Mazda Mazda3 Mazda Mazda3 2009 Volkswagen Golf / GTI Volkswagen Golf / GTI 2012

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Mazda Mazda3 (2009) vs. Volkswagen Golf / GTI (2012) Specs

How powerful is the engine? How much room is in the back seat? Get the 2009 Mazda Mazda3 and 2012 Volkswagen Golf / GTI specs.

2009 Mazda Mazda3 and 2012 Volkswagen Golf / GTI Specifications

Model Year 2009 2012  
Model Mazda Mazda3 Volkswagen Golf / GTI  
Engine turbocharged
2.3L I4
DOHC-4v
263 hp@5500
280 lb-ft@3000
turbocharged
2.0L I4
DOHC-4v
256 hp@4300
243 lb-ft@2400
 
Transmission 6-speed manual 6-speed manual  
Drivetrain FWD AWD  
Body 4dr Hatch 4dr Hatch  
      Difference
Wheelbase 103.9 in 101.5 in 2.4 in
Length 176.6 in 165.4 in 11.2 in
Width 69.1 in 70.3 in -1.2 in
Height 57.7 in 58.3 in -0.6 in
Curb Weight 3041 lb. 3326 lb. -285 lb.
Fuel Capacity 14.5 gal. 14.5 gal. 0 gal.
Headroom, Row 1 39.1 in 39.3 in -0.2 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1 54.9 in 54.7 in 0.2 in
Hip Room, Row 1 54.9 in 0.0 in 54.9 in
Legroom, Row 1 41.9 in 41.2 in 0.7 in
Headroom, Row 2 38.4 in 38.5 in -0.1 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2 54.0 in 52.8 in 1.2 in
Hip Room, Row 2 53.9 in 0.0 in 53.9 in
Legroom, Row 2 36.3 in 35.5 in 0.8 in
Total Legroom 78.2 in (over 2 rows) 76.7 in (over 2 rows) 1.5 in
Cargo Volume, Minimum 17.1 ft3 15.0 ft3 2.1 ft3
Cargo Volume, Maximum 43.8 ft3 46.0 ft3 -2.2 ft3

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What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2009 Mazda Mazda3

2009 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2012 Volkswagen Golf / GTI

2012 Volkswagen Golf / GTI Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Four adults can easily and comfortably fit in this car, with plenty of room for luggage. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
2011 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
Seats actually fit your body and have proper bolstering, unlike most other seats in this price range which are more like shelves for oversized American behinds. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
2011 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
Good leg room and supportive seats. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
2011 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
Good leg room for a small car. Supportive seats. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
2011 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
I have MS, so comfortable seats are a must. This is the only car that I've been in where I could do a non-stop trip from Michigan to Washington DC in. No fatigue, no stopping for a stretch. It's that good, and VW throws in standard heated seats for the GTI. And they do mean "heated" seats, not "warmed" seats, not "take-the-edge-off" seats. Turn them on full and your bum will be roasting with in a few minutes. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
2011 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
Firm, supportive seats. Not too hard. Should be excellent for long road trips. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
2011 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
Firm, yet comfortable. Excellent lateral support in the turns. Excellent thigh support fro taller driver. Can sit for hours and still feel comfortable. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
 
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