l currently own a 1996 Mazda MX6 LS and l am looking into selling it and buying a 2003 MazdaSpeed Protege. What car is better? Better as in prices of parts, performance, and so-on.

The mazda speed protege wins hands down except in price of parts. The stock turbo was very small and should not stress the engine too badly or reduce the expected engine life.

An SRT-4 it is not.

l think 2003 mazdaSpeed Protege would be better.

You will have a lot of fun the msprotege! Just do not mess with the boost level and you should be fine. The best place to find the in is and out is of the msp is here.http://mazdas247.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=48

You will find more info than you are most likely looking for.

Go with the MSP. This is the best site for mazda owners.

well.. l have two protege 2002 one DX & the other is protege 5
i love my cars & l sure u will love ur turbo protege but..

every one here is talking too much about the turbo & no one take a look to the V6 220HP that lives on the mx6

i prefer the mx6 because of the engine with a few tricks u can get over 260HP the protege only have 170HP with turbo so to reach 200 in the protege u have to spend a few $$ & it can damage the feeling of the car.
other thing of the mx6 it has a bigger wheel base so is better at handling, it has 2 doors so is a very sporty car

in price & parts well the protege is cheaper to maintain but do not get fool.. mazdaspeed r not that cheap many suspension parts r only exclusive for turbo model & the turbo can cause a lot of problem when they r going bad so a V6 stock has enough HP & no need to worry about because is STOCK, for the style ill go with the MX6 100% go for ebay & search for body kits u will fall in love with MX6