Acura RL vs Mazda Protege
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2003 Mazda Protege
Overview
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Base | DX |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2012 | 2003 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $48,200 | $13,680 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 20 MPG | 24 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 17 MPG | 22 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 24 MPG | 28 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 19.3 gal (best) | 14.5 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 hp (best) | 130 hp |
| Torque | 271 lb-ft (best) | 135 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 3.7 L (best) | 2 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 13.1 cu ft (best) | 12.9 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 4,083 lbs | 2,634 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 5.7 in (best) | 5.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 110.2 in (best) | 102.8 in |
| Length | 195.7 in (best) | 175.3 in |
| Width | 72.7 in (best) | 67.1 in |
| Height | 57.2 in (best) | 55.5 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 6 | None reported (best) |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Acura RL | Mazda Protege |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base $48,200 MSRP(Currently comparing) | DX $13,680 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Technology Package $52,350 MSRP | LX $15,415 MSRP |
| 3 | Technology Package - in HI $52,350 MSRP | ES $16,140 MSRP |
| 4 | Advance Package $56,150 MSRP | Base $19,980 MSRP |
| 5 | — | Base $20,480 MSRP |
Acura RL vs Mazda Protege FAQ
- Which is better: 2012 Acura RL or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2012 Acura RL vs 2003 Mazda Protege on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2012 Acura RL or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2003 Mazda Protege starts lower at $13,680.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2012 Acura RL or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- The 2003 Mazda Protege leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (13,680).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2012 Acura RL or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- The 2003 Mazda Protege leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (24).
- Which has better horsepower: 2012 Acura RL or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- The 2012 Acura RL leads on horsepower in this comparison (300).