Model Year | 2009 | 2012 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Nissan Versa | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 102.4 in | 1.5 in |
Length | 178.3 in | 175.4 in | 2.9 in |
Width | 69.1 in | 66.7 in | 2.4 in |
Height | 57.7 in | 59.6 in | -1.9 in |
Curb Weight | 2758 lb. | 2350 lb. | 408 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 10.8 gal. | 3.7 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.1 in | 39.8 in | -0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 51.7 in | 3.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 48.1 in | 6.8 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.9 in | 41.8 in | 0.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.4 in | 37.0 in | 0.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.0 in | 51.9 in | 2.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 46.2 in | 7.7 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.3 in | 37.0 in | -0.7 in |
Total Legroom | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 78.8 in (over 2 rows) | -0.6 in |
Cargo Volume | 11.4 ft3 | 14.8 ft3 | -3.4 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 |
2012 Nissan Versa Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 109-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Even with the front seats slid all the way back, this car still has more room than almost any other car -- almost as much room as a BMW 780IL. see full Nissan Versa review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 109-horsepower 1.6L I4 CVT FWD |
Only subcompact we test drove that could actually fit four adults. More rear leg room than many midsize cars. see full Nissan Versa review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch 122-horsepower 1.8L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
The seats were ample, and well supported. In my last two cars (a Corolla and a Legacy) I needed a lumbar cushion, but not in the Versa. The seat bottoms also supported my thighs for enough of their length for comfort. see full Nissan Versa review |
2012 Nissan Versa Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 109-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
When I bought the car, I laid the seat down all the way to make sure it would be comfortable enough to nap on. It is, but it's slightly more comfortable if the car is parked on an incline because the seat doesn't quite go down completely flat... although come to think of it I haven't tried raising the seat height with the lever then setting the seat back. Anyway, the passenger side doesn't have a seat height adjustment lever and it doesn't quite make a 180% flat angle either. see full Nissan Versa review |