Model Year | 2011 | 2008 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Ford Taurus | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 263 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 263 hp@6250 249 lb-ft@4500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 112.9 in | -9 in |
Length | 180.7 in | 200.4 in | -19.7 in |
Width | 69.1 in | 74.5 in | -5.4 in |
Height | 57.9 in | 61.5 in | -3.6 in |
Curb Weight | 3179 lb. | 3643 lb. | -464 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 20.0 gal. | -5.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.9 in | 39.4 in | -0.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 57.8 in | -2.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 53.7 in | -53.7 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 41.3 in | 0.7 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 38.7 in | -1.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.0 in | 57.5 in | -3.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 53.7 in | -53.7 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.2 in | 41.3 in | -5.1 in |
Total Legroom | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 82.6 in (over 2 rows) | -4.4 in |
Cargo Volume | 11.8 ft3 | 21.2 ft3 | -9.4 ft3 |
2011 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 |
2011 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
It's a joke. You can't fit anything in the back seat aside from children and/or groceries/shopping. Putting an adult back there will require a sincere apology, and possibly a written note and gift bottle of wine. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat is rather tight, worse than my old Protege5 see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I bought this car to replace a 2004 Mazda 6i Hatchback that I truly loved (got rear-ended and totaled). I did not like the 2012 Mazda 6 at all (or the milage it got), so I went the 3 with Skyactiv. The rear seat and rear legroom is just a bit too small. If it were a tad larger, this would be a awesome car, but the great mileage I get offsets this to a certain degree. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Non of either if the front seats are all the way back, but rear seat room is NOT a factor for me. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
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 Ford Taurus Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Large enough, easy entry/exit see full Ford Taurus review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Outstanding interior space. I'm 6'4" with about a 34" inseam and I can sit comfortably in the rear when I have my front seat adjusted just so. With the driver seat all the way back, it's a stretch to reach the controls. see full Ford Taurus review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Three adults can sit in the back and there knees will not touch the front seats nor will there heads touch the ceiling. The seats are very comfortable. Noise is very low and the car has two vents blowing air or heat. see full Ford Taurus review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Very roomy and confortable see full Ford Taurus review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic AWD |
Good driving position, steering wheel design and arm rests. see full Ford Taurus review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Taller people ride in comfort, with ample room for long legs, even when the front seats are back. The fact that they also fold down adds tremendous versatility to this car. see full Ford Taurus review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD |
Tons of room, with an open feel. see full Ford Taurus review |