Model Year | 2010 | 2020 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Subaru Legacy | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 196 kW@5500 380 Nm@3000 |
turbocharged 2.4L H4 DOHC-4v 194 kW@5600 376 Nm@2000 |
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Transmission | 6-speed manual | 8-speed shiftable CVT | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,639 mm | 2,751 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,590 mm | 4,841 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,755 mm | 1,839 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,471 mm | 1,501 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,442 kg | 1,714 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 55 L | 70 L | -15 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 988 mm | 1,001 mm | 987 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,394 mm | 1,476 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,067 mm | 1,087 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 953 mm | 945 mm | 8 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,372 mm | 1,458 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 919 mm | 1,003 mm | 918 mm |
Total Legroom | 1,986 mm (over 2 rows) | 2,090 mm (over 2 rows) | -1 mm |
Cargo Volume | 334 L | 428 L | -94 L |
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 |
2020 Subaru Legacy Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2021 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 260hp 2.4L H4 8-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Front seats are softly padded in a way that is uncommon in modern vehicles. Driver's seat adjustments are above average, as there is an adjustable thigh support. Passenger seats lack lumbar adjustment and thigh support extensions, but have full 8-way power including seat-bottom tilt and height adjustment.
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Some drivers complain the lumbar support is intrusive, while others complain it's too subtle. Remember to sit in a seat and get a feel for yourself, as it is very subjective.
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The driver's seat has the option of a facial recognition system that is fairly reliable if used correctly and a useful feature that is not common in other cars. Memory buttons remain on the door for those that prefer them.
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The details that count: According to the owner's manual, the facial recognition system's software is open-source and data remains in the vehicle.
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2020 Subaru Legacy Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2021 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 260hp 2.4L H4 8-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
The Mazda6 has a smaller rear seat, no way around it. That being said, I find it to be more richly appointed than the Legacy's with the same great materials as up-front and cool touches: the USB ports are in the center armrest with a covered storage cubby, and the rear seat heaters are 3-level with controls in the armrest. These touches are reminiscent of very high-end luxury cars and are more convenient locations in general. The Mazda's heated rear seats also seem to be stronger than the Legacy's. --- The seats follow the same theme as the front in both cars- softer/plusher in the Legacy, firmer but well shaped in the Mazda. --- The front seat-backs are more upscale in the Mazda, and the rear seat of the Mazda has ambient lighting in the door pockets (unlike the Legacy). Overall, the rear cabin of the Mazda is snugger but remains comfortable while carrying on the quality and elegance of the front. For space though, the Legacy still grabs a Win here. see full Subaru Legacy review |