Vehicle Type:
Lightweight Two-Seater Convertible Sports Car
Target Demographic:
Enthusiasts seeking an affordable, fun-to-drive sports car
Key Competitors Era:
Toyota MR2, Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Honda Prelude, Fiat Spider
Vehicle Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai (Horse and Rider as One) - Driver-centric design and handling
Design Inspiration:
Lotus Elan, Jaguar E-Type
Engine:
1.6L DOHC I4 (B6ZE)
Engine Management:
Fuel Injection, Ignition System, Emissions Control
Transmission:
5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive, Differential, Axles
Suspension:
Front Double Wishbone, Rear Multi-link, Shock Absorbers, Springs
Brakes:
Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Solid Discs (Standard), ABS (Optional)
Steering:
Power Assisted Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, ECU
Body Exterior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Convertible Top Mechanism
Body Interior:
Seats, Dashboard, Trim Panels, Climate Control
Maintenance:
Scheduled Service, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Fault Code Interpretation (OBD-I for this era)
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Overhaul
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical data
Target Audience:
Professional Technicians and Knowledgeable DIY Mechanics
Level Of Detail:
Factory-level detail, including specialized tools and procedures
Illustrations:
Includes diagrams, photos, and schematics
Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1598 cc)
Configuration:
Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC
Bore X Stroke:
78.0 mm x 83.6 mm
Horsepower Hp:
114 hp @ 6500 RPM (US Spec)
Torque Lb Ft:
100 lb-ft @ 5000 RPM (US Spec)
Injection Type:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular Gasoline (87 Octane Minimum)
Coolant Capacity Qts:
6.0
Oil Capacity Qts:
4.0 (with filter)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
10W-30 API SG or SH
Oil Change Interval Miles Km:
Every 3,750 - 7,500 miles (6,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement Miles Km:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement Miles Km:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs, longer for platinum/iridium.
Coolant Flush Miles Km:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Timing Belt Replacement Miles Km:
Crucial: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years, as this is an interference engine.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron II or Equivalent ATF
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Water with Washer Fluid Additive
Common Problems:
Oil leaks from rear main seal, cam seals; coolant hose degradation; clutch master cylinder failure; window regulator issues; rust (especially in unibody structure and rocker panels); differential seals.
Maintenance Warnings:
Strict adherence to timing belt replacement is critical to avoid catastrophic engine damage.
Mazda Sports Car Legacy:
Roots in the Mazda Cosmo, R100, and RX-7 lineage, focusing on lightweight, RWD sports car dynamics.
Na Generation Dates:
1989-1997
1993 Updates:
Minor styling tweaks, potential interior updates, and possible engine/suspension refinements over earlier models.
Production Start Year:
1989
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
