My old roommate has a 2002 Mazda Protege 5. I drove it once and think its nice even though it is an automatic and a station wagon. He seems to believe that it is faster than my Lancer. I haven't the time lately to prove him wrong. I know he hasn't done anything to the vehicle except run a red light and get hit by someone (which left him without a car for 3 months).

I don't think I would have a problem taking him! My Lancer ES is a stick vs. his Tiptronic automatic (has the manual shifting feature). The P5 is 103 lbs. heavier and he is about 110 lbs. heavier than I am. thats about a 200 lbs. advantage for me. Although the P5 is rated at 10 hp more I get about 1-2 hp back for my RMR intake. he also has 16 inch alloy wheels vs. my stock 14's(hubcaps)!

Does anyone have knowledge of the P5 or have they raced one? Also the P5 has a 2.0L DOHC would that make a big difference?

 

i think it would be a good race...could go either way. i would say you have a little advantage being a manual tranny. try it but be safe.