Model Year | 2010 | 2013 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Mazda Mazda6 | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 263 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000 |
3.7L V6 DOHC-4v 272 hp@6250 269 lb-ft@4250 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 109.8 in | -5.9 in |
Length | 180.7 in | 193.7 in | -13 in |
Width | 69.1 in | 72.4 in | -3.3 in |
Height | 57.9 in | 57.9 in | 0 in |
Curb Weight | 3179 lb. | 3547 lb. | -368 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.9 in | 39.4 in | -0.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 57.3 in | -2.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 55.1 in | -55.1 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 42.5 in | -0.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.3 in | 0.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.0 in | 56.5 in | -2.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 55.9 in | -55.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.2 in | 38.0 in | -1.8 in |
Total Legroom | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 80.5 in (over 2 rows) | -2.3 in |
Cargo Volume | 11.8 ft3 | 16.6 ft3 | -4.8 ft3 |
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 |
2013 Mazda Mazda6 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
This one, again borrowed from the earlier review, won't be an issue with most potential buyers: The Mazda6's svelte, athletically proportioned body comes at a typical price: rear seat room, as in the Ford Fusion, is merely adequate. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, my knees and head have only an inch or two of clearance, my shins none. Among major competitors, only the Chevrolet Malibu has a tighter rear seat. To carve out even this much room beneath the plunging rear roofline the new Mazda6's rear seat cushion is slightly undersized and positioned too low. That in the Fusion is more supportive. A deal killer? Unless space for large adults is a priority, no. If, on the other hand, space for large adults is a priority, then the Honda Accord and VW Passat are better bets. Even for small passengers, the Mazda6 Sport's rear seat has a key shortcoming. Unlike in the Touring and Grand Touring, there's no rear air vent to help cool the aft cabin in the summer. see full Mazda Mazda6 review |
2013 Mazda Mazda6 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
I am six feet tall with a long torso and legs, so I usually have the seat pretty far back. With the front seat in a comfortable position, the rear seats have plenty of leg and head room for adults, even more so for my kids. see full Mazda Mazda6 review |