Kia Forte (2014) vs. Mazda RX-8 (2006) Specs

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2014 Kia Forte and 2006 Mazda RX-8 Specifications

Model Year	2014	2006
Model	Kia Forte	Mazda RX-8
Engine	turbocharged 1.6L I4 DOHC-4v 201 hp@6000 195 lb-ft@1750	1.3L R2 OHV-2v 212 hp@7500 159 lb-ft@5500
Transmission	6-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain	FWD	RWD
Body	2dr Coupe	4dr Coupe
			Difference
Wheelbase	106.3 in	106.4 in	-0.1 in
Length	178.3 in	174.3 in	4 in
Width	70.1 in	69.7 in	0.4 in
Height	55.5 in	52.8 in	2.7 in
Curb Weight	3064 lb.	3075 lb.	-11 lb.
Fuel Capacity	13.2 gal.	15.9 gal.	-2.7 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	38.2 in	38.2 in	0 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	55.9 in	54.8 in	1.1 in
Hip Room, Row 1	53.8 in	53.3 in	0.5 in
Legroom, Row 1	42.2 in	42.7 in	-0.5 in
Headroom, Row 2	36.4 in	36.8 in	-0.4 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2	53.0 in	54.9 in	-1.9 in
Hip Room, Row 2	53.5 in	48.1 in	5.4 in
Legroom, Row 2	35.9 in	32.2 in	3.7 in
Total Legroom	78.1 in (over 2 rows)	74.9 in (over 2 rows)	3.2 in
Cargo Volume	13.3 ft³	7.6 ft³	5.7 ft³

2014 Kia Forte Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Comment
2014	People who need a roomy rear seat don't often buy coupes. So with the Civic Si the coupe is an inch and a half shorter (in both height and length) than the sedan, which translates to nearly three inches less headroom and nearly five inches less legroom in back, making it a very tight fit for even modestly sized adults. Those who do want a roomy rear seat in their coupe will be much happier with the Forte. Compared to the sedan, Kia shaved the Koup's roofline an inch but kept the wheelbase the same. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, I had about an inch of clearance over my head and a hand's-width ahead of my knees. Switch to the four-door body styles, and both cars are about equally roomy in back. But only Forte rear seat passengers enjoy rear air vents--in every body style. see full Kia Forte review

2014 Kia Forte Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2014	4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 1.8L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	One of the best of his kind. Almost unbeatable for a car of this price. see full Kia Forte 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

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