Model Year | 2015 | 2014 | |
Model | Fiat 500L | Mazda Mazda3 | |
Engine | turbocharged 1.4L I4 OHC-4v 160 hp@5500 184 lb-ft@2500 |
2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 155 hp@6000 148 lb-ft@4000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed automated manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 102.8 in | 106.3 in | -3.5 in |
Length | 167.3 in | 175.6 in | -8.3 in |
Width | 69.8 in | 70.7 in | -0.9 in |
Height | 65.7 in | 57.3 in | 8.4 in |
Curb Weight | 3254 lb. | 2855 lb. | 399 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 13.2 gal. | 0 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.7 in | 38.6 in | 2.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.3 in | 57.2 in | 0.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 55.5 in | -0.6 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 40.0 in | 42.2 in | -2.2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.7 in | 37.6 in | 1.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.6 in | 54.4 in | 0.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 49.4 in | 53.5 in | -4.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.7 in | 35.8 in | 0.9 in |
Total Legroom | 76.7 in (over 2 rows) | 78 in (over 2 rows) | -1.3 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 22.4 ft3 | 20.2 ft3 | 2.2 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 68.0 ft3 | 47.1 ft3 | 20.9 ft3 |
2015 Fiat 500L Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2014 | The front seats in the 500 (no L) aren't my favorite aspect of the car (to put it lightly). Those in the 500L are totally different. They're not luxurious. They're not sporty. But they're firm without being overly firm and the way the seatback angles forward from its midpoint provides excellent mid-back support. A power lumbar adjuster is available, but the tested car lacked this feature and I didn't miss it. The Soul's front seats are flatter, firmer, lacking in lumbar support, and generally much less comfortable. see full Fiat 500L review |
2015 Fiat 500L Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The 500L's rear seat, which slides and reclines, is mounted very high off the floor, and consequently provides better thigh support than most. Slide it all the way back, and legroom is plentiful (if still not as plentiful as in the Kia). But combine the high cushion with the optional panoramic sunroof, and even though I'm only 5-9 my scalp nearly touched the headliner. Anyone who intends to carry people over 5-10 in the back seat best skip the sunroof. Without it the 500L has much more rear headroom. see full Fiat 500L review |
2015 Fiat 500L Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 160hp 1.4L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
This isn't a problem for me exactly, but I've noticed other reviewers have mentioned it. The front seats are firm and I've been told that the seat fabric in some of the other models can be a bit slick. It took me a few days to get fully accustomed to the seats and find the position that works best for me. I like the firmness because it gives extra support. It's certainly something you'll want to pay attention to when you test drive it. see full Fiat 500L 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 |