Mazda MX-5 (Miata) NA & NB – Engine Specifications (1989–2005)

This is a complete overview of the main engines used in the first two MX-5 generations:

• NA (1989–1997)

• NB pre-facelift “NB-NFL” (1998–2000)

• NB facelift “NB-FL” (2001–2005)

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1. B6-ZE(RS) – 1.6L DOHC 16V (NA 1989–1993)

• Engine code: B6-ZE(RS)

• Layout: Inline-4, front-mid, longitudinal

• Block / Head: Cast iron block, aluminum head

• Displacement: 1,597 cc

• Bore × Stroke: 78.0 mm × 83.0 mm

• Compression ratio: 9.2 : 1

• Valvetrain: DOHC 16 valve, shim-type tappets

• Timing drive: Duplex roller chain

• Intake system: 4× individual throttle bodies, MPFI

• Fuel type: Unleaded gasoline, 91 RON minimum

• Ignition: Distributorless coil pack

• ECU: Hitachi / Mitsubishi

• Max power:

  • Europe: 86 kW (117 PS) @ 6,500 rpm

  • USA: 66 kW (90 hp) @ 6,000 rpm

• Max torque:

  • Europe: 137 Nm @ 5,500 rpm

  • USA: 136 Nm @ 4,500 rpm

• Redline: 7,000 rpm

• Oil capacity: 4.5 L (with filter)

• Cooling: Water-cooled, single thermostat

• Dry weight: ~112 kg

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2. BP-ZE – 1.8L DOHC 16V (NA 1994–1997)

• Engine code: BP-ZE

• Displacement: 1,839 cc

• Bore × Stroke: 83.0 mm × 85.0 mm

• Compression ratio: 9.4 : 1

• Valvetrain: DOHC 16 valve, shim-type tappets

• Timing drive: Duplex roller chain

• Intake system: 4× individual throttle bodies, MPFI

• Fuel type: Unleaded gasoline, 91 RON minimum

• Ignition: Distributorless coil pack

• ECU: Hitachi / Mitsubishi

• Max power:

  • Europe: 96 kW (131 PS) @ 6,500 rpm

  • USA: 85 kW (115 hp) @ 6,000 rpm

• Max torque:

  • Europe: 164 Nm @ 5,500 rpm

  • USA: 148 Nm @ 4,500 rpm

• Redline: 7,000 rpm

• Oil capacity: 4.5 L (with filter)

• Cooling: Water-cooled, single thermostat

• Dry weight: ~118 kg

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3. BP-Z3 – 1.8L DOHC 16V (NB-NFL 1998–2000)

• Engine code: BP-Z3

• Displacement: 1,839 cc

• Bore × Stroke: 83.0 mm × 85.0 mm

• Compression ratio: 9.4 : 1

• Valvetrain: DOHC 16 valve, shim-type tappets

• Timing drive: Duplex roller chain

• Intake system: 4× individual throttle bodies, MPFI

• Fuel type: Unleaded gasoline, 91 RON minimum

• Ignition: Distributorless coil pack

• ECU: Hitachi / Mitsubishi

• Max power:

  • Europe: 104 kW (142 PS) @ 6,500 rpm

  • USA: 107 kW (143 hp) @ 6,500 rpm

• Max torque:

  • Europe: 167 Nm @ 5,500 rpm

  • USA: 170 Nm @ 5,000 rpm

• Redline: 7,000 rpm

• Oil capacity: 4.5 L (with filter)

• Cooling: Water-cooled, single thermostat

• Dry weight: ~118 kg

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4. BP-VE – 1.8L DOHC 16V with VVT (NB-FL 2001–2005)

• Engine code: BP-VE

• Displacement: 1,839 cc

• Bore × Stroke: 83.0 mm × 85.0 mm

• Compression ratio: 10.0 : 1

• Valvetrain: DOHC 16 valve with VVT (intake cam)

• Timing drive: Duplex roller chain

• Intake system: MPFI with revised intake manifold

• Fuel type: Unleaded gasoline, 91 RON minimum

• Ignition: Distributorless coil pack

• ECU: Hitachi / Mitsubishi

• Max power:

  • Europe: 107 kW (146 PS) @ 7,000 rpm

  • USA: 104 kW (143 hp) @ 7,000 rpm

• Max torque:

  • Europe: 168 Nm @ 5,500 rpm

  • USA: 162 Nm @ 5,000 rpm

• Redline: 7,200 rpm

• Oil capacity: 4.5 L (with filter)

• Cooling: Water-cooled, single thermostat

• Dry weight: ~118 kg

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Additional Notes

• Valve Timing:

  • NA & NB-NFL: No VVT

  • NB-FL: Introduced VVT on intake camshaft

• Regional Variations: Output varies depending on fuel octane and emissions equipment

• Ancillaries: All engines use a belt-driven alternator, water pump, and (if equipped) power steering pump

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Key Differences Across NA & NB Engines

• Displacement: 1.6L B6 vs. 1.8L BP → +242 cc, 15–30 PS increase

• Compression Ratio: B6 = 9.2:1 | BP-ZE/Z3 = 9.4:1 | BP-VE = 10.0:1

• Powerband:

  • NA & NB-NFL peak at ~6,500 rpm, 7,000 rpm redline

  • NB-FL revs slightly higher to 7,200 rpm

• Valve Technology:

  • NA & NB-NFL: DOHC 16V without VVT

  • NB-FL: DOHC 16V with VVT (intake cam)