Model Year | 2006 | 2008 | |
Model | BMW Z4 | Mazda RX-8 | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 2dr Hatch | 4dr Coupe | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 98.2 in | 106.4 in | -8.2 in |
Length | 161.9 in | 174.3 in | -12.4 in |
Width | 70.1 in | 69.7 in | 0.4 in |
Height | 49.9 in | 52.8 in | -2.9 in |
Curb Weight | 3108 lb. | 3045 lb. | 63 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 15.9 gal. | -1.4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 37.3 in | 38.2 in | -0.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 52.5 in | 54.8 in | -2.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 53.3 in | -53.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 42.7 in | -0.7 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 36.8 in | -36.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 54.9 in | -54.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 48.1 in | -48.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 32.2 in | -32.2 in |
Total Legroom | 42 in (over 1 rows) | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | -32.9 in |
Cargo Volume | 11.9 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 4.3 ft3 |
2006 BMW Z4 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 2dr Hatch 330-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
Adjustable thigh bolster and seat back bolsters offer great support and the Nappa leather is grippy to prevent sliding around. see full BMW Z4 review |
2006 | 2dr Convertible 215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
I find the front seat, even heated, to have great lumbar support, my sciatica does not bother me even when I have to use the clutch. Those with long legs are amazed at all the leg room available. see full BMW Z4 review |
2005 | 2dr Convertible 184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
enough leg room for a six-footer (unlike the Miata we almost bought) see full BMW Z4 review |
2006 BMW Z4 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 2dr Convertible 215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
low roof line, long doors make entryb and exit difficult see full BMW Z4 review |
2007 | 2dr Hatch 255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
There is no rear seat. see full BMW Z4 review |
2007 | 2dr Hatch 330-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
I would not recommend the car for EXTREMELY long road trips or the like. Comfort wise, if you used to something that is very plush or soft the car will feel too hard on badly paved roads. see full BMW Z4 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 |