Model Year | 2006 | 2009 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Ford Flex | |
Engine | 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 150 hp@6500 135 lb-ft@4500 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 262 hp@6250 248 lb-ft@4500 |
|
Transmission | 4-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,639 mm | 2,995 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,486 mm | 5,138 mm | -1 mm |
Width | 1,755 mm | 1,928 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,466 mm | 1,717 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,261 kg | 2,041 kg | -1 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 55 L | 73 L | -18 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 993 mm | 1,062 mm | 992 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,394 mm | 1,483 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,394 mm | 1,407 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,064 mm | 1,036 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 975 mm | 1,029 mm | 974 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,372 mm | 1,450 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,369 mm | 1,397 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 922 mm | 1,125 mm | 921 mm |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0 mm | 983 mm | -983 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0 mm | 1,290 mm | -1 mm |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0 mm | 1,044 mm | -1 mm |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0 mm | 848 mm | -848 mm |
Total Legroom | 1,986 mm (over 2 rows) | 3,010 mm (over 3 rows) | -2 mm |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 484 L | 549 L | -65 L |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 17.1 | 1,274 L | 16.1 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 883 L | 2,455 L | 881 L |
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 |
2009 Ford Flex Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr SUV 262-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Plenty of room in the first and second rows. The third row will fit an adult, but is better for the kids. see full Ford Flex review |
2010 | 4dr SUV 262-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Tons of rear leg room. Can accommodate basketball players see full Ford Flex review |
2010 | 4dr SUV 262-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Very comfortable and easy to adjust front seats with good materials, good controls, and sufficient room to stretch out your legs. see full Ford Flex review |
2010 | 4dr SUV 262-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
everything see full Ford Flex review |
2009 | 4dr SUV 262-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
My over 6 foot tall friends absolutely love my Flex because their knees never touch the backs of the front seats. The rear seat is like sitting in a stretch limo. With plenty of cup holders and storage for all to enjoy. see full Ford Flex review |
2009 | 4dr SUV 262-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic AWD |
Extremely comfortable and accomodating see full Ford Flex review |
2009 | 4dr SUV 262-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
The front seats exceptionally comfortable. They are large and supportive. see full Ford Flex review |
2009 | 4dr SUV 262-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
The second row seats have limo class legroom and are sofa comfy. The second row screams road trip. The third row seats are ample for cross town trips for adults (6ft folks will fit) and should be no problems for the smaller ones. see full Ford Flex review |
2009 | 4dr SUV 262-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic AWD |
Multiple seat settings and very comfortable seats. see full Ford Flex review |
2009 | 4dr SUV 262-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic AWD |
Lots of leg room. Comfy seats. Personal headphones are good, too. see full Ford Flex review |
2009 Ford Flex Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 355hp 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Took awhile to think of something that could be improved but a bit larger area in the front drivers footwell would be appreciated. That's about it. see full Ford Flex review |