Model Year | 2010 | 2011 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Kia Forte | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 104.3 in | -0.4 in |
Length | 180.7 in | 178.3 in | 2.4 in |
Width | 69.1 in | 69.9 in | -0.8 in |
Height | 57.9 in | 57.5 in | 0.4 in |
Curb Weight | 2963 lb. | 2707 lb. | 256 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 13.7 gal. | 0.8 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.9 in | 40.0 in | -1.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 55.7 in | -0.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 53.0 in | -53 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 43.3 in | -1.3 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.8 in | -0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.0 in | 54.7 in | -0.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 53.3 in | -53.3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.2 in | 35.0 in | 1.2 in |
Total Legroom | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 78.3 in (over 2 rows) | -0.1 in |
Cargo Volume | 11.8 ft3 | 14.7 ft3 | -2.9 ft3 |
2010 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Tilt and telescopic wheel plus the adjustments with the drivers seat had me in a very good/comfortable driving position. Being comfortable allows me to concentrate on the drive ahead instead of being distracted by squirming around in the seat. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Being a 5 door hatch, there is plenty of room back for 2 full size adults or 3 kids/teenagers. The versatility of the hatch makes it feel like a Mini SUV. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Very comfortable and form fitting. My butt and back feel supported. Leg room is great. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Kids easily able to get in/out of back (4-doors) and often able to take co-workers to lunch (both of which is much more of a hassle with 2-doors). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The Mazda3 is not a vehicle for transporting more than 2 people. The backseat is cramped for a full-size adult. However, when required, they will fit. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 104-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Seating room is borderline for 2 adults, particularly leg room. 3 adults virtually impossible. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat space can be tight see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2011 Kia Forte Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Plenty of room, indeed there may be too much room as it is a bit of a reach to unlock the passenger side door, almost impossible to adjust the passenger door mirror and lower the passenger window? Forget it. Plenty of elbow room. see full Kia Forte review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
My Jazz Bass, in its case, fits on the floor between the front and rear seats. Just like the front seats, there is plenty of room for two and adequate room for three. see full Kia Forte review |
2011 Kia Forte Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I feel the seat is to far away from the wheel and the pedals are angled to steeply. The dead pedal is perfect though. see full Kia Forte review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
too small and too tight. see full Kia Forte review |