BMW X3 (2014) vs. Mazda RX-8 (2006) Specs

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2014 BMW X3 and 2006 Mazda RX-8 Specifications

Model Year	2014	2006
Model	BMW X3	Mazda RX-8
Engine	turbocharged 3.0L I6 DOHC-4v 300 hp@5800 300 lb-ft@1300	1.3L R2 OHV-2v 238 hp@8500 159 lb-ft@5500
Transmission	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed manual
Drivetrain	AWD	RWD
Body	4dr SUV	4dr Coupe
			Difference
Wheelbase	110.6 in	106.4 in	4.2 in
Length	183.0 in	174.3 in	8.7 in
Width	74.1 in	69.7 in	4.4 in
Height	65.4 in	52.8 in	12.6 in
Curb Weight	4222 lb.	3045 lb.	1177 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

2014 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 2014 BMW X3.

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

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