Acura TLX Acura TLX 2021 Mazda Protege Mazda Protege 2003

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Acura TLX (2021) vs. Mazda Protege (2003) Specs

How powerful is the engine? How much room is in the back seat? Get the 2021 Acura TLX and 2003 Mazda Protege specs.

2021 Acura TLX and 2003 Mazda Protege Specifications

Model Year 2021 2003  
Model Acura TLX Mazda Protege  
Engine  
Transmission  
Drivetrain  
Body  
      Difference
Total Legroom 0 in (over 1 rows) 0 in (over 1 rows) 0 in

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TrueDelta Reviews the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2021 Acura TLX

2021 Acura TLX Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearComment
It might seem unfair to compare the Acura TLX to the Genesis G70, as the latter is considerably smaller: 194.6 vs. 184.4 inches long, 75.2 vs. 72.8 inches wide, and 56.4 vs. 55.1 inches tall. The TLX is also two-to-three-hundred pounds heavier, 3,709 vs. 3,516 pounds for the 2WD fours, 4,221 vs. 3,887 pounds for the AWD V6s. In fact, compared to the second Legend--which seemed like a fairly large car in the early 1990s--the new TLX is virtually as long, four inches wider, and an inch taller. The car that was intended to replace the TSX as well as the TL has grown to the size of the final TL, which many (including me) thought too large, and weighs about 250 pounds more. Size and weight aren't good for handling agility, performance, or fuel efficiency. So, to keep match-ups fair in these and other areas, normally I compare cars that are close in size. But, the thing is, part of the cost of the TLX's dramatically lengthened dash-to-axle is a rear seat with no more legroom than in the smaller G70. Also, despite the TLX's additional width and height, it provides only slightly more rear shoulder room and less rear headroom than the rear-drive Genesis. Adults any taller than the average man will find the TLX's rear seat a tight fit. The Kia Stinger, which is a half-foot longer than the G70 but still a few inches shorter than the TLX, provides a useful additional inch-and-a-half of legroom. Front-wheel-drive transverse powertrains were originally adopted because, when turned sideways, the engine and transmission take up much less of a car's length. By taking a conventional front-wheel-drive powertrain and merely shifting it forward nearly eight inches, while only adding half as much to the wheelbase, Acura has sacrificed this advantage, and then some.* The no-longer-closely-related Honda Accord is 2.4 inches less lengthy but has 5.3 inches more legroom--a huge difference. Add these two number up and you get...the TLX's increased dash-to-axle. The Accord also weighs 300 pounds less. Acura's been here before--with the Vigor. Okay, not quite. The Vigor's rear seat was so tight only children and small adults fit. The new TLX has about 3.5 more inches of legroom. This not only brings it even with the G70, but if you compare its shoulder and leg room to those of the best-selling 3rd TL you'll find they're surprsingly close. A coincidence? I doubt it. But some people might expect more from the new TLX given its larger exterior. * One alternative at least one manufacturer has considered: rotating a transverse powertrain 180 degrees, putting the engine behind the axle rather than ahead of it. The decreased front overhang this would enable would compensate for the increased dash-to-axle, and together they would yield even better proportions. But no one has produced a car with such a layout. The impediment for Acura or Audi: it would make AWD very difficult. see full Acura TLX review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2021 Acura TLX

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What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2003 Mazda Protege

2003 Mazda Protege Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2003 4dr Wagon 130-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual FWD
I find the front seat of this car to be incredibly comfortable. Everything is easily within reach and seems to fit me perfectly. My only complaint is that there's no good place to put my purse, but that's been the case with every car I've owned. see full Mazda Protege review
2003 Mazda Protege Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2003 4dr Wagon 130-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual FWD
The backseat is a little tight, so it would not be comfortable for a large person or for a long drive. Thankfully, my husband and I are on the small side, and our daughter is pretty tiny too, so it doesn't really bother us at all. see full Mazda Protege review
2003 4dr Wagon 130-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual FWD
Hey, it's a small car. Which results in a, well, small car- inside. Like most makers, Mazda puts higher priority on front seat room than rear. Logical- most small-car owners have small families, either in number or physical size. What are you gonna do? see full Mazda Protege review
2002 4dr Wagon 130-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual FWD
Despite good manual adjustability, support is average and lumbar support is nonexistent. see full Mazda Protege review
 
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See TrueDelta's information for all Acura models.