Model Year | 2011 | 2006 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Mazda RX-8 | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 263 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000 |
1.3L R2 OHV-2v 238 hp@8500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Coupe | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 106.4 in | -2.5 in |
Length | 180.7 in | 174.3 in | 6.4 in |
Width | 69.1 in | 69.7 in | -0.6 in |
Height | 57.9 in | 52.8 in | 5.1 in |
Curb Weight | 3179 lb. | 3045 lb. | 134 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 15.9 gal. | -1.4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.9 in | 38.2 in | 0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 54.8 in | 0.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 53.3 in | -53.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 42.7 in | -0.7 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 36.8 in | 0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.0 in | 54.9 in | -0.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 48.1 in | -48.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.2 in | 32.2 in | 4 in |
Total Legroom | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 3.3 in |
Cargo Volume | 11.8 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 4.2 ft3 |
2011 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 |
2011 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
It's a joke. You can't fit anything in the back seat aside from children and/or groceries/shopping. Putting an adult back there will require a sincere apology, and possibly a written note and gift bottle of wine. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat is rather tight, worse than my old Protege5 see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I bought this car to replace a 2004 Mazda 6i Hatchback that I truly loved (got rear-ended and totaled). I did not like the 2012 Mazda 6 at all (or the milage it got), so I went the 3 with Skyactiv. The rear seat and rear legroom is just a bit too small. If it were a tad larger, this would be a awesome car, but the great mileage I get offsets this to a certain degree. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Non of either if the front seats are all the way back, but rear seat room is NOT a factor for me. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
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 |
2006 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Coupe 212-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Excellent for long trips. Even though I suffer from spinal stenosis, I did a two-day 1800 mile trip with no troubles and felt great on arrival. Most modern cars have comfortable seats, but these also make me feel like I am part of the car. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2006 | 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Rear seats are functional for adults, which is unique for a sports car. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2005 | 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Adults my height (5-9) can actually fit in the back seat of the RX-8. And getting in and out is aided by a second set of rear-hinged doors. Other sports cars have no rear seat or a very small one. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2005 | 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Unlike most sports cars, the RX-8 has a rear seat that adults can get into (using rear doors) and fit into. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2006 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2005 | 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Head room is low with sunroof see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2005 | 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Ok for small women and children. Not really made for full sized male adults see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2005 | 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
it is POSSIBLE to fit an adult in the back...but really anyone over 10-12 years old will be uncomfortable. see full Mazda RX-8 review |