Are most parts interchangeable between 02 and 03 models?

Partyman10195

Member
:
2003 Protege5
I was wanting to buy an 02 P5 to replace my 03 P5 as my current 03 was in a collision and the 02's are slightly cheaper. The only problem is the previous year models I was looking at have no leather option and other things that came in the top end 03 model so I was wondering if I could simply switch out say my heated leather seats, all carbon fiber trim inside, etc to make the 02 basically the same as my 03 just an earlier year. Is this possible? Thanks.
 
The only difference is the front fenders on the 02 have no side markers, on the 03 they do. Also, the cup holders are slightly different.
 
I heard that the late model 02's and all of the 03's have a more heavy duty drivetrain (most specifically the transmission) but i have no idea if that is true. Even if it is true, it will still bolt right in place and doesn't look any different.
 
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