Model Year | 2018 | 2009 | |
Model | Kia Cadenza | Mazda RX-8 | |
Engine | 3.3L V6 DOHC-4v 290 hp@6400 253 lb-ft@5200 |
1.3L R2 OHV-2v 232 hp@8500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
|
Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Coupe | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 112.4 in | 106.4 in | 6 in |
Length | 195.7 in | 175.6 in | 20.1 in |
Width | 73.6 in | 69.7 in | 3.9 in |
Height | 57.9 in | 52.8 in | 5.1 in |
Curb Weight | 3633 lb. | 3064 lb. | 569 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 15.9 gal. | 2.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.2 in | 38.2 in | 2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.3 in | 54.8 in | 3.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 56.5 in | 53.3 in | 3.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 45.5 in | 42.7 in | 2.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.9 in | 36.8 in | 1.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.5 in | 54.9 in | 1.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 56.3 in | 48.1 in | 8.2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 37.2 in | 32.2 in | 5 in |
Total Legroom | 82.7 in (over 2 rows) | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 7.8 in |
Cargo Volume | 16.0 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 8.4 ft3 |
2018 Kia Cadenza Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2017 | Due to its shorter greenhouse and taller, more intrusive center console, the Buick's front row doesn't feel nearly as roomy as the Kia's, or even as roomy as the related Chevrolet Malibu's. Large sedans aren't what they used to be. While in the past they were both longer and wider than midsize sedans, these days they more often than not share platforms with the latter, and thus are not significantly wider, only longer. Even in the official specs the LaCrosse has nearly an inch less front shoulder room than the "smaller" Malibu. Likewise, the Cadenza's front row dimensions are within fractions of an inch of the Optima's. If you're seeking more front seat room than in a midsize sedan, you won't find it in these cars. To be fair, midsize sedans have grown. Both the Cadenza and LaCrosse have comfortable front seats, with the Buick's cushion perhaps slightly cushier. Take a turn aggressively, though, and you're much more likely to slide off the Buick's non-bucket, as it provides hardly any lateral support. The Cadenza's bolsters are more effective. The payoff for the additional size of these largish sedans can be found in the back seat, where each offers about two inches more legroom than its junior partner. On paper, the Kia Cadenza offers only slightly more total legroom than the Buick LaCrosse. In reality, it offers much more. With the front seat positioned for my 30-inch inseam (I'm not long of leg), I had about ten inches of knee room in the Kia's back seat. The Kia's rear seat cushion is also a little more supportive and comfortable than the Buick's. Not so good: in both cars there's not enough space under the front seats for the rear seat passengers' feet, essentially robbing them of about a half-foot of legroom. This design flaw is more the rule than the exception in upscale sedans. Still, it's not right. see full Kia Cadenza review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2018 Kia Cadenza.
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 |