Mazda Mazda3 (2008) vs. Subaru Outback (2012) Specs

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2008 Mazda Mazda3 and 2012 Subaru Outback Specifications

Model Year	2008	2012
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.	3597 lb.	-556 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

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What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2008 Mazda Mazda3

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

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2012 Subaru Outback

2012 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	0 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
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
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

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