Model Year | 2014 | 2015 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Nissan Quest | |
Engine | 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 155 hp@6000 148 lb-ft@4000 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 260 hp@6000 240 lb-ft@4400 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | CVT | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Minivan, ext. | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 118.1 in | -11.8 in |
Length | 175.6 in | 200.8 in | -25.2 in |
Width | 70.7 in | 77.6 in | -6.9 in |
Height | 57.3 in | 71.5 in | -14.2 in |
Curb Weight | 2797 lb. | 4367 lb. | -1570 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 20.0 gal. | -6.8 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.6 in | 42.1 in | -3.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.2 in | 64.5 in | -7.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.5 in | 57.3 in | -1.8 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.2 in | 43.8 in | -1.6 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.6 in | 41.6 in | -4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.4 in | 63.2 in | -8.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.5 in | 66.0 in | -12.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 35.8 in | 36.7 in | -0.9 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 40.0 in | -40 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 61.2 in | -61.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 49.6 in | -49.6 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 40.5 in | -40.5 in |
Total Legroom | 78 in (over 2 rows) | 121 in (over 3 rows) | -43 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 20.2 ft3 | 35.1 ft3 | -14.9 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 20.2 | 63.6 ft3 | -43.4 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 47.1 ft3 | 108.4 ft3 | -61.3 ft3 |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The Mazda3 also isn't a clear choice if a roomy rear seat is a top priority. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, I had little room to spare. The rear seat in the Ford Focus is at least as tight, but has a more comfortably positioned cushion. A Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, or Toyota Corolla has far more rear seat room. If you like how the Mazda3 looks and drives, but need more rear seat legroom, the Mazda6 offers another three inches for another $2,100 to $3,700 (depending on trim level). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Nice contoured, form fitting seats offer plenty of support, quite comfortable. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Rear seat a bit tight, needs more room back there. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2015 Nissan Quest Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 4dr Minivan, ext. 260-horsepower 3.5L V6 CVT FWD |
Here's the main reason I bought this van: my kids! Of all the vans we tested, they believed the second and third row seats were the most comfortable. Some may laugh at the boxy shape and fat rear end of the Quest, but the reason it's designed that way is because it maximizes interior room. I'm 6'1" (taller in the torso than legs) and even I think the van is spacious when I sit in the third row. The head and shoulder room is incredible. The seats are all very comfortable. The soft suspension makes riding as a passenger a pleasure. So, despite all the shortcomings I mention in this review, in my opinion, the Quest tops all the competitors in the category of passenger and driver comfort. The pleasing and luxurious interior materials contribute to this. Too bad the production of this iteration of the Quest appears to be in its final chapter. see full Nissan Quest review |