The radius of Jupiter as a disc is ~21 times greater than Mars, so even though Mars is around 6 times closer to us at the moment [0.85AU copmared to 4.9AU] it is always going to look tiny in comparison.
Mars is generally considered disappointing for most observers because it is so small. However, if you do have a big enough scope it will be very interesting.
One of the curious things about Mars is because its orbits are so eliptical the distance between it and earth at opposition varies a lot year to year. Unfortunately this year it is going to be a particularly bad one :o( one of the rare years when it is more than 100million km away. 2003 was the last very good year at opposition it was under 56 million km away, and the next close oppostion will be July 2018 when it will be under 58million km away.
thanks for this , so ive got a long wait to see a decent view haha :) good job im young :) haha unless 2012 happens haha joke ;) cheers for the link :)
the end of march (i think) Mars will be fairly near in so much that earth and mars are both at the same point of their orbits, but as Champagnerocker says, still a fair distance apart.