can anyone tell me exactly what the differences are between the P5 and the Protege ES sedan?...other than the obvious, "one is a wagon that has a skirt package and different front end"

are there differences in the suspension, interior, etc???...

those who bought the sedan, instead of the P5, why? how bout the opposite, those who bought the P5 instead?

thanks for the input

 

I bought my sedan instead of the 5 for a couple of reasons (not necessarily in order of importance):

1. Saved a lot of money since the dealers weren't too interested in giving me a good deal on the 5.

2. Saved 150 pounds of extra weight I didn't need anyway.

3. The wife did not want a wagon (although I will admit that I did).

There are some differences aside from the obvious or there were when I bought. I know now that the leather is only available on the 5 and it comes standard with the strut tower brace and a leather steering wheel (the sedan may have this now too). Its more a matter of taste though. They both drive similarly and if you can afford the little bit extra to get a wagon, and its what you want, go ahead and go for it.

 

I do not believe there are any differences at all beyond the exterior design. I just like the way the sedan looks. Look at it this way: Strip a P5 down, take off those skirts and mp3 fog lights and u got a damn ugly car on your hands. The sedan looks good without those things. SEDAN ALL THE WAY!

[waiting for p5 owners to respond with anger, be gentle]

 

I feel so hurt.

Anyways, i guess it all depends of the life style that you live, and preference. If you like the wagon, get the wagon. If you like the sedan, get the sedan

 

I was looking at the P5 and the Es ......I ended up getting the ES because i felt that it was more practical for me....I need a locking trunk to hide my sub and the such......also i found that the exhaust is quite a bit louder in the P5.....it sounds nice but if i want a loud exhaust i'll get a true sports exhaust....plus.....i couldn't get over the fact that even though the P5 looks cooler then the ES (when your talking front end) i was still going to be driving a wagon.........don't get me wrong i love the P5 but all in all i found the sedan a little more refined and nicer looking.....oh yeah i liked the P5 better because of the attenna and also i liked the strut bar....

 

I bought my ES because I don't really like the P5 front end. I know a lot of people do, but I like the ES look better.

 

We looked at both the sedan and the P5, before deciding on the P5 for my wife... 2 main reasons:
1. We felt a hatchback is more practical/versatile than a sedan.
2. The P5 had more 'zoom-zoom' appeal for us.

But only you can decide what is best for you... there is no 'wrong' choice!

 

A lot of this just confirms what other people have already written on this topic, but here's a list of the differences other than the obvious stuff (i.e. exterior and styling):

1) P5 has a strut tower brace.
2) P5 has optional leather and polished alloy wheels.
3) P5 is ~80 lbs heavier in equivalent trim.
4) P5 is slightly shorter in length. The difference is not really enough to notice while driving, but the P5 and ES use different exhaust systems as a result.
5) ES has a slightly stiffer chassis and marginally better handling.

Other than that, the cars are the same. Engine, tranny and suspension are all identical.

 

We got the ES because it is lighter.
LOL, pretty lame reason, but that's it.
You might get like 1/8sec better acceleration, hehehe.