Performance Review: Mazda MX5 1.6 - [1990]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Mazda MX5 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Mazda MX5 1.6 is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1990. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1991 Jaguar XJ R-15 6.0 V12 and the 1991 Jaguar XJ 220.This particular Mazda MX5 has a 1597cc 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 948 kgs (2089 lbs) this makes the Mazda MX5 1.6 in the same weight category as the 2020 Lotus Elise Cup 250 1.8 Supercharged 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 1597cc 16V St4 engine produces 116 bhp (86 kW) @ 6500 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp) or the 2017 Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi ST-Line 120 (118 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated St4 throws out 100 lb-ft (135.5 Nm) @ 5500 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2013 Caterham 7 160/165 0.7L Turbo (79 lb-ft) or the 2012 Mini Cooper Paceman (118 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 2005 Alfa-Romeo 159 3.2 V6 Q4 (147.1 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Mazda MX5.

The Mazda MX5 has a Power to weight ratio of 122.3 bhp per ton and 105.4 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1990 MX5 competing with the 2005 Alfa-Romeo 159 3.2 V6 Q4 (147.1 bhp per ton) or the 2000 Ford Puma 1.7i 16V Ford Racing (147.1 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 105.4 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 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero-Shogun Evolution 3.5 V6 (130.4 lb-ft per ton) or the 1996 Audi A4 2.8 Quattro (130.3 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 9.10 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 9.4 secs, this made the Mazda MX5 1.6 as fast as the 2013 Skoda Rapid 1.4 tsi Spaceback (9.10 secs) the 1999 Citroen Saxo 1.6i VTR (9.10 secs) the 1983 Vauxhall-Opel Nova 1.6i GTE (9.10 secs) the or the 1973 Triumph Dolomite Sprint (9.10 secs). This Mazda MX5 1.6 is also faster than the 2007 Toyota Yaris 1.8L TS (9.20 secs) the 1987 Citroen AX GT 1.4 (9.20 secs) the 1985 Pontiac Firebird 5.0L Trans Am (9.20 secs) the and the 1982 Ford Granada 2.8i V6 (9.20 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the MX5 and the 1969 Maserati Indy Tipo 116 4.1 V8

When talking about the performance of the Mazda MX5 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 16.61 secs @ 82.4 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1969 Maserati Indy Tipo 116 4.1 V8 (16.53 secs), the 1954 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing Coupe (16.54 secs), and the 1985 Alpine GTA V6 Turbo (16.54 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1990 version of the Mazda MX5 1.6 has a maximum speed of 114mph.

Top Speed of the 1990 MX5 equals the 2011 Renault Twingo 1.6 133 Renaultsport Cup (125 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1990 Mazda MX5 1.6 then how about the 2011 Renault Twingo 1.6 133 Renaultsport Cup (125 mph), the 2011 Fisker Karma Hybrid (125 mph), or the 2009 Tesla Roadster Electric 248bhp (125 mph).

Related Links:

1990 MX5 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Mazda

Car Comparison