3 WORST and 4 BEST Mazda Engines Ever

3 WORST and 4 BEST Mazda Engines Ever We dive into Mazda engine families and the iconic powerplants that have defined the brand across decades of enthusiast favorites and daily drivers alike. This Mazda engines review covers the Mazda rotary engine, MZR, K‑Series, R2 diesel, and Skyactiv‑G gasoline engines with real-world specs, applications, and key technical notes to help enthusiasts and buyers understand what’s under the hood. From the rotary engine lineup, we spotlight the 13B‑REW twin‑turbo 1.3 Liter (RX‑7 FD, 1992–2002) and the 13B‑MSP Renesis 1.3 Liter (RX‑8, 2004–2011), including typical factory figures like 252–276 horsepower and 217–231 pound feet for the 13B‑REW, and 232–238 horsepower for high‑rev trims of the Renesis. We also outline their unique rotary lubrication and cooling needs. In the MZR family, we discuss the 2.3 Liter DISI Turbo L3‑VDT (Mazdaspeed3 2007–2013, Mazdaspeed6 2006–2007, CX‑7 Turbo), the naturally aspirated 2.3 Liter L3‑VE (Mazda6 GG/GY, MPV), the 2.5 Liter L5‑VE (Mazda6 GH, Mazda3 BL, CX‑7 NA), and the 2.0 Liter LF‑VE/LFF7 (Mazda6 2003–2008, NC Miata 2006–2015, Mazda5/Mazda3). We include typical outputs where applicable, like 244–263 horsepower and 280–310 pound feet for the DISI turbo, plus known factory configurations such as chain‑driven cams and dual overhead camshaft designs. Mazda’s K‑Series gets its moment with the K8 1.8 Liter V6 (MX‑3, 1991–1998), known for its compact V6 architecture and remarkably smooth character despite its small displacement. We talk layout, balance, and typical maintenance items that enthusiasts care about. Diesel fans will appreciate coverage of the R2 2.2 Liter MZR‑CD (Mazda6 and CX‑7 in Europe/Japan, ~2008–2013) and the Skyactiv‑D 2.2 Liter (Mazda6, CX‑5, 2012–present), including common applications, regeneration behavior for diesel particulate filters, and the importance of correct oil specifications. For modern gasoline tech, the Skyactiv‑G line is front and center. We break down the Skyactiv‑G 1.5 Liter (Mazda2/Demio, CX‑3 select markets), the Skyactiv‑G 2.0 Liter (Mazda3, CX‑3, ND Miata), and the Skyactiv‑G 2.5 Liter naturally aspirated (CX‑5, Mazda6, Mazda3, CX‑30). Expect typical factory power ranges such as 74–129 horsepower for the 1.5 Liter, 155–181 horsepower and 148–151 pound feet for the 2.0 Liter, and 184–194 horsepower with around 185–190 pound feet for the 2.5 Liter. We also touch on high compression ratios, thermal efficiency strategies, timing chain designs, intake cleaning considerations and engineering for the most reliable engines. Classic B‑Series stalwarts round out the discussion: the B6 1.6 Liter (MX‑5 NA6, 1990–1993) and BP 1.8 Liter (Miata NA/NB, 1994–2005), with their beloved dual overhead cam layouts, simple serviceability, and strong aftermarket support. Whether you’re comparing RX‑7 FD and RX‑8 rotary specs, researching Mazdaspeed3 and Mazdaspeed6 DISI turbo details, digging into NC/ND Miata engine nuances, or evaluating Mazda3, Mazda6, CX‑5, and CX‑30 Skyactiv‑G combinations, this video compiles model years, displacement, horsepower, torque, and common applications to streamline your research. Mazda Engines featured include: 13B‑REW, 13B‑MSP Renesis, MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo, MZR 2.3 L3, Skyactiv‑D 2.2, K8 1.8 V6, MZR 2.5 L5‑VE, MZR 2.0 LF‑VE/LFF7, R2 2.2 MZR‑CD, Skyactiv‑G 1.5, Skyactiv‑G 2.0, Skyactiv‑G 2.5 NA, plus B6 1.6 and BP 1.8. Vehicles and platforms covered include RX‑7 FD, RX‑8, Mazdaspeed 3, Mazdaspeed 6, CX‑7, MX‑3, Mazda3, Mazda6, Mazda5, CX‑5, CX‑30, Mazda2/Demio, CX‑3, and MX‑5 Miata NA/NB/NC/ND. If you’re a Mazda fan researching specs, configurations, and typical application pairings, this episode brings the data together in one place. -------------- Copyright Disclaimer We do not fully own the material compiled in this video. It belongs to individuals or organizations that deserve respect. We use under: Copyright disclaimer section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. "fair use" is allowed for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching. scholarships and research. -------------- #car #automobile #vehicles #suv #luxurycars #jdm #jdmcars #jdmcar #japancars

Added 1 Jun 2026