Model Year | 2008 | 2011 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Subaru Outback | |
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 | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 107.9 in | -4 in |
Length | 176.6 in | 188.2 in | -11.6 in |
Width | 69.1 in | 71.7 in | -2.6 in |
Height | 57.7 in | 65.7 in | -8 in |
Curb Weight | 3041 lb. | 3544 lb. | -503 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.1 in | 40.8 in | -1.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 56.3 in | -1.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 0.0 in | 54.9 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.9 in | 43.0 in | -1.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.4 in | 39.3 in | -0.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.0 in | 56.1 in | -2.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 0.0 in | 53.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.3 in | 37.8 in | -1.5 in |
Total Legroom | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 80.8 in (over 2 rows) | -2.6 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 17.1 ft3 | 34.3 ft3 | -17.2 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 43.8 ft3 | 71.3 ft3 | -27.5 ft3 |
2008 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Very sporty seats, excellent lumber support. Seats will ensure that you stay where you are supposed to be, even in tight cornering. After a straight 12hr trip, the seat still feels comfortable. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of leg space & head room, and seat adjustments possible. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 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 |
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 |
Tight and uncomfortable as are most other cars in this class. 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 |
2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This IS a smaller car. That being said, if the front seats are all the way back, people in the back had better sit Indian-style on the seats. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The Mazda 3 has very limited footroom except when the driver is of very small stature.it helps somewhat if you puchsae the model with the height adjustable seat.seat fabric on the none leather models goes bally,and becomes difficult to clean!! see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Rear seats are really small and tight legroom. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2011 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
I am a big guy. 5'10 and about 290 lbs. This car is very comfortable for me. I can reach the controls nicely, love the heated leather seats. see full Subaru Outback review |
2012 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
I have found our 2012 Outback to be very comfortable for long drives. The driver's seat has plenty of adjustment to accommodate my frame. Legroom is outstanding. My wife got so spoiled with the heated seats in our 99 Outback Limited that she balks at cars without. So our 2010 and now the 2012 have had the heated seats. see full Subaru Outback review |
2012 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Rear seat comfort is excellent even for very tall teenagers and 20 somethings. The redesign of the Outback in 2010 noticeably improved rear seat space. One note when flipping down the back seats. Make sure your head is out of the way when you lift the release lever. The seat back springs forward quickly. The angle of the rear seat can also be reclined for additional comfort. The fold down center cup holder is a nice touch. The seating position is high so visibility is great. see full Subaru Outback review |
2012 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Very comfortable. see full Subaru Outback review |
2012 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
0 see full Subaru Outback review |
2011 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Wide space with lots of shoulder, hip, leg and head room. Seats are comfy too without being decadent. see full Subaru Outback review |
2011 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Impressed with the seat comfort/adjustability/durability. 12+hours in the chair is no problem. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD |
It seems to have as much room as my Chevy Suburban. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD |
More then enough room for my children and their car seats. Much more room compared to my VW Passat Wagon I traded in. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
This is a big one for me since I'm 6'6". The seat is very comfortable, even with my long legs. With it all the way back, I can fit in the rear seat as well. Also, heated seats are a wonderful thing. see full Subaru Outback review |
2011 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
One complaint is the hard, short driver's seat. I use a gel cushion. I had after market leather installed. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
There are no adjustements for height, lumbar or tilt for the passenger in any of the available trim levels. We would have bought this car new from the dealer otherwise. see full Subaru Outback review |