Model Year | 2009 | 2012 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Ford Escape | |
Engine | 1.3L R2 OHV-2v 212 hp@7500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
3.0L V6 DOHC-4v 240 hp@6550 223 lb-ft@4300 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed automatic | |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 103.1 in | 3.3 in |
Length | 175.6 in | 174.7 in | 0.9 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 71.1 in | -1.4 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 67.7 in | -14.9 in |
Curb Weight | 3094 lb. | 3529 lb. | -435 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 16.5 gal. | -0.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 40.4 in | -2.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 56.6 in | -1.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 53.3 in | 0 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.7 in | 41.6 in | 1.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 39.2 in | -2.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 55.9 in | -1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 48.1 in | 49.1 in | -1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 32.2 in | 35.6 in | -3.4 in |
Total Legroom | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 77.2 in (over 2 rows) | -2.3 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 7.6 ft3 | 29.2 ft3 | -21.6 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 7.6 ft3 | 66.3 ft3 | -58.7 ft3 |
2009 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Very comfortable Recaro seats, even on long drives. Larger people may not be comfortable so beware. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2009 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Given the RX-8's compact dimensions, you wouldn't expect rear seat space to be a strength. But thanks to clever packaging and a subtly high roofline, there is actually space for real adults in back, provided those up front are short or move their seats up somewhat. With a pair of pickup-like rear-opening "half" rear doors, ingress and egress for rear seat passengers is a snap. For those who want a sports car but have children or need to transport a few friends occassionally, the RX-8 fits the bill nicely. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2009 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
The R3 Recaro seats had side bolsters that were a bit tight for us. I am below average in size as a male, and my wife is also very small and we found the bolsters cut into our hips far more than was comfortable. The seats are racing oriented only. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2012 Ford Escape Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 240hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Front seats are comfortable AFTER removing headrests and re-installing them backwards. see full Ford Escape review |
2011 | 4dr SUV 171-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed automatic FWD |
Wide bench seat with no humps. Middle passenger has good leg room where many other vehicles have a large hump to straddle. see full Ford Escape review |
2012 Ford Escape Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr SUV 171-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed automatic FWD |
It's a tad bit tight in the drivers seat. I have to postion the seat just right to avoid hitting my right knee on the center console, and I frequently hit the light switch when getting out. I'm only 5'9", so not that large of a person. see full Ford Escape review |