Model Year | 2010 | 2008 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Saturn AURA | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 263 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000 |
3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 252 hp@6300 251 lb-ft@3200 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 112.3 in | -8.4 in |
Length | 180.7 in | 190.9 in | -10.2 in |
Width | 69.1 in | 70.3 in | -1.2 in |
Height | 57.9 in | 57.6 in | 0.3 in |
Curb Weight | 3179 lb. | 3660 lb. | -481 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 16.0 gal. | -1.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.9 in | 39.4 in | -0.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 55.9 in | -1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 53.0 in | -53 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 42.2 in | -0.2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.4 in | 0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.0 in | 54.0 in | 0 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 52.2 in | -52.2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.2 in | 37.6 in | -1.4 in |
Total Legroom | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 79.8 in (over 2 rows) | -1.6 in |
Cargo Volume | 11.8 ft3 | 14.9 ft3 | -3.1 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 |
2008 Saturn AURA Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 169-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Comfortable for tall people. Lots of front seat legroom and headroom. Telescopic steering. Centre armrest adjusts nicely, I can drive with both elbows resting and still hold steering wheel. see full Saturn AURA review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 219-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
The seats fit me well and I find I can drive for hours without discomfort. see full Saturn AURA review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Tilt/telescoping. Power and heated. They hold you in place in curves better than a sedan usually does. see full Saturn AURA review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of room for legs and headroom, even for a tall person. Everything seems to be reachable. see full Saturn AURA review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
It has plenty of room for legs and is comfortable. see full Saturn AURA review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The seats have sufficient support for longer trips. see full Saturn AURA review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 224-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
Plenty of room. see full Saturn AURA review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
My legs are very very long. tried Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Nissan Maxima. Sit in this, drive it, buy it. its that simple. see full Saturn AURA review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Leather and room. heated seats. Killer stock audio system. see full Saturn AURA review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
It is obvious that a lot of thought was poured into the design of the rear seat area and the effect is outstanding see full Saturn AURA review |
2008 Saturn AURA Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Less leg room than the Milan and I had less headroom because of the installed sunroof. see full Saturn AURA review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The Aura had less rear headroom. When I set in the rear seat, my head was right against the edge of the rear glass mounting. see full Saturn AURA review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 252-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Rear seat room is adequate for normal sized adults. see full Saturn AURA review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 224-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed automatic FWD |
Difficult to enter and exit. Low roof bangs head, B post trim causes bruising for tall driver when entering see full Saturn AURA review |