Model Year | 2014 | 2012 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Volkswagen Jetta | |
Engine | 2.5L I4 DOHC-4v 137 kW@5700 251 Nm@3250 |
turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 147 kW@5100 281 Nm@1700 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed automated manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,700 mm | 2,652 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,580 mm | 4,628 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,796 mm | 1,778 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,455 mm | 1,453 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,363 kg | 1,432 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 50 L | 55 L | -5 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 980 mm | 970 mm | 10 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,453 mm | 1,402 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,410 mm | 0 mm | 1 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,072 mm | 1,046 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 953 mm | 942 mm | 11 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,382 mm | 1,361 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,359 mm | 0 mm | 1 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 909 mm | 968 mm | -59 mm |
Total Legroom | 1,981 mm (over 2 rows) | 2,014 mm (over 2 rows) | -1 mm |
Cargo Volume | 351 L | 439 L | -88 L |
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 |
2012 Volkswagen Jetta Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2013 | The Jetta is a little longer than the ILX (182 vs. 179 inches), and all of the additional inches appear to have gone into the rear seat. While the average adult will barely fit into the back seat of the Acura (those over 5-9 will be on close terms with the headliner), the Jetta has significantly more rear headroom and more rear legroom than the average midsize sedan, much less the average compact. If you like a roomy rear seat, you'll love the Jetta. Room is one thing, comfort another. The rear seat feels overly hard, and neither the cushion nor the backrest was set at a comfortable angle for me. Clearly some German engineer found these angles optimal, though. So maybe it's just me. see full Volkswagen Jetta review |
2012 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 |