Difference In 2003 & 2003.5
 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN THE 2003 MODEL AND THE 2003.5 MS PROTEGE MODEL? I BOUGHT THE 2003.5 MODEL, AND IT LOOKS LIKE THE FIRST MODEL IS MORE EQUIPED.

The major difference between the 03 and 03.5 msp models is the addition of a front lip spoiler to the existing bumper. It des not have any fog lamps. The rims were change to a gunmetal color. Inside of the vehicle, the shift knob was change to a Mazdaspeed knob and I have heard that the seats have a different cloth pattern in the middle with a different color. Also the exterior color had change with yellow, blue, silver, and gray added. The orange and black colors were dropped. Finally, the exhaust tip has a different design.

the interior stuff was swapped to cheaper pieces (hideous in my opinion), the spoiler was changed (again hideous), and exhaust muffler was changed (hideous), and the front air dam was redsigned (not bad). Also, everything else Protogizzle said was changed. The rims are the best thing on the 03.5 model. Sorry to offend anyone with the 03.5 model. I owned the 03 model and it was hot! I loved that car, everything on it was sweet...except for the lack of a sunroof!! The new 03.5 model was made to save on costs. Mazda was able to cut a lot more corners not using name-brand parts (spoiler,exhaust,shifter,pedals,foglights etc)

BUT NO DIFFERENCE IN POWER AND PERFORMANCE.

correct, nothing changed power-wise. I personally thought that mazda was going to put a different / corrected ECU in the 03.5's when they launched, but they were just as crappy. Then came the flash and all is right in the universe once again.

I think the spoiler on the .5's is a lot nicer looking than the 03's. And the better color choices, like Lazer Blue :)

oh yikes, that spoiler is heinous! I do like the color choices, but that silly wing is like a bad pepboys job! I think the front air dam could go either way. the wheels are SHARP! My new P5 is laser blue! I'm thinking of swapping over to the 03.5 MSP bumper.

its just a lip you add on, really easy to swap. I have to say that the .5 wing is much nicer. Also that the stitching changed from orange to yellow on the 3.5s in the interior.