5 or 6 speed in Mk 2 NB. Is Wiki wrong?

Technical Area Engine, Transmission, Exhaust etc
2

 Does the 1.8 Mk2 have a 5 or 6 speed box?

According to Wiki the NB began to be offered with a 6 speed box on some models from 1999, but by 2001 their table implies it was standard on all 1.8 engines. This clearly is not the case as I am looking (for my partner) for a Mk2 to replace the '98 she sold. Amingst the criteria is air con, and as we both felt her 1.6 5 speed ran out of puff, I have been pushing the 6 speed … yet EVERY ad I have so far found on eBay turns out to be a 5 speed.

Am I chasing something so rare there is little point? Is the 6 speed worth caring about, as I read that when cold it is infuriatingly notchy?

BTW she seeks low mileage, most colours other than black. Hard top appreciated. No rust (ideally sill drains modified) but will pay good money.

Technical specifications (UK)[edit]

[hide]Drivetrain specifications by generation (UK market)[7]
Model year(s) Model no(s). Chassis code(s) Engine type Engine code Transmission(s) Power@rpm Torque@rpm
1998–2001 1.6i NB 1.6 L inline-4 BP-4W 5-speed MT 108 bhp (81 kW) @6,500 99 ft·lbf (134 N·m) @5,000
1998–2001 1.8i NB 1.8 L inline-4 BP-4W 5 or 6-speed MT 140 bhp (100 kW) @6,500 119 ft·lbf (161 N·m) @5,000
2001–2005 1.6i NB 1.6 L inline-4 BP-4W 5-speed MT 110 bhp (82 kW) @6,500 99 ft·lbf (134 N·m) @5,000
2001–2005 1.8i NB 1.8 L inline-4 BP-4W 6-speed MT 146 bhp (109 kW) @6,500 124 ft·lbf (168 N·m) @5,000
3

Sport model had 6 speed, certainly the 2.5 sports all do, plus I think some special editions. 

And its not such as good box to use as the 5 speed, as I think most who have used both will agree, so I would not make that the deciding factor in buying a 1.8 mk2.

4

The jap imports all have aircon and some are 6 speed also.They are available ,some here in Dublin ,but you just need to keep an eye out for the right one.

5

I don’t think you’ll see much advantage in a 6-speed 1.8 over a 5-speed.    4&5 in 5-speed are almost the same gears as 5/6 in a 6-speed.

For UK cars, the 6-speeds that I know of are:

  - 20th Anniversary edition

  - Mk2.5 Sport

  - Euphonic 1.8

  - Phoenix 1.8

http://www.mx5-mazda.co.uk/phoenix.htm

http://www.mx5-mazda.co.uk/euphonic.htm

 

6

Euphoric and Phoenix were 5 speed. The 6 speed was fitted to the 10 AE and the 2000 Icon prior to the facelift NB being launched and then is was only fitted to Sport trim cars.

7

Phoenix 1.8 ltd ed’s did not have 6 speed gearboxes, just the standard 5 speed.

8

Mk 2 V.S and R.S Japanese market versions have a 6 speed box, and the better diff than the Mk 2.5 with the 6 speed which is losing lugs and breaking down inside from rolling road MOT testing over here, personally i am not a lover of the 6 speed box.

M-m

9

 

My bad.  Made an assumption without checking :frowning:

 

That said, both the Euphonic and Phoenix 1.8 cars are pretty nice looking and well-specced.