Which is better: 2020 Audi A4 or 2003 Mazda Protege?

It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2020 Audi A4 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: 2020 Audi A4 or 2003 Mazda Protege?

Based on starting MSRP, the 2003 Mazda Protege starts lower at $13,680. Live Audi A4 listings start at $15,423.

Which has better startingMsrp: 2020 Audi A4 or 2003 Mazda Protege?

The 2003 Mazda Protege leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (13,680).

Which has better combinedMpg: 2020 Audi A4 or 2003 Mazda Protege?

The 2020 Audi A4 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (30).

Which has better horsepower: 2020 Audi A4 or 2003 Mazda Protege?

The 2020 Audi A4 leads on horsepower in this comparison (188).

How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2020 Audi A4 vs 2003 Mazda Protege?

NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Audi A4 (5/5 NHTSA overall).

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Audi A4 vs Mazda Protege

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

2020 Audi A4

Trim

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2003 Mazda Protege

Trim

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Overview

Spec	Audi A4Premium	Mazda ProtegeDX
Selected trim	Premium	DX
Body style	Sedan	Sedan
Drivetrain	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Fuel type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
Transmission	7-speed automated manual	5-speed manual
Engine type	gas	gas
Model year	2020	2003

Pricing & market

Spec	Audi A4Premium	Mazda ProtegeDX
MSRP	$37,400	$13,680 (best)
Lowest listing price	$15,423 (best)	—
Median listing price	$18,627 (best)	—
Highest listing price	$20,801 (best)	—
For sale now	5 (best)	0

Fuel economy & range

Spec	Audi A4Premium	Mazda ProtegeDX
Combined MPG	30 MPG (best)	24 MPG
City MPG	27 MPG (best)	22 MPG
Highway MPG	35 MPG (best)	28 MPG
Fuel tank	15.3 gal (best)	14.5 gal

Performance

Spec	Audi A4Premium	Mazda ProtegeDX
Horsepower	188 hp (best)	130 hp
Torque	236 lb-ft (best)	135 lb-ft
Engine size	2 L	2 L
Cylinders	I4	I4

Size & capability

Spec	Audi A4Premium	Mazda ProtegeDX
Seating	5 seats	5 seats
Doors	4	4
Cargo volume	12 cu ft	12.9 cu ft (best)
Curb weight	3,417 lbs	2,634 lbs (best)
Ground clearance	—	5.5 in (best)
Wheelbase	111 in (best)	102.8 in
Length	187.5 in (best)	175.3 in
Width	72.7 in (best)	67.1 in
Height	56.2 in (best)	55.5 in

Safety & recalls

Spec	Audi A4Premium	Mazda ProtegeDX
NHTSA overall	5 / 5 ★ (best)	—
Frontal crash (driver)	4 / 5 ★	5 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (passenger)	4 / 5 ★	4 / 5 ★
Side crash (driver)	5 / 5 ★ (best)	—
Side crash (passenger)	5 / 5 ★ (best)	—
Side pole	5 / 5 ★ (best)	—
Rollover	5 / 5 ★ (best)	—
Open recalls (YMM scope)	3	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	Audi A4	Mazda Protege
1	Premium $37,400 MSRP(Currently comparing)	DX $13,680 MSRP(Currently comparing)
2	Premium Plus $41,000 MSRP	LX $15,415 MSRP
3	Prestige $46,950 MSRP	ES $16,140 MSRP
4	—	Base $19,980 MSRP
5	—	Base $20,480 MSRP

Live inventory

Audi A45 for sale

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