Model Year | 2016 | 2009 | |
Model | Subaru WRX | Mazda Mazda3 | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 104.3 in | 103.9 in | 0.4 in |
Length | 180.9 in | 178.3 in | 2.6 in |
Width | 70.7 in | 69.1 in | 1.6 in |
Height | 58.1 in | 57.7 in | 0.4 in |
Curb Weight | 3267 lb. | 2758 lb. | 509 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 1.4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.8 in | 39.1 in | 0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.6 in | 54.9 in | 0.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 52.2 in | 54.9 in | -2.7 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.3 in | 41.9 in | 1.4 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.1 in | 37.4 in | -0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.2 in | 54.0 in | 0.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.1 in | 53.9 in | -0.8 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 35.4 in | 36.3 in | -0.9 in |
Total Legroom | 78.7 in (over 2 rows) | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 0.5 in |
Cargo Volume | 12.0 ft3 | 11.4 ft3 | 0.6 ft3 |
2016 Subaru WRX Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2015 | The Subaru WRX has always been fun to drive. But it used to be cramped inside, especially in the back seat. This is no longer an issue. The new car has more rear seat legroom than the one-size-up Legacy had during its 2005-2009 glory days. Unless your friends and family are tall, they'll fit in back. While the GTI's back seat is nearly as roomy, the Focus ST's isn't in the same ballpark. If you want rear air vents for your passengers, though, you'll have to get the VW or the Ford. Subaru doesn't offer them in the WRX. see full Subaru WRX review |
2016 Subaru WRX Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2016 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 268hp 2.0L H4 6-speed manual AWD |
Anyone whose owned a previous-gen WRX knows rear seat space, especially leg room, as "OK" at best. Subaru has revised the rear seats to where there is now more leg room for the lucky passengers in the rear. With the driver seat adjusted to how I sit (I'm 6-feet tall and have a more upright seating position), there is about 1.5 inches of space between my knees and the driver seat back (vs. no space on the previous gen!). Comfort is pretty good, although the seats take on more of a lean on the seat back, which may/may not jive well with your passengers backs. see full Subaru WRX review |
2009 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Tilt and telescopic wheel plus the adjustments with the drivers seat had me in a very good/comfortable driving position. Being comfortable allows me to concentrate on the drive ahead instead of being distracted by squirming around in the seat. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Being a 5 door hatch, there is plenty of room back for 2 full size adults or 3 kids/teenagers. The versatility of the hatch makes it feel like a Mini SUV. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Very comfortable and form fitting. My butt and back feel supported. Leg room is great. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Kids easily able to get in/out of back (4-doors) and often able to take co-workers to lunch (both of which is much more of a hassle with 2-doors). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of leg room even with the seat all the way back see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2009 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat space can be tight see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Not enough comfort-room for my son (which meant that the Mazda failed the test). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Tight and uncomfortable as are most other cars in this class. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Too cramped for an adult see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Well, when the front seats are back, there is little leg room in the back seat -- to be expected in a compact. But, the rear seats are very comfortable and can handle a wider person. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
good for a small child, but i would not want to ride back there for long see full Mazda Mazda3 review |