Model Year | 2008 | 2015 | |
Model | Honda Civic | Fiat 500L | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 102.8 in | 3.5 in |
Length | 176.7 in | 167.3 in | 9.4 in |
Width | 69.0 in | 69.8 in | -0.8 in |
Height | 56.5 in | 65.7 in | -9.2 in |
Curb Weight | 2628 lb. | 3203 lb. | -575 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 13.2 gal. | 0 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.4 in | 40.7 in | -1.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 53.7 in | 57.3 in | -3.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 51.9 in | 54.9 in | -3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.2 in | 40.0 in | 2.2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.4 in | 38.7 in | -1.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 52.4 in | 54.6 in | -2.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 51.0 in | 49.4 in | 1.6 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 34.6 in | 36.7 in | -2.1 in |
Total Legroom | 76.8 in (over 2 rows) | 76.7 in (over 2 rows) | 0.1 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 12.0 ft3 | 22.4 ft3 | -10.4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 12.0 ft3 | 68.0 ft3 | -56 ft3 |
2008 Honda Civic Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed automatic FWD |
unbelievable much room on the rear seats see full Honda Civic review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 197-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Good lumbar and side support, nicely adjustable seat and wheel. Shifter is very close to the wheel. Fits me like a glove, but my wife does find the seatback slightly tall. see full Honda Civic review |
2007 | 2dr Coupe 140-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed automatic FWD |
very comfortable to drive see full Honda Civic review |
2007 | 2dr Coupe 197-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
great support. the sides basically hold you - which is important because the car can generate serious g-forces going around corners see full Honda Civic review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 197-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Frankly, the best seats I have sat in outside of a couple BMW Ms. Supportive, well bolstered with good lateral support. Also good support for the lower back for long drives. see full Honda Civic review |
2008 Honda Civic Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Driver seat is uncomfortable. Not upright enough. Not a great seat for correct posture. see full Honda Civic review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 110-horsepower 1.3L I4 Hybrid CVT FWD |
No access from trunk area. Also, very strong chemical smell in vehicle...off gassing from fabrics. The prius did not have near the smell. see full Honda Civic review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Seats were rock hard(in summer) see full Honda Civic review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
very poor AC performance during hot weather see full Honda Civic review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed automatic FWD |
not able to fit a rear facing child seat, or very difficult to fit it. we had to even find a small size one. see full Honda Civic review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed automatic FWD |
It took me a long time to find a comfortable driving position in this car. It may because of the low seat. I was finally (mostly) successful, but it took a long time to find it, and it is very different than my typical driving position. Also, not great on long trips -- the seat is generally supportive, but it starts to break down a few hours in. see full Honda Civic review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 110-horsepower 1.3L I4 Hybrid CVT FWD |
Rear seat does not fold down see full Honda Civic review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed automatic FWD |
merely adequate although better than in the past see full Honda Civic review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed automatic FWD |
merely adequate, seats could have more support see full Honda Civic review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 197-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Seat needs an adjustable lumber support. see full Honda Civic review |
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 |