Model Year | 2008 | 2008 | |
Model | Audi A3 | Mazda RX-8 | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
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 | 3263 lb. | 3045 lb. | 218 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 |
2008 Audi A3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
A lot less leg room when compared to the GTI, but the rear hatch space is bigger. see full Audi A3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Really just a 4 place vehicle...3 across in the rear is not comfortably possible. see full Audi A3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Slightly too close to each other in arm room. see full Audi A3 review |
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 |
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 |