Founded in 1920, Japanese automaker Mazda
has had many years to perfect the rotary engine. It may not be recognized for brute force, but it certainly has a reputation for fabricating some lightweight, yet agile vehicles. Here are some fast Mazda cars from years past and present day. Not all of these models were available for purchase in the U.S., but their performance records are worth noting. Determining factors include top speed, acceleration capabilities, and quarter mile times.
Fastest Mazda cars of yesteryears
The 2002 model is worth highlighting, as per MotorBiscuit
. It hit the quarter mile in 15.4 seconds and made 220 hp. In the 1990s the car was known as a 626, but Mazda dropped the extra digits in the new millennium. In 2009, the S Grand Touring edition sported a 3.7-liter V6 with 272 hp. Its quarter mile time was roughly 14.5 seconds. 2. Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata and Mark 2
Widely known as the world’s most popular roadster, the Miata manages to compete with other, faster sports cars. What it lacks in speed, it makes up for in handling. The 2004 model had an output of 178 hp and maxed out at 127 mph. The 2017 MX-5 Miata would sprint to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.
The Mark 2 launched in 2005. Its 1.8-liter turbocharged engine made 197 hp. It was outfitted with a six-speed transmission, Bilstein shock absorbers and special alloy wheels.
3. Mazda RX-7 Type-R and Turbo II and Spirit R
The RX-7 ran from 1978 to 1995 in the U.S. The final version launched in 1991 and went as fast as 155 mph. The Type-R outperformed slightly with 280 hp and a 0 to 60 mph run time of 5.1 seconds. However, it was not revered for its fuel efficiency.
A Turbo II model was released during the second generation of RX-7. It made 182 hp and was designed to reduce turbo lag. But Mazda’s best acceleration times rest with the Spirit R model.
4. Mazda RX-8 and Spirit R
A descendant of the RX-7, the RX-8 was born in the early 2000s. It was less potent mechanically, but still managed a 15.1 second quarter mile. The Spirit R was a limited edition model with a similar 0 to 60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. It had 232 hp. Only 2,000 units were ever produced, according to HotCars
. One of the least known models from the brand’s lineup. It was built from 1987 to 1997 and was the quickest of the Mazdas at that time. The J-Spec 2.5-liter V6 engine had 200 hp and traveled from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The car is easily tuned for better performance.
A rare performance car that never made it stateside since it was banned by the government. Original plans to challenge Lexus were abandoned but this car did exceed 150 mph. It ran the quarter mile in 14 seconds.
A midsize, sporty sedan that launched in 2005 with all-wheel drive. It had a 0 to 60 mph run of 5.4 seconds in 2007. The 6 performed with 274 hp, making it the fastest Mazda car until recent years. The 3 hasn’t been produced since 2013, but at the time the hatchback peaked at 148 mph. In 2010, the 2.3-liter turbocharged engine produced 263 hp.
MORE: The 2003 Mazda Protégé Is Almost a Classic
Fastest Mazda cars of today
The brand’s least expensive vehicle is a hatchback with 185 hp. It’s powered by a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine. Go as fast as 155 miles per hour for less than $20,000.
Accelerating to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds is impressive for an SUV with a larger footprint than the company’s sedans. The 2.5-liter turbo engine makes 250 hp and tops out at 133 mph.
A testament to this model’s popularity, Mazda continues to produce the Miata for the outstanding driving experience. It has a four-cylinder engine and a balanced ride. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.
Insurance for the fastest Mazda cars
Mazda has certainly established itself as a reliable carmaker over the past century, with a few quick models to boot. Whether you prefer to buy a fast Mazda car that is used or brand new, get insured quickly with Jerry
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