Is there a way to decode a VIN to find out if it had a Torsen?
 

Well can you tell from a vin if car has a torsen rear?

I remember reading it somewhere but search cant find it.

Disregard, found this on m.net:

No, the VIN does not have any codes related to equipment or options. You can determine what's on a car by using the package guides that are linked in the FAQ, which has a button at the bottom of every forum page. You can also call the Mazda 1-888 Customer Service number, and they can look up the VIN on their database and tell you which package and options were on the car when it left the factory.

Good luck!

So from y reading a 99' with out cruise control, did NOT come with a torsen...right?

Talk about a one-man show!

Just call mazda. You'll have your answer in less than 5 minutes. Does the car have leather? Than it has a Torsen. If cloth seats, then call Mazda.

If you have a 92 then you dont have a torsen. You have a VLSD at best.

For the 99:

# Power Steering Package: Variable-assist power steering and wheel trim rings.

# Touring Package: Variable-assist power steering, 3-spoke Nardi leather-wrapped steering wheel, 14-inch aluminum alloy wheels and power door mirrors.

# Popular Equipment Package: Touring package items plus cruise control, Torsen limited-slip differential, power antenna, windblocker and power door locks.

# Leather Package: Popular equipment package items plus tan leather-trimmed upholstery, tan vinyl top 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels and BOSE audio system. All leather package Miatas with automatic transmissions come with ABS.

# Sports Package (manual tranmission only): Sports suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers, rear spoiler, front air dam, 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels, Torsen-limited-slip differential, strut tower brace bar and 3-spoke Nardi leather wrapped steering wheel.
# Appearance Package 1: Front air dam, side sills and rear mud guards.
# Appearance Package 2: Appearance package 1 items plus fog lights and rear deck-lid spoiler.

Thanks for the 99 info.

PS: my 92 has a Torsen, actually gone through two of them so far :crx:

I registered my car with Mazda on their website, it told me everything that my car came with from the factory. I have a fully functional VLSD, nice for a '91 with 154k miles... 2k of which is turbo'd.

Nice until it dies.