MZ Protege 2.0 - still cool?

[dugrant153]

I was thinking about getting a Mazda3 a while back, but then I realized that they might be out of my budget (even for a lower model GX).

I was sitting in my friend's white Protege. As she was driving it, I came to realize just how taut the suspension is, and how much pump the engine has, even at just 130hp. I remember reading a thread about how the Protege can still be a corner-carver!

What kind of problems the Proteges are starting to develop now that they're getting older?
And does anyone have any stock stats for it? (0-60mph, skidpad, etc). I'm having a hard time finding any.

I was thinking of a 2001 ES GT sedan (2.0L), and then doing H-stock mods to it.

Thanks!

[Boston5761]

0-60 prob. like high 9

[dugrant153]

anyone still modding Protege's for autocross?

it almost seems as if everyone has bought a Mazda 3

[zerocover]

No ones bought a mazda 3 only the new guys.
All the protege owners are moving on to better things like evos.

Have you ever driven a 3, there nothing like the proteges I just kept thinking to myself how the pro was better in every way (but power).

[igdrasil]

The protege suspension is the best stock setup Ive ever seen. The cage is not that hard. The engine has torque, but powerband is limited, so its fun to drive, not a fast car, but good enough.

[Tom03es]

There were 2 P5s in my region running HS. They did pretty well. Now both drivers have moved on to something else. I don't think a Protege is the best car out there for HS, STS or SP but you can certainly have alot of fun.

--Tom

[crzywolve]

I was thinking about getting a Mazda3 a while back, but then I realized that they might be out of my budget (even for a lower model GX).




What is your budget? I have been thinkin about sellin my 03 LX. The only things done to it is drop springs to get rid of the body roll around curves and better handeling. And I put a custom short ram intake on it.

[mazdaholic]

i'm not sure if there is a classification difference, but last year a bunch of us up here were running FSS class, and were extremely competative. it wasnt a huge class, but protege were usually on top. This year we are running FSP for more of a challenge.

[dugrant153]

I'm actually not buying right now. gotta find a way to pay for the car first.

I haven't driven a Protege (well, I guess I could ask my friend one day... hehe). But I did drive the Mazda3. Man, that thing is very zippy. Very refined. Not as gritty as the Protege (says my butt dyno) but faster down the straight.

One thing I DON'T like about the Mazda3 is the poor blindspot by the rear A-pillar. It drives me nuts! no problems with the Protege while I was a passenger.

Again, it all comes down to budget. If I went used, I'm thinking Protege. It's not fast, but it still corners hard. And I'm thinking a few autoX stock mods to get the engine going a bit. Just my plan for now :) Just interested to see what I could do with a Protege if I get one.

[Captain KRM P5]

you will not be disappointed by either car

[dugrant153]

well, now that the job has lined up, I'm starting to really really look at the Protege now. Reason why a Protege and not a high end sports car? Pricing. I'm hoping to get a used protege (with disk brakes all around) for a decent price. haha... already looking at mods and possible body kits!

Any particularly problematic problems with the 2001-2003 Protege?