Is it just me or does it seem like Mazda is behind when it comes to performance. I just got my P5 about a month ago and when I was looking around, it seemed that every car in the same class had more horsepower. Sure you could get a MSP but that costs a fair bit more. I'm just wonderinf if I'm the only one who thinks this. Even if its behind by like 20 or 30 hp, it still beats anything as far as looks and styling goes. I'm happy with it but wouldn't mind some more horsepower behind having to mod it.

 

Hey man, you shouldve bought the other car if horsepower is what you cared about. Be happy, you have a Mazda, I am But if you arent happy, trade it in.

 

Horsepower is not everything. If HP is all you want get an SRT. If you want a well balanced excelent relibale car get a Mazda...

 

Does the styling count for anything. The question should be: what did the other car companies get wrong? I believe that the membership on this website proves that Mazda has done something right. Why did you buy the protege in the first place huh?

 

Can you not read anything. For instance when I say it beats everything as far as looks and styling goes. Oh also that I'm happy with it. I just dont see why they cant up the hp like they did for the mp3.

 

Their sales are steadily increasing each month let alone each year. They are obviously pleasing most. And that's what they care about. Big horsepower doesn't matter to most. Enthusiasts are a small percentage of the population.

 

EXACTLY! The average consumer doesnt idolize people on "The Fast and Furious"

Hey, I agree that more hp would be great, but I only feel that way about 95% of the time Im driving.

 

Look at TORQUE.

 

i chose protege5 over vw golf 4dr wagons, focus 4dr wagons,
saturn 4dr wagons, etc. etc. etc. because the pro5 is a great
looking car with lots of usable goodies included. this is
the first time for me to buy a mazda, but i am really impressed
with the packaging they do. all i would ask for in a car is in
the car without additional options.

it lacks power and torque vs my other cars, but for commuting
and just plain fun driving, the pro5 kicks ***. i am very happy
with my pro5. check out my www below to see a pict.

 

I agree with Dober. Mazda does seem to always be behind. But in argument mazdas revenues have prohibited much R&D in the past few years. They fell way behind in the technology of variable timing, but they are catching up. I believe that the 6 will bring in some more profits and fo you business buffs, Mazda signed a new President a few weeks ago. He was the former for Lincoln/Mercury. Hopefully he can bring some positive influences to the table and Mazda can get out there and KICK SOME ***. Hands down the Protege/P5 is the best all around performance / good looking / reliable car in its class. I also live about 10 min away from Mazdas Headquarters in Irvine, Ca and am always on lookout for job openings.

 

It's not the power; it's what you do with it that counts.

I think my car's actually pretty quick for an economy car (which is really what it is, I mean, let's be realistic). I test-drove Kias, Focuses (Foci?), Corollas, Sentras, and a bunch of other cars before I made my decision, and the Pro had the most useable power of any of them. It also handles exceptionally well (except in the snow) and if history is any indicator, it should keep its virtues for a very long time.

You could have gotten something with more power. Big dumb brutes like Monte Carlos and Mustangs are everywhere; if that's what you want, get one. You could even modify what you have, and turn it into one of those awful Civic-Integra-Eclipse type monstrosities, two inches off the ground and making fart noises at averyone as you pass. Or, you could learn how to really drive your car well, learn how and when to shift it properly (it is a five-speed, right?), and enjoy the hell out of it as is. Trust me, if you can out-drive the other guy, you'll be faster anyway.

Just my two cents.

 

See footnote: Miata.

 

wow. 10 more hp! That's like an extra riding lawnmower, right?

 

the protege/ p5/ mp3 has to be one of the best loking stock cars out. i think honda civic, nissian sentra, or toyota corolla can even match the accesories the protege comes with.

With the lack of horsepower compared to the other cars. It makes the protege even mroe affordable.

Now who wants to miss out on a GREAT looking car that is AFFORDABLE....come on now

Protege #1

 

Civic EX 127HP
Civic LX/DX 115HP
Sentra 126HP
Corolla 130HP
Protege 130HP

I know HP isn't the best way to compare how fast cars are since they have different driveline loss and tourqe and a lot of other factors. But everybody talks about how underpowered the protege is when all the other cars in its class have the same or less HP. I have never raced any of these cars but how much faster can any of those cars really be compared to ours when the HP ratings are so similar.