Model Year | 2009 | 2006 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda3 | Volvo V70 | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 263 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000 |
turbocharged 2.5L I5 DOHC-4v 300 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@1950 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 108.5 in | -4.6 in |
Length | 176.6 in | 185.4 in | -8.8 in |
Width | 69.1 in | 71.0 in | -1.9 in |
Height | 57.7 in | 57.7 in | 0 in |
Curb Weight | 3041 lb. | 3733 lb. | -692 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.1 in | 39.3 in | -0.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 56.2 in | -1.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.9 in | 55.0 in | -0.1 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.9 in | 42.6 in | -0.7 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.4 in | 38.9 in | -0.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.0 in | 55.9 in | -1.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 54.8 in | -0.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.3 in | 35.2 in | 1.1 in |
Total Legroom | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 77.8 in (over 2 rows) | 0.4 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 17.1 ft3 | 37.4 ft3 | -20.3 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 43.8 ft3 | 71.4 ft3 | -27.6 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 V70 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
best seats in the industry see full Volvo V70 review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 161hp 2.4L I5 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lumbar support see full Volvo V70 review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
It may seem strange to rate seat comfort so highly, but that's only if you have never driven in a Volvo. Amazing, ergonomic, adjustable, but those could describe many seats. What my wife would say (and I've read others express as well) is if you have back problems, get your Dr. to prescribe you a Volvo! They are that good. see full Volvo V70 review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 300hp 2.5L I5 6-speed manual AWD |
Almost as good as the seats in the 92 960. Good support & position except left footrest small & too far left. Lumbar support too far down for a tall person but bearable. Electric memory allows easy switching of seat position on long trips. Bun warmer. see full Volvo V70 review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Exceptionally comfortable seating for even very long trips. see full Volvo V70 review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 300hp 2.5L I5 6-speed manual AWD |
Fantastic front seats see full Volvo V70 review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I have been driving Volvos for 45 years, starting with a PV444. With every model the seats are the most comfortable and best support for driving. They provide leg, lumbar, and side support, and both driver and passenger seats have 6 way controls. see full Volvo V70 review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Can travel for hours without feeling need to stop and stretch. Seat heaters are great too. see full Volvo V70 review |
2006 Volvo V70 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
no knee room see full Volvo V70 review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Though not a big issue, the rear seats could be a bit wider for better 3-abreast seating (though most vehicles share this limitation). The greater need, however, is another few inches of legroom. It is adequate, but only that. Another 3 or 4 inches would make the rear seat amazing, but then again, that would come at the cost of rear cargo capacity ... no such thing as a "free lunch". see full Volvo V70 review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
There is not much if the front seats are back see full Volvo V70 review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
To give rear seats reasonable amount of room, you have to keep front seats forwards. see full Volvo V70 review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed automatic FWD |
I meant to choose the rear seat item. It could use more leg room in the rear. In the process of putting a lot of cargo space and comfortable front seat in a short car, the rear leg room took the hit. see full Volvo V70 review |