'03 Maxdaspeed Protege Vs. Sentra SE-R Spec V?

Wow Joe, He asked his readers to answer a simple question of which do you like better and why, and you go off on some tiraid about their performance, how sedans shouldn't be "sporty" and how he should buy a sports car.

FYI, an EVO X, which is only offered in a sedan package, would easily outperform both of the entry level sports cars you named, even with Betty White behind the wheel - at roughly the same price, so can the elitist attitude, because you're WRONG.

Secondly, I much prefer the Mazdaspeed Protege, as far as styling, performance, and reliability are all concerned. I have driven both as well, and I enjoyed the Mazdaspeed much more.

The best answer anyone can give you - Go out, test drive both cars. Then come away with the experience with a list of things you liked and disliked about both. Then fill in the gaps with the information we can give you.

Because other than benchmark performance scores, and a list of features - absolutely EVERYTHING about what you like in a car is completely subjective, and the experience will greatly vary from person to person.

Again though, since you asked - The smart money is on the Mazda.

Honestly, for what they are, both are decent cars. The Sentra has more power and torque, and will get down a strip quicker in stock form, but that's about it. The Protege has a better chassis, so it will do better in something like an Autocross. Also, the Protege has a better aftermarket support and, since it is a factory turbocharged car, it will respond better to modifications than the Sentra.

Neither, as sedans were never intended to be and shouldn't ever be packaged and modified to be sporty.

Buy a Z or RX-8 if you want real performance and all of the properly-engineered aftermarket mods that are available for them. Quit glorifying pedestrian commuters with graphics and PacRim add-on trash.