Dodge Neon vs Mazda Protege
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2003 Mazda Protege
Overview
| Spec | Dodge NeonSE | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | SE | DX |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2005 | 2003 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Dodge NeonSE | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $13,800 | $13,680 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Dodge NeonSE | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 28 MPG (best) | 24 MPG |
| City MPG | 25 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 32 MPG (best) | 28 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 12.5 gal | 14.5 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Dodge NeonSE | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 132 hp (best) | 130 hp |
| Torque | 130 lb-ft | 135 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Dodge NeonSE | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 13.1 cu ft (best) | 12.9 cu ft |
| Towing capacity | 1,500 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 2,581 lbs (best) | 2,634 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 6.1 in (best) | 5.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 105 in (best) | 102.8 in |
| Length | 174.4 in | 175.3 in (best) |
| Width | 67.4 in (best) | 67.1 in |
| Height | 56 in (best) | 55.5 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Dodge NeonSE | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| 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 | Dodge Neon | Mazda Protege |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SE $13,800 MSRP(Currently comparing) | DX $13,680 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | SXT $16,110 MSRP | LX $15,415 MSRP |
| 3 | SRT-4 $20,700 MSRP | ES $16,140 MSRP |
| 4 | — | Base $19,980 MSRP |
| 5 | — | Base $20,480 MSRP |