MX5 Mk1 1.8 and 1.6 weight difference?

[seismic22]

Lots of people state that the 1.8 is heavier than the 1.6 because of additional bracing and a slightly heavier engine but what is the actual weight difference and therefore the two different power to weight ratios?

Thanks

[mattman]

depends which enginer you mean as well -
Anarok on

The early 1.6 cars had 118bhp as standard
in 1994 they revised the engine line up so that the 1.6 came with 90bhp and the 1.8 came with 130 bhp

Anarok off

Not sure about the weights, but stick a 15stone man in it and it probably wouldn't make much difference!!

[hornetrider]

I think the relative weights are 995kgs and 1020kgs.

[dylan0451]

from what i remember,

early 1600 - 115hp 950kg so a PW:121 hp/ton

NB 1800 - 130hp 1020kg - PW:127 hp/ton

the 1600 is apparently a bit more revvy and lacking in torque (mine makes max power at something like 7200rpm) compared to the 1800, and i think ultimately slower, however the final drive on the 1600 is 4.3:1 i think, which is lower than the 1800's so the power difference is a tad less than the power to weight ratio's suggest

[seismic22]

theyr one of a couple of cars im considering to purchase in a months time.

Anyone know approximate revs each one is pulling at say 80mph?

I motorways are not what they are for but unfortunately some of my driving involves that and im unsure how i would feel pulling 5k at 80mph etc

Cheers

[hornetrider]

4k rpm used to be 72mph in my old R-Ltd - but that is a Jap 1.8 with a slightly shortened 4.3:1 final drive ratio. I think the normal 1.8s are 4.1 which works out at around 75/76 @ 4k rpm.

[thewildblue]

NB RS with air con, came up on the scales as 1043kg with 3/4 tank of fuel.

Mine is turning over at 4k at 80 in 6th.

[excel monkey]

seismic22 said:

theyr one of a couple of cars im considering to purchase in a months time.

Anyone know approximate revs each one is pulling at say 80mph?

I motorways are not what they are for but unfortunately some of my driving involves that and im unsure how i would feel pulling 5k at 80mph etc

Cheers

Get a 1.8 6-speed if you can.

mph/rpm ratios all explained in detail here

http://www.quithel.co.uk/zz_Transmission.htm

[seismic22]

according to that link th mk1 1.8 is pulling 4k at 81mph.

[Matt UK]

seismic22 said:

according to that link th mk1 1.8 is pulling 4k at 81mph.

Sounds about right to me