Model Year | 2006 | 2010 | |
Model | Ford Taurus | Mazda RX-8 | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Coupe | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 108.5 in | 106.4 in | 2.1 in |
Length | 197.6 in | 175.6 in | 22 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 69.7 in | 3.3 in |
Height | 56.1 in | 52.8 in | 3.3 in |
Curb Weight | 3343 lb. | 3064 lb. | 279 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.0 gal. | 15.9 gal. | 2.1 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.0 in | 38.2 in | 1.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.3 in | 54.8 in | 2.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.5 in | 53.3 in | 1.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.2 in | 42.7 in | -0.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.1 in | 36.8 in | 1.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.6 in | 54.9 in | 1.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 55.7 in | 48.1 in | 7.6 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.9 in | 32.2 in | 6.7 in |
Total Legroom | 81.1 in (over 2 rows) | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 6.2 in |
Cargo Volume | 17.0 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 9.4 ft3 |
2006 Ford Taurus Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 153-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
Seats are above average in comfort. see full Ford Taurus review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 153-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
Front seat room is above average. see full Ford Taurus review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon 153-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
We chose this wagon initially because it was the only sedan we could find that fit 2 carseats and an adult, or 3 carseats comfortably in the rear seat. Also, the two additional seats in the cargo area are nice if there are more kids along. see full Ford Taurus review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon 153-horsepower 3.0L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
Great for long drives, lots of little "smart" features. see full Ford Taurus review |
2010 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Very comfortable Recaro seats, even on long drives. Larger people may not be comfortable so beware. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2009 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Given the RX-8's compact dimensions, you wouldn't expect rear seat space to be a strength. But thanks to clever packaging and a subtly high roofline, there is actually space for real adults in back, provided those up front are short or move their seats up somewhat. With a pair of pickup-like rear-opening "half" rear doors, ingress and egress for rear seat passengers is a snap. For those who want a sports car but have children or need to transport a few friends occassionally, the RX-8 fits the bill nicely. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2010 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
The R3 Recaro seats had side bolsters that were a bit tight for us. I am below average in size as a male, and my wife is also very small and we found the bolsters cut into our hips far more than was comfortable. The seats are racing oriented only. see full Mazda RX-8 review |