Model Year | 2009 | 2006 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Volvo V50 | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 103.9 in | 0 in |
Length | 176.6 in | 177.7 in | -1.1 in |
Width | 69.1 in | 69.7 in | -0.6 in |
Height | 57.7 in | 57.2 in | 0.5 in |
Curb Weight | 2808 lb. | 3326 lb. | -518 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 15.9 gal. | -1.4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.1 in | 38.9 in | 0.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 55.2 in | -0.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 53.7 in | 1.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.9 in | 41.6 in | 0.3 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.4 in | 38.1 in | 0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.0 in | 54.1 in | -0.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 50.7 in | 3.2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.3 in | 34.4 in | 1.9 in |
Total Legroom | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 76 in (over 2 rows) | 2.2 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 17.1 ft3 | 27.4 ft3 | -10.3 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 43.8 ft3 | 62.9 ft3 | -19.1 ft3 |
2009 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 |
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 | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
2006 Volvo V50 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed manual FWD |
It has a lot of arm and leg room for a smaller car. see full Volvo V50 review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Front seat comfort is top notch. Lots of adjustments with power drivers seat. see full Volvo V50 review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Very comfortable leather seats. Fully adjustable. see full Volvo V50 review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 218hp 2.5L I5 6-speed manual AWD |
They are the most comfortable seats I have ever had in a car - period. see full Volvo V50 review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 218hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Let me put it this way: road trip across Canada. Last day getting home drove 1,500kms in 15 hrs (including breaks, of course). No neck or back pain. The front seats are extremely comfortable. see full Volvo V50 review |
2006 Volvo V50 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed manual FWD |
Not a lot of room for tall adults. Good for kids. see full Volvo V50 review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 218hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Rear seat is for very small people or children only --no leg room. see full Volvo V50 review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
legroom too cramped see full Volvo V50 review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Volvo should be ashamed for such lousy seats. They know how to build great seats but they shortchanged the V50. see full Volvo V50 review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Too cramped. See previous comments about seats. see full Volvo V50 review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 218hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good only for children. 3 adults are getting squeezed. see full Volvo V50 review |
2005 | 4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
really only good for kids see full Volvo V50 review |