Model Year | 2009 | 2008 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Honda Civic | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,639 mm | 2,700 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,529 mm | 4,488 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,755 mm | 1,753 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,466 mm | 1,435 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,251 kg | 1,192 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 55 L | 50 L | 5 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 993 mm | 1,001 mm | 992 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,394 mm | 1,364 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,394 mm | 1,318 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,064 mm | 1,072 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 950 mm | 950 mm | 0 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,372 mm | 1,331 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,369 mm | 1,295 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 922 mm | 879 mm | 43 mm |
Total Legroom | 1,986 mm (over 2 rows) | 1,951 mm (over 2 rows) | 0 mm |
Cargo Volume | 323 L | 340 L | -17 L |
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 |
2008 Honda Civic Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed automatic FWD |
unbelievable much room on the rear seats see full Honda Civic review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 197-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Good lumbar and side support, nicely adjustable seat and wheel. Shifter is very close to the wheel. Fits me like a glove, but my wife does find the seatback slightly tall. see full Honda Civic review |
2007 | 2dr Coupe 140-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed automatic FWD |
very comfortable to drive see full Honda Civic review |
2007 | 2dr Coupe 197-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
great support. the sides basically hold you - which is important because the car can generate serious g-forces going around corners see full Honda Civic review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 197-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Frankly, the best seats I have sat in outside of a couple BMW Ms. Supportive, well bolstered with good lateral support. Also good support for the lower back for long drives. see full Honda Civic review |
2008 Honda Civic Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Driver seat is uncomfortable. Not upright enough. Not a great seat for correct posture. see full Honda Civic review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 110-horsepower 1.3L I4 Hybrid CVT FWD |
No access from trunk area. Also, very strong chemical smell in vehicle...off gassing from fabrics. The prius did not have near the smell. see full Honda Civic review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Seats were rock hard(in summer) see full Honda Civic review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
very poor AC performance during hot weather see full Honda Civic review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed automatic FWD |
not able to fit a rear facing child seat, or very difficult to fit it. we had to even find a small size one. see full Honda Civic review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed automatic FWD |
It took me a long time to find a comfortable driving position in this car. It may because of the low seat. I was finally (mostly) successful, but it took a long time to find it, and it is very different than my typical driving position. Also, not great on long trips -- the seat is generally supportive, but it starts to break down a few hours in. see full Honda Civic review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 110-horsepower 1.3L I4 Hybrid CVT FWD |
Rear seat does not fold down see full Honda Civic review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed automatic FWD |
merely adequate although better than in the past see full Honda Civic review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 140-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed automatic FWD |
merely adequate, seats could have more support see full Honda Civic review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 197-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Seat needs an adjustable lumber support. see full Honda Civic review |