Model Year | 2006 | 2014 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Mazda Mazda3 | |
Engine | 3.5L V6 OHV-2v 201 hp@5400 220 lb-ft@3200 |
2.5L I4 DOHC-4v 184 hp@5700 185 lb-ft@3250 |
|
Transmission | 4-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 106.3 in | 0 in |
Length | 188.3 in | 180.3 in | 8 in |
Width | 69.9 in | 70.7 in | -0.8 in |
Height | 57.5 in | 57.3 in | 0.2 in |
Curb Weight | 3297 lb. | 3004 lb. | 293 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 16.3 gal. | 13.2 gal. | 3.1 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.6 in | 38.6 in | 1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 56.7 in | 57.2 in | -0.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.2 in | 55.5 in | -2.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.9 in | 42.2 in | -0.3 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.6 in | 37.5 in | 0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.1 in | 54.4 in | 1.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 52.4 in | 53.5 in | -1.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.5 in | 35.8 in | 2.7 in |
Total Legroom | 80.4 in (over 2 rows) | 78 in (over 2 rows) | 2.4 in |
Cargo Volume | 15.4 ft3 | 12.4 ft3 | 3 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 |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The Mazda3 also isn't a clear choice if a roomy rear seat is a top priority. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, I had little room to spare. The rear seat in the Ford Focus is at least as tight, but has a more comfortably positioned cushion. A Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, or Toyota Corolla has far more rear seat room. If you like how the Mazda3 looks and drives, but need more rear seat legroom, the Mazda6 offers another three inches for another $2,100 to $3,700 (depending on trim level). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Nice contoured, form fitting seats offer plenty of support, quite comfortable. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Rear seat a bit tight, needs more room back there. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |