Model Year | 2014 | 2009 | |
Model | Kia Forte | Mazda RX-8 | |
Engine | turbocharged 1.6L I4 DOHC-4v 201 hp@6000 195 lb-ft@1750 |
1.3L R2 OHV-2v 212 hp@7500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 2dr Coupe | 4dr Coupe | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 106.4 in | -0.1 in |
Length | 178.3 in | 175.6 in | 2.7 in |
Width | 70.1 in | 69.7 in | 0.4 in |
Height | 55.5 in | 52.8 in | 2.7 in |
Curb Weight | 3064 lb. | 3094 lb. | -30 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 15.9 gal. | -2.7 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 38.2 in | 0 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.9 in | 54.8 in | 1.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.8 in | 53.3 in | 0.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.2 in | 42.7 in | -0.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.4 in | 36.8 in | -0.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 53.0 in | 54.9 in | -1.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.5 in | 48.1 in | 5.4 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 35.9 in | 32.2 in | 3.7 in |
Total Legroom | 78.1 in (over 2 rows) | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 3.2 in |
Cargo Volume | 13.3 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 5.7 ft3 |
2014 Kia Forte Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2014 | People who need a roomy rear seat don't often buy coupes. So with the Civic Si the coupe is an inch and a half shorter (in both height and length) than the sedan, which translates to nearly three inches less headroom and nearly five inches less legroom in back, making it a very tight fit for even modestly sized adults. Those who do want a roomy rear seat in their coupe will be much happier with the Forte. Compared to the sedan, Kia shaved the Koup's roofline an inch but kept the wheelbase the same. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, I had about an inch of clearance over my head and a hand's-width ahead of my knees. Switch to the four-door body styles, and both cars are about equally roomy in back. But only Forte rear seat passengers enjoy rear air vents--in every body style. see full Kia Forte review |
2014 Kia Forte Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 1.8L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
One of the best of his kind. Almost unbeatable for a car of this price. 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 |