Ford Escort vs Mazda Protege
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2003 Mazda Protege
Overview
| Spec | Ford EscortZX2 | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | ZX2 | DX |
| Body style | Coupe | 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 | 2003 | 2003 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Ford EscortZX2 | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $13,205 (best) | $13,680 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Ford EscortZX2 | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 25 MPG (best) | 24 MPG |
| City MPG | 23 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 30 MPG (best) | 28 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 12.7 gal | 14.5 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Ford EscortZX2 | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 130 hp | 130 hp |
| Torque | 135 lb-ft | 135 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Ford EscortZX2 | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 seats | 5 seats (best) |
| Doors | 2 | 4 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 11.8 cu ft | 12.9 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,464 lbs (best) | 2,634 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 5.5 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 98.4 in | 102.8 in (best) |
| Length | 175.2 in | 175.3 in (best) |
| Width | 67.4 in (best) | 67.1 in |
| Height | 52.3 in | 55.5 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Ford EscortZX2 | Mazda ProtegeDX |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| 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 | Ford Escort | Mazda Protege |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ZX2 $13,205 MSRP(Currently comparing) | DX $13,680 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | ZX2 Deluxe $14,355 MSRP | LX $15,415 MSRP |
| 3 | ZX2 Premium $14,810 MSRP | ES $16,140 MSRP |
| 4 | — | Base $19,980 MSRP |
| 5 | — | Base $20,480 MSRP |
Ford Escort vs Mazda Protege FAQ
- Which is better: 2003 Ford Escort or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2003 Ford Escort 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: 2003 Ford Escort or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2003 Ford Escort starts lower at $13,205.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2003 Ford Escort or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- The 2003 Ford Escort leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (13,205).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2003 Ford Escort or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- The 2003 Ford Escort leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (25).
- Which has better horsepower: 2003 Ford Escort or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- The 2003 Mazda Protege leads on horsepower in this comparison (170).
- Which has better seats: 2003 Ford Escort or 2003 Mazda Protege?
- The 2003 Mazda Protege leads on seats in this comparison (5).