Model Year | 2014 | 2012 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Nissan Versa | |
Engine | 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 155 hp@6000 148 lb-ft@4000 |
1.8L I4 DOHC-4v 122 hp@5200 127 lb-ft@4800 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 4-speed automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 102.4 in | 3.9 in |
Length | 180.3 in | 175.4 in | 4.9 in |
Width | 70.7 in | 66.7 in | 4 in |
Height | 57.3 in | 59.6 in | -2.3 in |
Curb Weight | 2857 lb. | 2379 lb. | 478 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 10.8 gal. | 2.4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.6 in | 39.8 in | -1.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.2 in | 51.7 in | 5.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.5 in | 48.1 in | 7.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.2 in | 41.8 in | 0.4 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.0 in | 0.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.4 in | 51.9 in | 2.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.5 in | 46.2 in | 7.3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 35.8 in | 37.0 in | -1.2 in |
Total Legroom | 78 in (over 2 rows) | 78.8 in (over 2 rows) | -0.8 in |
Cargo Volume | 12.4 ft3 | 14.8 ft3 | -2.4 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 |
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 |