A comparison of two affordable four-door sedans, the 1993 Mazda Protege and the 1995 Ford Taurus, reveals that both cars have their strengths and weaknesses. The Mazda Protege, with its 1.8-liter OHC inline-4 engine and five-speed manual transmission, is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable and efficient vehicle.
The Protege’s interior is not bad considering its price, with intact seats and most of the trim in place. However, the wires coming out of the left side of the dash are a bit concerning. The car also has motorized seat belts, which may be a deal-killer for some buyers.
Outside, the Protege has some battle scars, including a serious dent on the right front door and a junkyard-sourced right front fender with an LX badge. The clearcoat on the horizontal surfaces is also shot. Despite this, the car’s color is good, and it doesn’t look embarrassing.
In contrast, the 1995 Ford Taurus has a 3.0-liter OHV V6 engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. It’s a good old cast-iron pushrod engine that will keep running as long as it’s well-maintained. The seller claims the car runs and drives “excellent” and has just passed a California smog check.
The Taurus’s interior is also in good condition, with a center console, floor-mounted shifter, and comfy-looking bucket seats. The seller notes that the “AC BLOWS COLD,” which is a plus.
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Both cars have their compromises, mainly in terms of their appearance. The Protege is available for fifteen hundred bucks, and the Taurus is cheap.
Comparison of Features
The Mazda Protege has an odometer reading of 164,000 miles, while the Ford Taurus has an odometer reading of 128,000 miles. Both cars are front-wheel drive, but the Protege has a manual transmission, whereas the Taurus has an automatic transmission.
It’s worth considering the maintenance costs and reliability of both cars.
Condition and Price
The Protege’s seller notes that the car “runs fine” and has “good brakes,” which is a plus. The Taurus’s clearcoat is fried, but there’s no rust or damage, and it’s a good color.