Model Year | 2010 | 2008 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | BMW X3 | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 263 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000 |
3.0L I6 DOHC-4v 260 hp@6600 225 lb-ft@2750 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 110.1 in | -6.2 in |
Length | 177.4 in | 179.7 in | -2.3 in |
Width | 69.1 in | 73.0 in | -3.9 in |
Height | 57.9 in | 66.0 in | -8.1 in |
Curb Weight | 3221 lb. | 4067 lb. | -846 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 17.7 gal. | -1.8 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.9 in | 38.1 in | 0.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 55.8 in | -0.9 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 40.2 in | 1.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.0 in | 37.8 in | 0.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.0 in | 55.4 in | -1.4 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.2 in | 35.8 in | 0.4 in |
Total Legroom | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 76 in (over 2 rows) | 2.2 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 17.0 ft3 | 30.0 ft3 | -13 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 43.8 ft3 | 71.0 ft3 | -27.2 ft3 |
2010 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 |
2010 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The Mazda3 is not a vehicle for transporting more than 2 people. The backseat is cramped for a full-size adult. However, when required, they will fit. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 104-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Seating room is borderline for 2 adults, particularly leg room. 3 adults virtually impossible. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat space can be tight see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 BMW X3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD |
With the comfort seat option, you can customize seat position to you preference, including lumbar and shoulder adjustment. Decent support for someone up to 6 feet tall. Heated seats work very well. see full BMW X3 review |
2008 BMW X3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD |
A little cramped and very stiff seats. see full BMW X3 review |