Model Year | 2006 | 2009 | |
Model | Lexus IS | Mazda Mazda3 | |
Engine | 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 306 hp@6400 277 lb-ft@4800 |
turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 263 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | RWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.5 in | 103.9 in | 3.6 in |
Length | 180.1 in | 178.3 in | 1.8 in |
Width | 70.9 in | 69.1 in | 1.8 in |
Height | 56.1 in | 57.7 in | -1.6 in |
Curb Weight | 3527 lb. | 2991 lb. | 536 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 17.2 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 2.7 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 37.2 in | 39.1 in | -1.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.4 in | 54.9 in | -0.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.1 in | 54.9 in | -0.8 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.9 in | 41.9 in | 2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.7 in | 37.4 in | -0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 52.7 in | 54.0 in | -1.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.7 in | 53.9 in | -0.2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 30.6 in | 36.3 in | -5.7 in |
Total Legroom | 74.5 in (over 2 rows) | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | -3.7 in |
Cargo Volume | 13.0 ft3 | 11.4 ft3 | 1.6 ft3 |
2006 Lexus IS Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 306-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
The seats are very comfortable for the size car. see full Lexus IS review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
The good of the front seat comfort is that the seats are ventilated. They could be stronger and cooler but that is my preference. Why is it that we cant get Audis, BMWs, or Lexus with fabric seats in the US? see full Lexus IS review |
2006 Lexus IS Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
We do not have small children, and only small children could fit back there. see full Lexus IS review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Even large children will struggle to fit. see full Lexus IS review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
The front seat headrests are too far back for me. I feel if I use them I am looking at the sky because of their angle. I would prefer some fwd-rev adjustment which i have seen on other cars. see full Lexus IS 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 |