Model Year | 2009 | 2009 | |
Model | Ford Taurus | Mazda Mazda3 | |
Engine | 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 263 hp@6250 249 lb-ft@4500 |
turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 263 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 112.9 in | 103.9 in | 9 in |
Length | 200.4 in | 178.3 in | 22.1 in |
Width | 74.5 in | 69.1 in | 5.4 in |
Height | 61.5 in | 57.7 in | 3.8 in |
Curb Weight | 3643 lb. | 2991 lb. | 652 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 20.0 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 5.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.4 in | 39.1 in | 0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.8 in | 54.9 in | 2.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.7 in | 54.9 in | -1.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.3 in | 41.9 in | -0.6 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.7 in | 37.4 in | 1.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.5 in | 54.0 in | 3.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.7 in | 53.9 in | -0.2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 41.3 in | 36.3 in | 5 in |
Total Legroom | 82.6 in (over 2 rows) | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 4.4 in |
Cargo Volume | 21.2 ft3 | 11.4 ft3 | 9.8 ft3 |
2009 Ford Taurus Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 365hp 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Independently adjustable lumbar and cushion supports, individual front seat heaters, coolers and massagers for both the seat cushion and the back. Need I say more? see full Ford Taurus review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 365hp 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The front and rear seats are very comfortable. The back can be cramped with three passengers. The SL has heated front and rear seats which works great and are needed as the car heater is very slow to initially get warm. The heated steering wheel is also a nice touch. The seat fabric is soft but the light color might not wear well. see full Ford Taurus review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Leather appointed seats are like sitting in an easy chair. see full Ford Taurus review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Large enough, easy entry/exit see full Ford Taurus review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic AWD |
Good driving position, steering wheel design and arm rests. see full Ford Taurus review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Very roomy and confortable see full Ford Taurus review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Taller people ride in comfort, with ample room for long legs, even when the front seats are back. The fact that they also fold down adds tremendous versatility to this car. see full Ford Taurus review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Tons of room, with an open feel. see full Ford Taurus review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Three adults can sit in the back and there knees will not touch the front seats nor will there heads touch the ceiling. The seats are very comfortable. Noise is very low and the car has two vents blowing air or heat. see full Ford Taurus review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Outstanding interior space. I'm 6'4" with about a 34" inseam and I can sit comfortably in the rear when I have my front seat adjusted just so. With the driver seat all the way back, it's a stretch to reach the controls. see full Ford Taurus review |
2009 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 |
2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Kids easily able to get in/out of back (4-doors) and often able to take co-workers to lunch (both of which is much more of a hassle with 2-doors). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of leg room even with the seat all the way back see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2009 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat space can be tight see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Not enough comfort-room for my son (which meant that the Mazda failed the test). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Tight and uncomfortable as are most other cars in this class. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Too cramped for an adult see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Well, when the front seats are back, there is little leg room in the back seat -- to be expected in a compact. But, the rear seats are very comfortable and can handle a wider person. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
good for a small child, but i would not want to ride back there for long see full Mazda Mazda3 review |