Model Year | 2009 | 2008 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Lexus IS | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 107.5 in | -3.6 in |
Length | 178.3 in | 180.1 in | -1.8 in |
Width | 69.1 in | 70.9 in | -1.8 in |
Height | 57.7 in | 56.1 in | 1.6 in |
Curb Weight | 2758 lb. | 3455 lb. | -697 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 17.2 gal. | -2.7 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.1 in | 37.2 in | 1.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 54.4 in | 0.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 54.1 in | 0.8 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.9 in | 43.9 in | -2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.4 in | 36.7 in | 0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.0 in | 52.7 in | 1.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 53.7 in | 0.2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.3 in | 30.6 in | 5.7 in |
Total Legroom | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 74.5 in (over 2 rows) | 3.7 in |
Cargo Volume | 11.4 ft3 | 13.0 ft3 | -1.6 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 |
2008 Lexus IS Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 306-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
The seats are very comfortable for the size car. see full Lexus IS review |
2008 Lexus IS Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Yeah, the back is small but still big enough to handle for the poor rear seat passengers. see full Lexus IS review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 306-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
This is a small car. Interior seating is comfortable but tight. Unless the driver is very short, forget about the back seat. see full Lexus IS review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 306-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Don't buy this car if you ever plan on carrying four adults. see full Lexus IS review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Cramped rear seat. Minimal knee and leg room when there is a front driver/passenger. Minimal room for the toddler when sitting in a car seat. Seats 2 small kids at best. see full Lexus IS review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The rear seats are very comfortable, but TINY. see full Lexus IS review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 416-horsepower 5.0L V8 8-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Not enough rear legroom. see full Lexus IS review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 306-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
The rear seat really is too small for adults. The front seats have to be moved forward for adults to sit in the back. see full Lexus IS review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Small rear seat. More like a coupe with 4 doors. see full Lexus IS review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Even large children will struggle to fit. see full Lexus IS review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 204-horsepower 2.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
We do not have small children, and only small children could fit back there. see full Lexus IS review |