Model Year | 2006 | 2011 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Mazda Mazda3 | |
Engine | 3.9L V6 OHV-2v 240 hp@5800 241 lb-ft@2800 |
turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 263 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000 |
|
Transmission | 4-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 103.9 in | 2.4 in |
Length | 188.3 in | 180.7 in | 7.6 in |
Width | 69.9 in | 69.1 in | 0.8 in |
Height | 57.5 in | 57.9 in | -0.4 in |
Curb Weight | 3315 lb. | 3179 lb. | 136 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 16.3 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 1.8 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.6 in | 38.9 in | 0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 56.7 in | 54.9 in | 1.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.2 in | 0.0 in | 53.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.9 in | 42.0 in | -0.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.6 in | 37.5 in | 0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.1 in | 54.0 in | 2.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 52.4 in | 0.0 in | 52.4 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.5 in | 36.2 in | 2.3 in |
Total Legroom | 80.4 in (over 2 rows) | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 2.2 in |
Cargo Volume | 15.4 ft3 | 11.8 ft3 | 3.6 ft3 |
2006 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 145-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I'm 6'5" and my wife is 5'0" - we can both drive this car comfortably. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2007 | 4dr Hatch 217-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Rear seat adjusts 7 inches, has recline feature and fold flat for additional storage. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2005 | 4dr Hatch 200-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
When have you seen a car with rear seats that both recline and adjust back & forth?!! On top of that, they people in the back get a glass roof! see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2005 | 4dr Hatch 200-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good for a baby seat and full-size humans. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2005 | 4dr Hatch 200-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Outstanding - seat is adjustable fore and aft, had recline feature, each side folds flat to increase storage space. Glass panels in the roof add to the feeling of spaciousness. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2011 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Tilt and telescopic wheel plus the adjustments with the drivers seat had me in a very good/comfortable driving position. Being comfortable allows me to concentrate on the drive ahead instead of being distracted by squirming around in the seat. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Being a 5 door hatch, there is plenty of room back for 2 full size adults or 3 kids/teenagers. The versatility of the hatch makes it feel like a Mini SUV. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Very comfortable and form fitting. My butt and back feel supported. Leg room is great. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2011 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
It's a joke. You can't fit anything in the back seat aside from children and/or groceries/shopping. Putting an adult back there will require a sincere apology, and possibly a written note and gift bottle of wine. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat is rather tight, worse than my old Protege5 see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I bought this car to replace a 2004 Mazda 6i Hatchback that I truly loved (got rear-ended and totaled). I did not like the 2012 Mazda 6 at all (or the milage it got), so I went the 3 with Skyactiv. The rear seat and rear legroom is just a bit too small. If it were a tad larger, this would be a awesome car, but the great mileage I get offsets this to a certain degree. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Non of either if the front seats are all the way back, but rear seat room is NOT a factor for me. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The Mazda3 is not a vehicle for transporting more than 2 people. The backseat is cramped for a full-size adult. However, when required, they will fit. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 104-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Seating room is borderline for 2 adults, particularly leg room. 3 adults virtually impossible. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat space can be tight see full Mazda Mazda3 review |