Audi A6 vs Mazda Protege
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2003 Mazda Protege
Overview
| Spec | Audi A6Premium | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Premium | DX |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual | 5-speed manual |
| Engine type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2003 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Audi A6Premium | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $64,100 | $13,680 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $14,990 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $23,396 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $24,999 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 4 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Audi A6Premium | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG | 24 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 20 MPG | 22 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 29 MPG (best) | 28 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 19.3 gal (best) | 14.5 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Audi A6Premium | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 362 hp (best) | 130 hp |
| Torque | 406 lb-ft (best) | 135 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 3 L (best) | 2 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Audi A6Premium | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 13.5 cu ft (best) | 12.9 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 4,310 lbs | 2,634 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | — | 5.5 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 115.1 in (best) | 102.8 in |
| Length | 196.8 in (best) | 175.3 in |
| Width | 73.8 in (best) | 67.1 in |
| Height | 57.4 in (best) | 55.5 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Audi A6Premium | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | Not Rated | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | Not Rated | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | Not Rated | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | Not Rated | — |
| Side crash (passenger) | Not Rated | — |
| Side pole | Not Rated | — |
| Rollover | Not Rated | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
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 A6 | Mazda Protege |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Premium $64,100 MSRP(Currently comparing) | DX $13,680 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Premium Plus $67,500 MSRP | LX $15,415 MSRP |
| 3 | Prestige $71,400 MSRP | ES $16,140 MSRP |
| 4 | — | Base $19,980 MSRP |
| 5 | — | Base $20,480 MSRP |
Live inventory
Audi A64 for sale
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Used2017 Audi A6
2.0T Premium
Brilliant Black•black106,765 mi$14,990Drive Appeal
Eden Prairie, MN
Used2021 Audi A6
3.0T Prestige
Glacier White•brown72,008 mi$24,999Porsche Conshohocken
Conshohocken, PA
Used2019 Audi A6
Premium
black•black44,560 mi$23,192Audi Tampa
Tampa, FL
Used2019 Audi A6
3.0T Premium Plus
Mythos Black Metallic•Black58,124 mi$23,600LeithCars.com
Raleigh, NC
Audi A6 vs Mazda Protege FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Audi A6 or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Audi A6 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: 2026 Audi A6 or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2003 Mazda Protege starts lower at $13,680. Live Audi A6 listings start at $14,990.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Audi A6 or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- The 2003 Mazda Protege leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (13,680).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Audi A6 or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- The 2003 Mazda Protege leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (24).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Audi A6 or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- The 2026 Audi A6 leads on horsepower in this comparison (362).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Audi A6 vs 2003 Mazda Protege?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Audi A6 (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).