Model Year | 2010 | 2015 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Kia Forte | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 196 kW@5500 380 Nm@3000 |
turbocharged 1.6L I4 DOHC-4v 150 kW@6000 264 Nm@1750 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,639 mm | 2,700 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,590 mm | 4,559 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,755 mm | 1,781 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,471 mm | 1,435 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,442 kg | 1,377 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 55 L | 50 L | 5 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 988 mm | 993 mm | -5 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,394 mm | 1,425 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0 mm | 1,346 mm | -1 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,067 mm | 1,072 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 953 mm | 947 mm | 6 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,372 mm | 1,394 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0 mm | 1,349 mm | -1 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 919 mm | 912 mm | 7 mm |
Total Legroom | 1,986 mm (over 2 rows) | 1,984 mm (over 2 rows) | 0 mm |
Cargo Volume | 334 L | 422 L | -88 L |
2010 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 |
2010 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
2015 Kia Forte Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2014 | People who need a roomy rear seat don't often buy coupes. So with the Civic Si the coupe is an inch and a half shorter (in both height and length) than the sedan, which translates to nearly three inches less headroom and nearly five inches less legroom in back, making it a very tight fit for even modestly sized adults. Those who do want a roomy rear seat in their coupe will be much happier with the Forte. Compared to the sedan, Kia shaved the Koup's roofline an inch but kept the wheelbase the same. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, I had about an inch of clearance over my head and a hand's-width ahead of my knees. Switch to the four-door body styles, and both cars are about equally roomy in back. But only Forte rear seat passengers enjoy rear air vents--in every body style. see full Kia Forte review |
2015 Kia Forte Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 1.8L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
One of the best of his kind. Almost unbeatable for a car of this price. see full Kia Forte review |