Model Year | 2010 | 2010 | |
Model | Ford Taurus | Mazda Mazda3 | |
Engine | turbocharged 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 365 hp@5500 350 lb-ft@3500 |
turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 263 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 112.9 in | 103.9 in | 9 in |
Length | 202.9 in | 180.7 in | 22.2 in |
Width | 76.2 in | 69.1 in | 7.1 in |
Height | 60.7 in | 57.9 in | 2.8 in |
Curb Weight | 4415 lb. | 3179 lb. | 1236 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 20.0 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 5.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 38.9 in | 0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.9 in | 54.9 in | 3 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 56.3 in | 0.0 in | 56.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.9 in | 42.0 in | -0.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.8 in | 37.5 in | 0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.9 in | 54.0 in | 2.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 55.8 in | 0.0 in | 55.8 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.1 in | 36.2 in | 1.9 in |
Total Legroom | 80 in (over 2 rows) | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 1.8 in |
Cargo Volume | 20.1 ft3 | 11.8 ft3 | 8.3 ft3 |
2010 Ford Taurus Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Three adult room in the back seat - comfortably! 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 |
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 |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Large enough, easy entry/exit see full Ford Taurus review |
2010 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 |
2010 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |