Model Year | 2011 | 2009 | |
Model | Kia Forte | Mazda RX-8 | |
Engine | 2.4L I4 DOHC-4v 173 hp@6000 168 lb-ft@4000 |
1.3L R2 OHV-2v 212 hp@7500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 2dr Coupe | 4dr Coupe | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 104.3 in | 106.4 in | -2.1 in |
Length | 176.4 in | 175.6 in | 0.8 in |
Width | 69.5 in | 69.7 in | -0.2 in |
Height | 55.1 in | 52.8 in | 2.3 in |
Curb Weight | 2831 lb. | 3094 lb. | -263 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 13.7 gal. | 15.9 gal. | -2.2 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.7 in | 38.2 in | 0.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.7 in | 54.8 in | 0.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 53.3 in | 0 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.6 in | 42.7 in | 0.9 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 35.3 in | 36.8 in | -1.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 52.5 in | 54.9 in | -2.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 51.6 in | 48.1 in | 3.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 33.9 in | 32.2 in | 1.7 in |
Total Legroom | 77.5 in (over 2 rows) | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 2.6 in |
Cargo Volume | 12.6 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 5 ft3 |
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 |
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 |