Interestingly, the ZF's output shaft looks to exit much higher than the M5OD's but viewing the two cases from the side, reveals that the ZF's bellhousing and T-case mounting surfaces are vertical while the M5OD's are angled like this /---/
Which raises the Mazda's rear up.
I'll get a picture later to show what I'm talking about.

Owner caption July 2004 · Photo 207 of 289