Segment: Compact
Production years: 1989, 1990, 1991
Mazda introduced the sixth generation of its compact-segment contender, the 323, in a few body shapes. The sedan was more family-oriented, and it was named Protege on the North American market.
The 1989 323 sedan might have looked like a facelifted version for the fifth generation, but it wasn't. It was a complete evolution over its predecessor and an important step toward getting more traction on the European market. It shared some components with the European Ford Escort since Ford was a big stakeholder in Mazda. Depending on the engine version, it could have been fuel-efficient or quick on its feet. Or should we say wheels?
While other carmakers already started to round up their vehicles' design, Mazda played the last card for a wedged-shaped vehicle. The straight lines and flat body panels of the 323 were similar to some of the '80s European cars. Still, there was a shy tendency to soften the edges on the hood and the rear quarter panels.
Inside, the 323 featured the same plain design with straight lines like it was at the beginning of the '80s. Depending on the version, Mazda offered the 323 with either bucket seats or with high-bolstered seats for the front passengers. There was not too much room in the rear, but two adults could fit well.
Under the hood, the Japanese carmaker installed a very wide choice of engines, from a frugal 1.3-liter to a performance 1.8-liter turbodiesel. Unlike its hatchbacks sibling, Mazda offered the sedan exclusively with a front-wheel-drive.
ENGINE SPECS - 1.3L 3AT FWD (73 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1323 cm3 |
Power: | 53.7 KW @ 6000 RPM 73 HP @ 6000 RPM 72 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 75 lb-ft @ 3700 RPM 101 Nm @ 3700 RPM |
Fuel System: | Carburetor |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 13.2 gallons (50.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 62 mph (100 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 16 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 3-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 175/70 R13T |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 165.9 in (4214 mm) |
Width: | 65.9 in (1674 mm) |
Height: | 54.1 in (1374 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.3/56.5 in (1,430/1,435 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 98.4 in (2499 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 14.7 cuFT (416 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.31 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2150 lbs (975 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3296 lbs (1495 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 24.8 mpg US (9.5 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.3L 5MT FWD (73 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1323 cm3 |
Power: | 53.7 KW @ 6000 RPM 73 HP @ 6000 RPM 72 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 75 lb-ft @ 3700 RPM 101 Nm @ 3700 RPM |
Fuel System: | Carburetor |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 13.2 gallons (50.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 100 mph (161 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 13.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 175/70 R13T |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 165.9 in (4214 mm) |
Width: | 65.9 in (1674 mm) |
Height: | 54.1 in (1374 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.3/56.5 in (1,430/1,435 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 98.4 in (2499 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 14.7 cuFT (416 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.31 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2094 lbs (950 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3263 lbs (1480 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 28.3 mpg US (8.3 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 31.8 mpg US (7.4 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 33.1 mpg US (7.1 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.4L 5MT FWD (67 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1324 cm3 |
Power: | 49 KW @ 5200 RPM 67 HP @ 5200 RPM 66 BHP @ 5200 RPM |
Torque: | 73 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 99 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 13.2 gallons (50.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 99 mph (159 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 12.8 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 155 R13S |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 165.9 in (4214 mm) |
Width: | 65.9 in (1674 mm) |
Height: | 54.1 in (1374 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.3/56.5 in (1,430/1,435 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 98.4 in (2499 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 14.7 cuFT (416 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.31 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2072 lbs (940 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3109 lbs (1410 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 28.3 mpg US (8.3 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 42.8 mpg US (5.5 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 33.6 mpg US (7 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 167 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.4L 5MT FWD (73 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1324 cm3 |
Power: | 53.7 KW @ 6000 RPM 73 HP @ 6000 RPM 72 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 77 lb-ft @ 3700 RPM 105 Nm @ 3700 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 13.2 gallons (50.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 104 mph (167 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 12 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 155 R13S |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 165.9 in (4214 mm) |
Width: | 65.9 in (1674 mm) |
Height: | 54.1 in (1374 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.3/56.5 in (1,430/1,435 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 98.4 in (2499 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 14.7 cuFT (416 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.31 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2127 lbs (965 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3175 lbs (1440 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 30.5 mpg US (7.7 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 31.4 mpg US (7.5 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 34.1 mpg US (6.9 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.6L 4AT FWD (84 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1598 cm3 |
Power: | 62 KW @ 5200 RPM 84 HP @ 5200 RPM 83 BHP @ 5200 RPM |
Torque: | 92 lb-ft @ 2500 RPM 125 Nm @ 2500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 13.2 gallons (50.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 103 mph (166 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 13.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 175/70 R13T |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 165.9 in (4214 mm) |
Width: | 65.9 in (1674 mm) |
Height: | 54.1 in (1374 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.3/56.5 in (1,430/1,435 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 98.4 in (2499 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 14.7 cuFT (416 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.31 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2205 lbs (1000 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3373 lbs (1530 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 31.4 mpg US (7.5 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.6L 5MT FWD (84 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1598 cm3 |
Power: | 62 KW @ 5200 RPM 84 HP @ 5200 RPM 83 BHP @ 5200 RPM |
Torque: | 92 lb-ft @ 2500 RPM 125 Nm @ 2500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 13.2 gallons (50.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 107 mph (172 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 11.2 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 175/70 R13T |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 165.9 in (4214 mm) |
Width: | 65.9 in (1674 mm) |
Height: | 54.1 in (1374 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.3/56.5 in (1,430/1,435 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 98.4 in (2499 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 14.7 cuFT (416 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.31 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2127 lbs (965 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3307 lbs (1500 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 26.7 mpg US (8.8 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 42 mpg US (5.6 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 32.7 mpg US (7.2 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 171 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.9L 4AT FWD (103 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1840 cm3 |
Power: | 76 KW @ 5300 RPM 103 HP @ 5300 RPM 102 BHP @ 5300 RPM |
Torque: | 109 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 148 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 13.2 gallons (50.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 110 mph (177 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 12 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 175/70 R13H |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 165.9 in (4214 mm) |
Width: | 65.9 in (1674 mm) |
Height: | 54.1 in (1374 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.3/56.5 in (1,430/1,435 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 98.4 in (2499 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 14.7 cuFT (416 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.31 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2249 lbs (1020 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3417 lbs (1550 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 29 mpg US (8.1 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.9L 5MT FWD (103 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1840 cm3 |
Power: | 76 KW @ 5300 RPM 103 HP @ 5300 RPM 102 BHP @ 5300 RPM |
Torque: | 109 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 148 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 113 mph (182 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 175/70 R13H |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 165.9 in (4214 mm) |
Width: | 65.9 in (1674 mm) |
Height: | 54.1 in (1374 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.3/56.5 in (1,430/1,435 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 98.4 in (2499 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 14.7 cuFT (416 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.31 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2205 lbs (1000 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3351 lbs (1520 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 23.5 mpg US (10 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 41.3 mpg US (5.7 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 30.5 mpg US (7.7 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 183 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.8L D 5MT FWD (57 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1720 cm3 |
Power: | 41 KW @ 4300 RPM 56 HP @ 4300 RPM 55 BHP @ 4300 RPM |
Torque: | 81 lb-ft @ 2800 RPM 110 Nm @ 2800 RPM |
Fuel System: | Indirect Injection |
Fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 13.2 gallons (50.0 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 90 mph (145 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 16.5 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 155 R13S |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 165.9 in (4214 mm) |
Width: | 65.9 in (1674 mm) |
Height: | 54.1 in (1374 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 56.3/56.5 in (1,430/1,435 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 98.4 in (2499 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 14.7 cuFT (416 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.31 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2194 lbs (995 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3417 lbs (1550 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 37.9 mpg US (6.2 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 50 mpg US (4.7 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 39.9 mpg US (5.9 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 156 g/km |