Model Year | 2009 | 2013 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Ford Transit Connect | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Minivan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 114.6 in | -10.7 in |
Length | 176.6 in | 180.7 in | -4.1 in |
Width | 69.1 in | 70.7 in | -1.6 in |
Height | 57.7 in | 79.3 in | -21.6 in |
Curb Weight | 2808 lb. | 3425 lb. | -617 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 15.4 gal. | -0.9 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.1 in | 51.1 in | -12 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 54.4 in | 0.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 50.8 in | 4.1 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.9 in | 40.5 in | 1.4 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.4 in | 50.5 in | -12.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.0 in | 59.6 in | -5.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 59.8 in | -5.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.3 in | 38.5 in | -2.2 in |
Total Legroom | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 79 in (over 2 rows) | -0.8 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 17.1 ft3 | 78.1 ft3 | -61 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 43.8 ft3 | 135.3 ft3 | -91.5 ft3 |
2009 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 |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of leg room even with the seat all the way back see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2009 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat space can be tight see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Not enough comfort-room for my son (which meant that the Mazda failed the test). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Tight and uncomfortable as are most other cars in this class. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Too cramped for an adult see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Well, when the front seats are back, there is little leg room in the back seat -- to be expected in a compact. But, the rear seats are very comfortable and can handle a wider person. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
good for a small child, but i would not want to ride back there for long see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2013 Ford Transit Connect Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The Transit Connect's second-row bench is roomy and fairly comfortable for two people, but somewhat tight for three. The Sienna has another half-foot of shoulder room. Also, the seatback in the Ford's second row does not recline. If you do want captain's chairs, well, they're not an option. The situation worsens in the Ford's third row, which is less substantial and much lower to the floor than the third-row seats in the Honda or the Toyota. Unlike the Transit Connect's second row, its third-row seat does slide fore-aft (about six inches) and recline. Slide it all the way back, and legroom becomes almost generous. Still, it isn't a place many adults would want to spend much time. On top of this, it should be easier to open and close the Transit Connect's sliding doors and to get into its third row. The second row doesn't tip or slide forward like those in conventional minivans. Instead, it must be pushed to the floor in a fairly difficult two-step procedure. see full Ford Transit Connect review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2013 Ford Transit Connect.