. But that's just it. It's still a FF car and will have understeer and torquesteer. I think that Mazda should have put this car out a few years back. They're a little behind in the FF sport compact game with Honda and Nissan bumpin it up a notch.

Nov 26, 2002 | 08:20 PM

HondaH8er

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Quote:

Originally posted by PacificMartin
I've driven a base Protoge, and I have to say that they handle well for a FF car. But that's just it. It's still a FF car and will have understeer and torquesteer. I think that Mazda should have put this car out a few years back. They're a little behind in the FF sport compact game with Honda and Nissan bumpin it up a notch.

I've never driven a base Protege, but my mom has an MP3, and that thing handles like it's on rails! The Mazdaspeed Protege uses the same basic suspension as the MP3, but tweeked a little for even better handling, and the extra power will really help. Straight line isn't all there is to fun driving, after all, and the Mazdaspeed should be even funner than the MP3 in the twisties! Not to mention that it's only running 5 psi out of the box; boost controller, better intake and exhaust, maybe a bigger intercooler, and it will be over 200 hp, easy.

Nov 26, 2002 | 11:14 PM

Kostamojen

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From: Roseville, CA

Car Info: 1995 Subaru Impreza 1.8 L

Yes, the Mazdaspeed will put the SRT, Type-R, etc. to shame in the handling department, and wont take much tweaking at all to put it into WRX power ranges... I would worry about torque steer at that point, but I was watching a Protege running a MP3 type setup at Sears point the other day in the same race Gary sheehan was it... It was really able to get its rear end out on corners if it needed too! Interesting car...