Model Year | 2015 | 2006 | |
Model | Fiat 500L | Mazda RX-8 | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Coupe | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 102.8 in | 106.4 in | -3.6 in |
Length | 167.3 in | 174.3 in | -7 in |
Width | 69.8 in | 69.7 in | 0.1 in |
Height | 65.7 in | 52.8 in | 12.9 in |
Curb Weight | 3203 lb. | 3045 lb. | 158 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 15.9 gal. | -2.7 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 | 54.9 in | 53.3 in | 1.6 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 40.0 in | 42.7 in | -2.7 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.7 in | 36.8 in | 1.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.6 in | 54.9 in | -0.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 49.4 in | 48.1 in | 1.3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.7 in | 32.2 in | 4.5 in |
Total Legroom | 76.7 in (over 2 rows) | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 1.8 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 22.4 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 14.8 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 68.0 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 60.4 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 |
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 |