Model Year | 2009 | 2008 | |
Model | Ford Taurus X | Mazda RX-8 | |
Engine | 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 263 hp@6250 249 lb-ft@4500 |
1.3L R2 OHV-2v 212 hp@7500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr Wagon | 4dr Coupe | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 112.9 in | 106.4 in | 6.5 in |
Length | 200.3 in | 174.3 in | 26 in |
Width | 74.9 in | 69.7 in | 5.2 in |
Height | 67.4 in | 52.8 in | 14.6 in |
Curb Weight | 4033 lb. | 3075 lb. | 958 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 19.0 gal. | 15.9 gal. | 3.1 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.4 in | 38.2 in | 1.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.5 in | 54.8 in | 3.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.2 in | 53.3 in | 1.9 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 40.8 in | 42.7 in | -1.9 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.4 in | 36.8 in | 2.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.9 in | 54.9 in | 3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 56.4 in | 48.1 in | 8.3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 39.8 in | 32.2 in | 7.6 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 38.5 in | 0.0 in | 38.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 50.6 in | 0.0 in | 50.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 46.0 in | 0.0 in | 46 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 33.6 in | 0.0 in | 33.6 in |
Total Legroom | 114.2 in (over 3 rows) | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 39.3 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 17.4 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 9.8 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 47.4 ft3 | 7.6 | 39.8 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 85.2 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 77.6 ft3 |
2009 Ford Taurus X Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic AWD |
The second row seat was mounted comfortably high off the floor. see full Ford Taurus X review |
2008 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 |
2007 | 4dr Coupe 212-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Excellent for long trips. Even though I suffer from spinal stenosis, I did a two-day 1800 mile trip with no troubles and felt great on arrival. Most modern cars have comfortable seats, but these also make me feel like I am part of the car. see full Mazda RX-8 review |