OJmobileII

there is a large difference in weight between the base and tii model (~200lbs). i have experience w/ turbo systems and i couldnt believe that it would add 200lbs.

i researched it and came across some info about Mazda adding weight to the rear of the TII models to keep the "notorious 50/50" weight distribution. the jack and spare supposedly weigh a lil more, along w/ other changes.

is there any truth to this? and if so, what changes did they make to add weight?

p.s. i understand weight reduction. please don't reply saying, "take out ur a/c, p/s, and go on a diet." i jus was wondering if there is any truth to wut i saw and i didnt bookmark the page to throw u a link. sorry.

DragonRx7

Stonger transmission, driveshaft, rear end, turbo and all systems to make that work. Those would add up a bit.
The jacks and spare tires are all the same.

Plus, the Turbos tended to have more accessories like power windows, mirrors, sunroof, leather interior and stuff like that.

OJmobileII

so no truth to the rumor about mazda adding dead weight...

RenofHeavens

I don't know what they would have added to be dead weight. But the tranny and rear-end wiegh more and are in the rear.

Digi7ech

iTrader: (1)

They spent time shaving weight off so adding it would be a waste.

The rearend and transmission are beefier so they make up for some of that weight in the back.

vaughnc

What we know about RX-7s & weight:

- base models get the lightweight drivetrain & brake package (verts get the HD brakes)
- Convertibles used thicker gauge metal to help with chassis flex
- Convertibles did go through a 3rd weight reduction to help with power:weight a bit
- S5s may have gone through a 2nd weight reduction
- The concept rx-7s went through a weight reduction before release to the public

Some argue the S5 (vs S4) lightweight components were for cost savings, others say weight savings.

Icemark

Well since the Jacks and spares on most of the Turbos are the same uberlichet ones found on S4 models and Convertibles to save weight, i'd say that what ever you came across was wrong.

The extra weight that a Turbo has is because of the bigger rear end, the bigger driveshaft, the bigger drive axels, the turbo, the bigger tranny, etc.

All split around front and rear.

And Turbos are 51/49 weight distribution. Not 50/50.

Icemark

The S5 models had heavier, not lighter components than S4 models.

If cost was not an issue, things like the uderlichet german Jack that Mazda got special from germany would still have been on the S5 coupes.

There was no additional weight savings on S5 models. There was just a lesser concern about weight and a increased concern about costs.

OJmobileII

thank u for all ur information. its a good thing i didnt bookmark that page then. i wasnt concerned w/ 50/50 (Icemark pointed out its 51/49) weight. i was jus shocked to here that Mazda would add weight for any reason.

RotaryEvolution

iTrader: (30)

i would be shocked too, they did take the time and pay the money for many cast aluminum suspension and braking components that i just couldn't see them adding weight anywhere in the car.

bigdv519

iTrader: (3)

Convertables don't use thicker gauge metal. They use multiple layers of the same guage metal used on hatch models.

OC_

What parts of the s5's where heavier? I hear it is only the dash and sound insulation, was there more?

Icemark

Jack, front bumper mounts, spare, dash trim, dash subframe, gas tank (but the gas tank was also bigger since they were not as concerned about weight), A-pillars, B-pillars, c-pillars (those last three due to support for the mouse belts).

bigdv519

iTrader: (3)

Those auto belts are very heavy.