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V6 vs DOHC 4 cyl MX3 difference?

Posted: February 27th, 2011, 7:37 am
by edger0587
So far my search for a decent 1994 model of the V6 MX3 has been unsuccessful. I have found several of the 1994 and 1995 4 cyl models(I want the second gen interior) .

My question to you who have experienced both, what are the differences, apart from smoothness and fuel economy?

The V6 produces more power, but it is also heavier. But that's the only thing that I can think of. And availability of parts for the 4cyl seems higher too. But I just wanted to know your opinion. Please and thank you

Re: V6 vs DOHC 4 cyl MX3 difference?

Posted: February 27th, 2011, 1:04 pm
by wytbishop
If you mean practical differences in terms of how it drives and what not...the big differences would be torque and fuel economy. The 1.8L makes about 20 more lb-ft if torque...which doesn't sound like much but the B6DE only makes 93lb-ft...so 20 more is more than a 20% increase. It's noticeable.

The fuel economy is not so significant. Some I4's are really efficient but I would say that the V6's and I4's are all going to be within a reasonable range.

Other than that, the suspension on the V6 is a little stiffer, the stock wheels are nicer...but they're essentially the same car.

Re: V6 vs DOHC 4 cyl MX3 difference?

Posted: February 28th, 2011, 4:26 pm
by tdanesi
i got the 93 v6 1.8L DOHC it is great on fuel and runs extremely smooth. No mods though. Haven't driven the 4 cylinder though..

Re: V6 vs DOHC 4 cyl MX3 difference?

Posted: February 28th, 2011, 7:09 pm
by Nd4SpdSe
V6 also had a lower ride height and stiffer springs and the addition of the rear tie bar. The v6 has 4-wheel disc brakes while the 4cyl uses rear drums. The V6 also had a tighter turning steering rack.

Re: V6 vs DOHC 4 cyl MX3 difference?

Posted: March 1st, 2011, 10:01 pm
by 2fazed
Just saw a 94 V6 on Craigslist for $1k. That's if your willing to drive up to the Central Valley.

Re: V6 vs DOHC 4 cyl MX3 difference?

Posted: March 2nd, 2011, 12:10 pm
by youdirtyfox
Nd4SpdSe wrote:V6 also had a lower ride height and stiffer springs and the addition of the rear tie bar. The v6 has 4-wheel disc brakes while the 4cyl uses rear drums. The V6 also had a tighter turning steering rack.
My '98 4cyl came with rear discs :P

Re: V6 vs DOHC 4 cyl MX3 difference?

Posted: March 2nd, 2011, 3:26 pm
by Nd4SpdSe
No Mx-3's here after 96

Re: V6 vs DOHC 4 cyl MX3 difference?

Posted: March 3rd, 2011, 7:55 pm
by MrMazda92
Nd4SpdSe wrote:No Mx-3's here after 96
Would've been optional before that though, eh? ;D

Re: V6 vs DOHC 4 cyl MX3 difference?

Posted: March 3rd, 2011, 9:25 pm
by wytbishop
Nope...not here. Every MX-3 RS in existence in North America came from the factory with drums on the back AFAIK.

Re: V6 vs DOHC 4 cyl MX3 difference?

Posted: March 4th, 2011, 5:35 am
by edger0587
wytbishop wrote:Nope...not here. Every MX-3 RS in existence in North America came from the factory with drums on the back AFAIK.
Damn, I guess that I will have to wait until a 94 GS comes along. I can live with the less torque, but I want the sportier suspension and the better brakes. Mainly the brakes; since so many drivers around here love cutting people off I need good ones.

This kind of bothers me, even today, the subcompacts have drums on the rear. Aside from cost cutting, really what other benefits do they provide?

Re: V6 vs DOHC 4 cyl MX3 difference?

Posted: March 4th, 2011, 5:43 am
by edger0587
2fazed wrote:Just saw a 94 V6 on Craigslist for $1k. That's if your willing to drive up to the Central Valley.
where? i can't seem to find it. I checked fresno, hanford, bakersfield, LA, sac, SLO, san fran

Re: V6 vs DOHC 4 cyl MX3 difference?

Posted: March 4th, 2011, 9:44 am
by Nd4SpdSe
Most of the braking is done in the front anyway, but with drums, there's no way to vent any heat generated by the braking.

Re: V6 vs DOHC 4 cyl MX3 difference?

Posted: March 4th, 2011, 12:25 pm
by youdirtyfox
I prefer working on/replacing disc/pads
over drums anyday, but drums are supposed
to be better for handbrake turns!