Model Year | 2014 | 2011 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Volkswagen Jetta | |
Engine | 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 155 hp@6000 148 lb-ft@4000 |
2.5L I5 DOHC-4v 170 hp@5700 177 lb-ft@4250 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 104.4 in | 1.9 in |
Length | 180.3 in | 182.2 in | -1.9 in |
Width | 70.7 in | 70.0 in | 0.7 in |
Height | 57.3 in | 57.2 in | 0.1 in |
Curb Weight | 2799 lb. | 3075 lb. | -276 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 14.5 gal. | -1.3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.6 in | 38.2 in | 0.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.2 in | 55.2 in | 2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.5 in | 0.0 in | 55.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.2 in | 41.2 in | 1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.1 in | 0.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.4 in | 53.6 in | 0.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.5 in | 0.0 in | 53.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 35.8 in | 38.1 in | -2.3 in |
Total Legroom | 78 in (over 2 rows) | 79.3 in (over 2 rows) | -1.3 in |
Cargo Volume | 12.4 ft3 | 15.5 ft3 | -3.1 ft3 |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The Mazda3 also isn't a clear choice if a roomy rear seat is a top priority. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, I had little room to spare. The rear seat in the Ford Focus is at least as tight, but has a more comfortably positioned cushion. A Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, or Toyota Corolla has far more rear seat room. If you like how the Mazda3 looks and drives, but need more rear seat legroom, the Mazda6 offers another three inches for another $2,100 to $3,700 (depending on trim level). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Nice contoured, form fitting seats offer plenty of support, quite comfortable. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Rear seat a bit tight, needs more room back there. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2011 Volkswagen Jetta Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
This vehicle was intended to be the "Mommy Mobile". My wife also likes to drive most of the time in "Her Car". I am 6 ft 205 lb; with my 22 month old daughter in a forward facing car seat, I feel I have to pull my seat some what forward to allow her room. This makes my knees kinda touch the glove box. It really only is a problem if shes is fussy, and does not want anything near her. (Instead of hearing her fuss I move it....sometimes.) see full Volkswagen Jetta review |
2011 Volkswagen Jetta Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 115-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
While the Jetta is extremely roomy and comfortable, the center console is slightly too close and can interfere with the driver's right knee and calf. see full Volkswagen Jetta review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
The rear seat is a little small but compared to other compact cars it is not bad, Still cramped if your over 6 feet. see full Volkswagen Jetta review |