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Mazda3 Maintenance & Repair

4991 messages,  Last post on Jan 21, 2013 at 9:58 PM

You are in the Mazda3 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA3, Hatchback, Sedan

    
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Messages Page 246 of 500

#2449 of 4991 Re: Mazda 3 vs. Focus? [jpmccormac] by mdaffron

Sep 20, 2005 (6:02 am)

Replying to: jpmccormac (Sep 19, 2005 3:50 pm)
Virtually the same is a good way of saying it. From the Car Connection:
 
While every other change aboard the 2005 Focus is evolutionary, the implantation of two new engines is radical surgery. Gone are the Ford-designed Zetec 2.0-liter engines and in their place are Mazda-designed 2.0- and 2.3-liter powerplants wearing the Duratec label. Shared with the Mazda3, these new all-aluminum Duratecs don't differ much from the iron-block Zetecs in general specification; they're still fours wearing DOHC heads with four valves over each combustion chamber. But Ford claims they'll emit about 32-percent less noxious gases while delivering 24-percent more power and slightly better fuel economy.
 
The base 2.0-liter Duratec knocks out 136 horsepower in the Focus which is a 26-horsepower improvement over last year's base SPI eight-valve, and up six horsepower over the optional 130-horsepower Zetec. The 2.3-liter Duratec, which is currently restricted to the range-topping Focus ZX4 ST sport sedan (the 2005 Focus that comes closest to replacing last year's 170-horsepower SVT) is rated at 151 horsepower.
 
Interesting that the same "Duratecs" (actually they're called MZR in the Mazda) put out 148 and 160 hp, respectively, in the Mazda3. I guess Mazda kept the good stuff for themselves!
 
The two engines may be the "same" as far as displacement and construction goes, but Mazda (using VIS or whatever) has found a way to keep them different enough for me!
 
Here's a link to how Mazda usurps all that power out of the MZR. Still looking, but I can't find similar info on how Ford has the Duratec tuned out ...
 
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=mazdaSpeedDrivingEngineMZ- - R23
 
"Similar" engines or not, they are not the same car by any stretch. But don't just take my word for it. Here's a recent comparison test Motor Trend magazine did between the 2005 Mazda3s, Ford Focus ZX4 ST, Toyota Corolla XRS, Kia Spectra SX and Chevrolet Cobalt LS:
 
http://motortrend.com/roadtests/sedan/112_0507_citylites/
 
It's a long article, so I'll summarize: Out of the five cars, the Mazda3 came in first. The Focus was fourth -- beaten by the Mazda3, Corolla and Kia in that order.
 
Meade

#2450 of 4991 Re: Mazda 3 vs. Focus? [mdaffron] by chacobleu

Sep 20, 2005 (6:21 am)

Replying to: mdaffron (Sep 20, 2005 6:02 am)
Aren't the Ford's tuned for PZEV while the Mazda's claim SULEV (LEV to ULEV to SULEV to PZEV)?
 
This may explain the diff in HP. Just in California alone, I believe, the Mazda 2.3 is rated at 156 HP and is still a SULEV with a couple of gadgets added. The HP is reduced slightly for a cleaner tail pipe, but as technology marches ahead, so does HP.

#2451 of 4991 Mazda5 by richml

Sep 20, 2005 (1:19 pm)

Are they all being recalled due to exhaust problems?

#2452 of 4991 Re: Mazda5 [richml] by mazda6s

Sep 20, 2005 (7:27 pm)

Replying to: richml (Sep 20, 2005 1:19 pm)
"Are they all being recalled due to exhaust problems?"
 
Yes, but you might want to check the Mazda5 discussions for info on that.

#2453 of 4991 Problems with Paint by jemrick1

Sep 21, 2005 (5:47 pm)

I own a 2004 Mazda3 hatchback. I have large paint chunks that have come off of both the rear bumber along a pointed edge in an area not easily hit by a skipping rock or other road debris and another on the lower side panel towards the rear aswell. The car is black....is anyone having this happen or has anyone heard of this being a problem?

#2454 of 4991 Re: Problems with Paint [jemrick1] by mdaffron

Sep 22, 2005 (4:54 am)

Replying to: jemrick1 (Sep 21, 2005 5:47 pm)
I would venture to say you got bumped in a parking lot.
 
Meade

#2455 of 4991 Re: Nitro In Tires [chacobleu] by nifty56

Sep 22, 2005 (7:51 am)

Replying to: chacobleu (Sep 19, 2005 1:36 pm)
NO in my opinion a waste of money. Used in airplane tires, long haul truck tires and race cars. The nitrogen reacts well under stress and is perdicatable. In day to day driving we don't need such precision.

#2456 of 4991 Does a Mazda3 float? by z71bill

Sep 23, 2005 (5:23 pm)

With Rita heading straight for my house thought it was best to head for higher ground - off to Granny's house in Austin.
 
Left the Mazda3 in the garage - kind of sad to think that within a few hours my car may be treading water!
 
Anyone ever tried to float their Mazda3?

#2457 of 4991 Re: Does a Mazda3 float? [z71bill] by mikezoomzoom

Sep 23, 2005 (9:21 pm)

Replying to: z71bill (Sep 23, 2005 5:23 pm)
Pray that ole' Hurricane Rita's BOOM BOOM doesn't spell DOOM DOOM for your ZOOM ZOOM!!!
 
If by chance nature has her way with her... just keep comin' north to Fort Worth and I'll help you replace her with an 06'. I'll check into a pontoon option through Mazda accessories and have that pricing ready for ya when you get here.
 
EVERYONE...
 
Row, row, row your 3 gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily...
 
Any ways, let us know how it all turns out. Be safe and careful in that speedy traffic. Here's hoping everything and everyone comes out safely.
 
MIKEZOOMZOOM

#2458 of 4991 Re: off to Granny's house [z71bill] by autonomous

Sep 24, 2005 (7:10 am)

Replying to: z71bill (Sep 23, 2005 5:23 pm)
Best of luck, Bill. Sounds like Houston and your 3 escaped the worst of Rita. Say hi to gran for all of us!
 
p.s. most days I would think being chased at a 120 mph by someone called Katrina, Ophelia or Rita could be kind of fun

Messages Page 246 of 500

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