Model Year | 2006 | 2006 | |
Model | Audi A3 | Mazda RX-8 | |
Engine | 3.2L V6 DOHC-4v 250 hp@6300 236 lb-ft@2800 |
1.3L R2 OHV-2v 238 hp@8500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed automated manual | 6-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | AWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Coupe | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 101.5 in | 106.4 in | -4.9 in |
Length | 168.7 in | 174.3 in | -5.6 in |
Width | 69.5 in | 69.7 in | -0.2 in |
Height | 56.0 in | 52.8 in | 3.2 in |
Curb Weight | 3660 lb. | 3045 lb. | 615 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.0 gal. | 15.9 gal. | -0.9 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.1 in | 38.2 in | -0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.3 in | 54.8 in | -0.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 53.3 in | -53.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.2 in | 42.7 in | -1.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.9 in | 36.8 in | 0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 52.8 in | 54.9 in | -2.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 48.1 in | -48.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 34.8 in | 32.2 in | 2.6 in |
Total Legroom | 76 in (over 2 rows) | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 1.1 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 13.1 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 5.5 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 54.6 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 47 ft3 |
2006 Audi A3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
The back seat is too small for most adults. I hadn't thought about it much when I bought the car, but it became apparent. I'd take friends to lunch and they are uncomfortable.Even ifa personplans on sitting small children in the back, they grow and the useful life of the car is affected. I wish the Europeans would figure that out. see full Audi A3 review |
2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Due to the position of the doors it is hard to get in and out of the car. see full Audi A3 review |
2006 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
The Subaru has a more comfortable and roomy back seat, with easier ingress/egress. see full Audi A3 review |
2006 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
2006 | 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Rear seats are functional for adults, which is unique for a sports car. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2005 | 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Adults my height (5-9) can actually fit in the back seat of the RX-8. And getting in and out is aided by a second set of rear-hinged doors. Other sports cars have no rear seat or a very small one. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2005 | 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Unlike most sports cars, the RX-8 has a rear seat that adults can get into (using rear doors) and fit into. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2006 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2005 | 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Head room is low with sunroof see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2005 | 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Ok for small women and children. Not really made for full sized male adults see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2005 | 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
it is POSSIBLE to fit an adult in the back...but really anyone over 10-12 years old will be uncomfortable. see full Mazda RX-8 review |