Which rating to use?

[D.O.G.]

I've recently bought a new (to me) daily driver.
It's a 1998 Maxda 323 Astina hatchback (5 door), 5 speed manual.

This was called the 323F (Europe), Astina (UK & Aus.) or Lantis (Japan), but wasn't marketed in the US, hence there are no US EPA figures for it.
There is, however, a listing for the 1998 Mazda Protege that uses the same motor (1840cc BP-ZE) and gearbox (F25M-R) with the same final drive ratio (4.105).
The Australian Gov. fuel ratings for this Protege are the same as the Astina.

My question is:
Should I use the (unrealistic) Australian Gov. figures, 26mpg city / 37mpg Hwy, or use the US Protege figures, 23mpg city / 29mpg Hwy in my Garage entry?

Pete.

[euromodder]

If you use the EPA numbers for the similar car, your results will look better but the challenge is so much less

[bhazard]

Probably the US figures since thats what the vast majority of other members here use

I have a very similar drivetrain in my Festiva, except my BP-ZE is turbocharged. I get about the same as the AU figures, however my car is under 2000lb empty. Figure in the added weight of your car and it drops a bit.

Our 98 Protege most likely shares its chassis with your 323.

[Sven7]

If you can find ratings for the same engine in a USDM 323 use the EPA numbers. Looks like you've got the 1.8?

PS- That's one odd looking car. Didn't even know they existed! Reminds me of the BMC 1800

[d0sitmatr]

Originally Posted by D.O.G.

I've recently bought a new (to me) daily driver.
It's a 1998 Maxda 323 Astina hatchback (5 door), 5 speed manual.

This was called the 323F (Europe), Astina (UK & Aus.) or Lantis (Japan), but wasn't marketed in the US, hence there are no US EPA figures for it.
There is, however, a listing for the 1998 Mazda Protege that uses the same motor (1840cc BP-ZE) and gearbox (F25M-R) with the same final drive ratio (4.105).
The Australian Gov. fuel ratings for this Protege are the same as the Astina.

My question is:
Should I use the (unrealistic) Australian Gov. figures, 26mpg city / 37mpg Hwy, or use the US Protege figures, 23mpg city / 29mpg Hwy in my Garage entry?

Pete.

we actually did get that model here in the states, but not until 02. called the Mazda Protege5 (which I own)
it comes with the 2.0L FSDE engine.
the US specs for it are 22/28, being your engine is the 1.8L your numbers would be slightly better, but not much.
I think going by the US standard for the compared car as you mention is perhaps the best, but drop 1 or 2mnpg to compensate the weight difference.
Id say dropping 1 mpg hwy and 2mpg city would probably be pretty darn close to US EPA percentages for your car

[D.O.G.]

Sven7,
Odd looking? I rather like it.



This will probably be my daughter's car when she learns to drive, so it "had" to be four door and she approved the colour.

dOsitmatr,
I don't think that's the same car, but I'm no Mazda expert.

euromodder,
I'm not really concerned with competing for a top ten place, but I've now got a car that I can compare to others on this site (and pinch ideas from). I think that's easier if we're using the same base line.

Pete.

[d0sitmatr]

my bad, that totally isnt the same car, but the 323F is like the protege5, Ive seen pix of it
unless the pix I saw are a different year ?

anyways, I really like it, too bad they dont ship some of the best cars/trucks to the US.... very frustrating.

[Sven7]

Originally Posted by D.O.G.

Sven7,
Odd looking? I rather like it.
Attachment 9800

Attachment 9801
This will probably be my daughter's car when she learns to drive, so it "had" to be four door and she approved the colour.

I like Datsun B210's, so my opinion is skewed. It's odd in a good way- and the rear looks pretty nice!

The color is great. Anyway, good luck with teh em pee gees!

[lacole725]

Originally Posted by d0sitmatr

anyways, I really like it, too bad they dont ship some of the best cars/trucks to the US.... very frustrating.

I believe there is currently a petition to lift the ban on imported vehicles, but I think it only applies to vehicles that are over 25 years old. It can be found here:

https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petition...years/L50BZzwj

[D.O.G.]

Originally Posted by Sven7

I like Datsun B210's, so my opinion is skewed. It's odd in a good way- and the rear looks pretty nice!

The color is great. Anyway, good luck with teh em pee gees!

I know where you're coming from, Datsun produced some great looking cars in the 70's. I was driving a 240Z back then.

The nose of the Mazda is a bit bland. Fog lights were an option on these, maybe that would liven it up a bit.... then I can cover them over with polycarbonate to improve aero.

In regards to the economy ratings, driving lessons started yesterday, so my figures will be down for the next year anyway. My daughter and son both need to log 120 hours of practice before they can go for their tests.