Model Year | 2010 | 2006 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Chevrolet Malibu | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 263 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000 |
3.9L V6 OHV-2v 240 hp@5800 241 lb-ft@2800 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 4-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 106.3 in | -2.4 in |
Length | 180.7 in | 188.3 in | -7.6 in |
Width | 69.1 in | 69.9 in | -0.8 in |
Height | 57.9 in | 57.5 in | 0.4 in |
Curb Weight | 3179 lb. | 3315 lb. | -136 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 16.3 gal. | -1.8 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.9 in | 39.6 in | -0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 56.7 in | -1.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 53.2 in | -53.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 41.9 in | 0.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.6 in | -0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.0 in | 56.1 in | -2.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 52.4 in | -52.4 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.2 in | 38.5 in | -2.3 in |
Total Legroom | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 80.4 in (over 2 rows) | -2.2 in |
Cargo Volume | 11.8 ft3 | 15.4 ft3 | -3.6 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 |
2006 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 145-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I'm 6'5" and my wife is 5'0" - we can both drive this car comfortably. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2007 | 4dr Hatch 217-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Rear seat adjusts 7 inches, has recline feature and fold flat for additional storage. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2005 | 4dr Hatch 200-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
When have you seen a car with rear seats that both recline and adjust back & forth?!! On top of that, they people in the back get a glass roof! see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2005 | 4dr Hatch 200-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good for a baby seat and full-size humans. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2005 | 4dr Hatch 200-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Outstanding - seat is adjustable fore and aft, had recline feature, each side folds flat to increase storage space. Glass panels in the roof add to the feeling of spaciousness. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |