Model Year | 2009 | 2006 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Audi A4 / S4 | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 263 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000 |
4.2L V8 DOHC-5v 340 hp@6800 302 lb-ft@3500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 104.3 in | -0.4 in |
Length | 178.3 in | 180.6 in | -2.3 in |
Width | 69.1 in | 69.8 in | -0.7 in |
Height | 57.7 in | 56.2 in | 1.5 in |
Curb Weight | 2991 lb. | 3902 lb. | -911 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 16.6 gal. | -2.1 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.1 in | 38.4 in | 0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 55.1 in | -0.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 0.0 in | 54.9 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.9 in | 41.3 in | 0.6 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.4 in | 37.2 in | 0.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.0 in | 53.4 in | 0.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 0.0 in | 53.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.3 in | 34.3 in | 2 in |
Total Legroom | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 75.6 in (over 2 rows) | 2.6 in |
Cargo Volume | 11.4 ft3 | 13.4 ft3 | -2 ft3 |
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 |
2006 Audi A4 / S4 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual AWD |
Great when I can take my husband and teenagers up to the mountains for a ski trip without any major complaints. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.1L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Excellent for cruising but lateral support is sorely lacking for cornering. Needs power & memory for the tilt/telescope steering wheel. Good view out of and around vehicle. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Lots of room. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2005 | 4dr Sedan 340-horsepower 4.2L V8 6-speed manual AWD |
These are the most comfortable and supportive seats I have ever sat in and this includes luxury cars like the Lincoln Town Car. The extendable thigh support is a bonus. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2006 Audi A4 / S4 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
OK for kids, not really on for adults for a long journey. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 7-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
What room? What comfort? Tight and cramped and incredibly firm. Zero leg room for average height adults. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2007 | 2dr Convertible turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Center console protrudes into the leg area while gas pedal is far over to the right. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2007 | 2dr Convertible turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Rear seats are really only good for children and pets. A grown person could never sit back there. This is expected for a convertible though. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.1L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Limited leg room, especially during ingress and egress. Hump bisects leg room. Seat cushion needs to be 1-2 inches higher. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
small rear seat like the 3 series see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Back seat leg room and head room is pretty small. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual AWD |
Sport seats were not provided to the US due to DOT crash testing regulations. This means the only seats available are the very flat and uncomfortable standard seats. Only the S4 has the Recaro option for the US. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual AWD |
For tall passengers, the front seats will need to be pushed back in order to provide front leg room. Width of the cockpit side-to-side is not substantial. see full Audi A4 / S4 review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.1L V6 6-speed manual AWD |
not a lot of rear seat leg room, esp if tall person in front seats see full Audi A4 / S4 review |