Model Year | 2011 | 2006 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Subaru Outback | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 263 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000 |
turbocharged 2.5L H4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@6000 250 lb-ft@3600 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 5-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 105.1 in | -1.2 in |
Length | 180.7 in | 186.2 in | -5.5 in |
Width | 69.1 in | 69.7 in | -0.6 in |
Height | 57.9 in | 59.1 in | -1.2 in |
Curb Weight | 3179 lb. | 3530 lb. | -351 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 16.9 gal. | -2.4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.9 in | 37.6 in | 1.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 54.4 in | 0.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 51.0 in | -51 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 44.1 in | -2.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 36.5 in | 1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.0 in | 53.7 in | 0.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 52.6 in | -52.6 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.2 in | 33.9 in | 2.3 in |
Total Legroom | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 78 in (over 2 rows) | 0.2 in |
Cargo Volume | 11.8 ft3 | 11.4 ft3 | 0.4 ft3 |
2011 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 |
2011 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
It's a joke. You can't fit anything in the back seat aside from children and/or groceries/shopping. Putting an adult back there will require a sincere apology, and possibly a written note and gift bottle of wine. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat is rather tight, worse than my old Protege5 see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I bought this car to replace a 2004 Mazda 6i Hatchback that I truly loved (got rear-ended and totaled). I did not like the 2012 Mazda 6 at all (or the milage it got), so I went the 3 with Skyactiv. The rear seat and rear legroom is just a bit too small. If it were a tad larger, this would be a awesome car, but the great mileage I get offsets this to a certain degree. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Non of either if the front seats are all the way back, but rear seat room is NOT a factor for me. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
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 |
2006 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 245-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Leg and head room lacking for over 6 footers. see full Subaru Outback review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 245-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Seat back a bit low for 6 footers. see full Subaru Outback review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 175-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
I was amazed at how small the back seat is in this car. Really no bigger than a compact sedan, eg Civic or Corolla. I can't fit my 3 kids (in car seats) back there, and feel bad when co-workers pile in to go to lunch. Surprisingly small for a vehicle this size, and marketed as a "family car." If you plan to put adults or 3 kids back there regularly, look at the '10 or newer (or at something else -- the rear seat in my co-worker's Accord is far bigger and more comfortable). see full Subaru Outback review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon 175-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD |
Too small for kids see full Subaru Outback review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon 175-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Too short! I am 6ft tall and the front passenger seat leaves me feeling very cramped. Drivers position is better. Seats also too narrow. Maybe plenty of room for skinny folks, but not for us folks that are large boned :-) see full Subaru Outback review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD |
The Outback is much smaller (but not cheaper) than the XC70. see full Subaru Outback review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
very tight and narrow rear seat room. feels much bumpier in the rear seat than the front seat. see full Subaru Outback review |