Model Year | 2007 | 2008 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda5 | Mazda RX-8 | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Minivan | 4dr Coupe | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 108.3 in | 106.4 in | 1.9 in |
Length | 181.5 in | 174.3 in | 7.2 in |
Width | 69.1 in | 69.7 in | -0.6 in |
Height | 64.2 in | 52.8 in | 11.4 in |
Curb Weight | 3333 lb. | 3045 lb. | 288 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 15.9 gal. | 0 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.7 in | 38.2 in | 2.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.5 in | 54.8 in | 0.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 52.9 in | 53.3 in | -0.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 40.7 in | 42.7 in | -2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.4 in | 36.8 in | 2.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.6 in | 54.9 in | 0.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 58.3 in | 48.1 in | 10.2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 35.2 in | 32.2 in | 3 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 37.1 in | 0.0 in | 37.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 49.2 in | 0.0 in | 49.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 40.9 in | 0.0 in | 40.9 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 30.7 in | 0.0 in | 30.7 in |
Total Legroom | 106.6 in (over 3 rows) | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 31.7 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 11.3 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 3.7 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 44.4 ft3 | 7.6 | 36.8 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 70.9 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 63.3 ft3 |
2007 Mazda Mazda5 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Minivan 153-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
One of the smallest vehicles with seating for 6. Going to a full size minivan removes the option for a manual transmission, severely reduces visibility and adds too much weight. SUVs are just way too big see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2008 | 4dr Minivan 153-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Space for two kids or adult to sit comfortably - elderly father sits up straight and can access easily with sliding doors. Pop up seats deal with short term travel with friends/teammates. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2008 | 4dr Minivan 153-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Ample space for such a small exterior. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2008 | 4dr Minivan 153-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
3rd row in a "car" is nice - we always have the occasional 3rd or 4th child and like that they are somewhat temporarily available. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2007 | 4dr Minivan 153-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Rear seats fit adults or kids in car seats adequately, especially for an economy car. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2006 | 4dr Minivan 157-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Tons of rear seat room, and the second row seats can slide back/forth and recline. Third row is reserved for small children, however. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2006 | 4dr Minivan 157-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
The rear doors are the sliding type, which is the most practical (and brilliant) type of rear doors for children. I also like the fact that the middle seats recline and slide, they have storage under the cushions, and a third row of usable seating! see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2006 | 4dr Minivan 157-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Great, height adjustable driver seat, with good lumbar support. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2006 | 4dr Minivan 157-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Second row seats have lots of room, can slide fore and aft, and can recline. The passenger seats up in a chair-like posture, with great support for thighs. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2006 | 4dr Minivan 157-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Can easily and comfortably seat six (6!) adults in a small package with storage space remaining. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2007 Mazda Mazda5 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Minivan 153-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
With the seat all back, there is not much room for anyone over six feet tall. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2006 | 4dr Minivan 157-horsepower 2.3L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Tight fit once the front seats are slid back. Third row is useless if the second row is slid back. see full Mazda Mazda5 review |
2008 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Very comfortable Recaro seats, even on long drives. Larger people may not be comfortable so beware. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2009 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Given the RX-8's compact dimensions, you wouldn't expect rear seat space to be a strength. But thanks to clever packaging and a subtly high roofline, there is actually space for real adults in back, provided those up front are short or move their seats up somewhat. With a pair of pickup-like rear-opening "half" rear doors, ingress and egress for rear seat passengers is a snap. For those who want a sports car but have children or need to transport a few friends occassionally, the RX-8 fits the bill nicely. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2007 | 4dr Coupe 212-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Excellent for long trips. Even though I suffer from spinal stenosis, I did a two-day 1800 mile trip with no troubles and felt great on arrival. Most modern cars have comfortable seats, but these also make me feel like I am part of the car. see full Mazda RX-8 review |