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 |
Dodge Neon vs Mazda Protege FAQ
- Which is better: 2005 Dodge Neon or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2005 Dodge Neon 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: 2005 Dodge Neon or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2003 Mazda Protege starts lower at $13,680.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2005 Dodge Neon or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- The 2003 Mazda Protege leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (13,680).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2005 Dodge Neon or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- The 2005 Dodge Neon leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (28).
- Which has better horsepower: 2005 Dodge Neon or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- The 2005 Dodge Neon leads on horsepower in this comparison (220).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2005 Dodge Neon or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- The 2005 Dodge Neon leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (1,500).