Question for Lutz

[LMH]

Lutz

I'd like to check something with you and I'd like your opinions.

I've been asked if a 1997 P reg Mazda GXI 16V would pull a caravan that's the only information she gave me.

I've asked for clarification on the model and am awaiting a reply. I looked on what tow car and had to enter a model so working on what the person told me, I put the 323 model in. It came out with a kerbweight of about 1000kg. If it is that model, I wouldn't have thought it would be suitable as the engine is 1500 cc and I think (might be wrong here) the bhp is around 87.

Could you tell me what you think please. (Please don't laugh me off the forum, it's not a car I'd like to attempt to tow with even if you could get a van light enough).

Many thanks.

Lisa

 

[BrianStAlbans]

Lisa , if you know the reg no of the car email it to my home email address and I'll tell you exact model , at work until 8pm ;O( Post here if you have done it.

Brian (",)

 

[LMH]

Hi Brian

Thanks for that, I appreciate it.

An email is on its way to you explaining a couple of things.

Lisa

 

[Lutz]

I haven't ignored you, Lisa, but Brian seems to be able to handle this one better than me.

 

[BrianStAlbans]

Far from it Lutz ;O) I was just trying to get the exact model for you as the comp I was on last night had Experion access. I'll leave the tech stuff to the experts ;O)

Brian (",)

 

[LMH]

Hi Lutz and Brian

Thanks for the replies.

The model is:

1997 Mazda 323 1.5i Gxi hatch 5 door (P) reg

Could you tell me the kerbweight, what the 85% guideline weight is and its max towing weight as recommend by the manufacturer etc. I'd also appreciated your considered opinion as to whether it's suitable for towing a caravan and also anything else you think relevant.

Many thanks.

Lisa

 

[BigRoy]

use this as a starting point Lisa

http://www.cuddles.abelgratis.net/mazda.htm#62696

 

[LMH]

Thanks Roy

It states:

1.5 1996 Kerbweight 1132 85% 962

So do you think it would be ok to tow upto 962kg's?

Lisa

 

[Lutz]

Scanning the databases I find that the kerbweight must be somewhere in the region of 1150kg so 85% of that is 980kg. The maximum permissible towload is 1200kg.

 

[LMH]

Hi Lutz

Thanks for the reply.

I can't see it being much of a tow car at 1.5 though. Surely it wouldn't have much poke?

Lisa

 

[Lutz]

It's a matter of just how brutal you're prepared to be with the engine and gears whether it'll tow satisfactorily or not. You'll probably never get into 5th gear and you'll be giving it plenty of pedal-to-the-metal with the engine running close to the red line much of the time but if you're not squeamish, it should pull OK.

The Mazda 323 in question has 88hp and I towed a 1300kg caravan behind a 90hp car for a number of years without a problem.

 

[LMH]

Thanks Lutz

That's the answer I was after.

Appreciated.

Lisa