Model Year | 2009 | 2015 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Subaru Legacy | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 263 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000 |
3.6L H6 DOHC-4v 256 hp@6000 247 lb-ft@4400 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable CVT | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 108.3 in | -4.4 in |
Length | 178.3 in | 188.8 in | -10.5 in |
Width | 69.1 in | 72.4 in | -3.3 in |
Height | 57.7 in | 59.0 in | -1.3 in |
Curb Weight | 2991 lb. | 3662 lb. | -671 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.1 in | 40.0 in | -0.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 58.1 in | -3.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 55.5 in | -0.6 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.9 in | 42.9 in | -1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.4 in | 37.0 in | 0.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.0 in | 57.3 in | -3.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 55.0 in | -1.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.3 in | 38.1 in | -1.8 in |
Total Legroom | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 81 in (over 2 rows) | -2.8 in |
Cargo Volume | 11.4 ft3 | 15.0 ft3 | -3.6 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 |
2015 Subaru Legacy Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2015 | Along with the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, and Volkswagen Passat, the Subaru Legacy has one of the roomiest rear seats in the segment. Rear seat passengers have a couple inches less knee room in the Ford Fusion. The rear seats in the Chrysler and Buick are tighter still. This said, especially with the optional sunroof rear seat headroom is somewhat limited. People taller than six feet might come into contact with the headliner. The top trim level includes rear air vents. see full Subaru Legacy review |
2015 Subaru Legacy Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The front seats have an unusually high bulge just below my shoulder blades. This feels more odd than uncomfortable, at least to me. Partly depending on your height your experience might vary. These seats also provide very little lateral support, which admittedly isn't much of an issue given the limited grippiness of the tires. I had no such qualms with the armrest on the door. It's wide and cushy. In the front seats' favor, for 2015 Subaru has added fore-aft adjustability to the headrests, a rarity in recent moderately priced cars. see full Subaru Legacy review |
2015 Subaru Legacy Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 4dr Sedan 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Both front and rear seat room are very good. see full Subaru Legacy review |