Model Year | 2009 | 2006 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 263 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000 |
turbocharged 2.5L H4 DOHC-4v 300 hp@6000 300 lb-ft@4000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 99.4 in | 4.5 in |
Length | 178.3 in | 175.4 in | 2.9 in |
Width | 69.1 in | 68.5 in | 0.6 in |
Height | 57.7 in | 56.7 in | 1 in |
Curb Weight | 2991 lb. | 3351 lb. | -360 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 15.9 gal. | -1.4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.1 in | 38.6 in | 0.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 52.7 in | 2.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 53.3 in | 1.6 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.9 in | 42.9 in | -1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.4 in | 36.7 in | 0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.0 in | 52.9 in | 1.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 51.9 in | 2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.3 in | 33.0 in | 3.3 in |
Total Legroom | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 75.9 in (over 2 rows) | 2.3 in |
Cargo Volume | 11.4 ft3 | 11.0 ft3 | 0.4 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 |
2006 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr Wagon 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD |
Body hugging front seats see full Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport review |
2006 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD |
I know it is a smaller sedan, but even with the front seats shoved up to that your knees are in the dashboard, that leaves just enough room for an average human in back. Under normal front seat conditions, crushed knees in back. see full Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 230hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD |
Seats are very large and not built for comfort for a thinner person. see full Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 230hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD |
The rear seat leg room is too small for American sized adults. A little more room would have made this car a lot more livable when family comes to town. This may be THE reason why I upgrade to a midsize car once this car dies. see full Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport review |