Model Year | 2006 | 2012 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Ford Fiesta | |
Engine | 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 150 hp@6500 135 lb-ft@4500 |
1.6L I4 DOHC-4v 120 hp@6350 112 lb-ft@5000 |
|
Transmission | 4-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 98.0 in | 5.9 in |
Length | 178.3 in | 173.6 in | 4.7 in |
Width | 69.1 in | 66.8 in | 2.3 in |
Height | 57.7 in | 58.0 in | -0.3 in |
Curb Weight | 2729 lb. | 2578 lb. | 151 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 11.9 gal. | 2.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.1 in | 39.1 in | 0 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 52.7 in | 2.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 50.6 in | 4.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.9 in | 42.2 in | -0.3 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.4 in | 37.1 in | 0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.0 in | 49.0 in | 5 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 49.2 in | 4.7 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.3 in | 31.2 in | 5.1 in |
Total Legroom | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 73.4 in (over 2 rows) | 4.8 in |
Cargo Volume | 11.4 ft3 | 12.8 ft3 | -1.4 ft3 |
2006 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of leg space & head room, and seat adjustments possible. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Very sporty seats, excellent lumber support. Seats will ensure that you stay where you are supposed to be, even in tight cornering. After a straight 12hr trip, the seat still feels comfortable. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
For a small car there is more than adequate leg and shoulder room for two average sized adults. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
One of the very few small cars which have a telescopic steering wheel - great for switching between short and tall drivers, pedals placed well for comfort, gear shifter just the right length, and clutch is goldilocks as well - just right. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2006 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Rear seats are really small and tight legroom. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The Mazda 3 has very limited footroom except when the driver is of very small stature.it helps somewhat if you puchsae the model with the height adjustable seat.seat fabric on the none leather models goes bally,and becomes difficult to clean!! see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This IS a smaller car. That being said, if the front seats are all the way back, people in the back had better sit Indian-style on the seats. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Front seats are very uncomfortable. The side bolsters are hard and push your shoulders forward. The seat bolsters dig into your leg on the left side. The head restraints push your neck and head too far forward. The seat bottom is too hard. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
small rear seat for adults see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2006 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
If you are over 6 foot like me, make sure you are not in the back. That simple. The folding seats on the hatchback are flexible though for longer items. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
The rear seat is very comfortable for small to average sized people, even for long trips. However, those with long legs will find themselves cramped for legroom. The low roof in the back adds to that cramped feeling. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Not a lot of room for four large adults. In a pinch I have squeezed five in, but for short trips. Trunk opening is oddly shaped and often I find myself loading/unloading through the lowered rear seats for larger items. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2005 | 4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
the leather is cheap and the seat is not comfortable see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2005 | 4dr Hatch 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
There is none. Its rediculous how little rear leg room there is given the size of the car. My much smaller Mazda Protege that this replaced had substantially more. And don't even think about getting a rear facing car seat back there. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 Ford Fiesta Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 120-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Narrow car with narrow seats. If you are a taller/bigger person, expect that the seats will feel like doll furniture after an hour. see full Ford Fiesta review |
2012 Ford Fiesta Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Hatch 120-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed automatic FWD |
I was told that it is comfortable for a short ride but after 45 minutes my passengers were complaining about lack of room and comfort. see full Ford Fiesta review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch 120-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed automatic FWD |
Smallish like all b-segment cars. see full Ford Fiesta review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch 120-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed automatic FWD |
Its cramped, but seems about the same as any other car in its size range. It was easier to get in and out of compared to a Mazda 2 and about the same as current generation Prius C. I wouldn't take anyone long distances in the rear, but I didn't expect to. We have a 2009 Prius which is our long distance carry people car. I wanted something with good handling and economy that was well built and that's what I got. see full Ford Fiesta review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch 120-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat narrow and limited headroom see full Ford Fiesta review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 120-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed automatic FWD |
while it felt my family of 5 comfortably, it might not fit others.... see full Ford Fiesta review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch 120-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed automatic FWD |
Rear seat legroom is limited, especially if front seat passengers adjust their seats rearward. see full Ford Fiesta review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch 120-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Basically, it is a two seater. Car seats and small children will fit ok in the back. Essentially it is a great commuter car. see full Ford Fiesta review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 120-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed automatic FWD |
rear seat leg room is tight. see full Ford Fiesta review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch 120-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed automatic FWD |
Very tiny. Had to squeeze in. Not very comfortable for long term. Feels a bit crowded. see full Ford Fiesta review |