Model Year | 2012 | 2009 | |
Model | BMW X3 | Mazda RX-8 | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Coupe | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 110.6 in | 106.4 in | 4.2 in |
Length | 183.0 in | 175.6 in | 7.4 in |
Width | 74.1 in | 69.7 in | 4.4 in |
Height | 65.4 in | 52.8 in | 12.6 in |
Curb Weight | 4112 lb. | 3064 lb. | 1048 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 15.9 gal. | 1.8 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.7 in | 38.2 in | 2.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.3 in | 54.8 in | 2.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 53.3 in | -53.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 39.9 in | 42.7 in | -2.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.1 in | 36.8 in | 2.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.0 in | 54.9 in | 1.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 48.1 in | -48.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 32.2 in | 4.6 in |
Total Legroom | 76.7 in (over 2 rows) | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 1.8 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 27.6 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 20 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 63.3 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 55.7 ft3 |
2012 BMW X3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2013 | Thanks partly to power-adjustable side bolsters, the X3's optional sport seats are both supportive and comfortable. They're firm where you want them to be firm, yet (unlike those in the Audi and Mercedes-Benz) cushy where you want them to be cushy. The Volvo XC60's seats are also very comfortable, but can't quite match the BMW's lateral support. You sit substantially higher than in a BMW sedan, both relative to the ground and to the instrument panel. The windshield is more distant than in the original X3, making the current one seem considerably larger, but it remains more upright than in most recently designed crossovers. The forward visibility many people buy a crossover to get can be gotten here. Rear seat legroom increased by an inch with the 2011 redesign, and is now competitive. A couple of adults will fit, so there's no compelling functional reason to step up to the X5 unless you require tall people to be comfortable back there. see full BMW X3 review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2012 BMW X3.
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 |