Model Year | 2015 | 2014 | |
Model | Mazda Mazda6 | Fiat 500L | |
Engine | 2.5L I4 DOHC-4v 184 hp@5700 185 lb-ft@3250 |
turbocharged 1.4L I4 OHC-4v 160 hp@5500 184 lb-ft@2500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed automated manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 111.4 in | 102.8 in | 8.6 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 167.3 in | 24.2 in |
Width | 72.4 in | 69.8 in | 2.6 in |
Height | 57.1 in | 65.7 in | -8.6 in |
Curb Weight | 3232 lb. | 3254 lb. | -22 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 16.4 gal. | 13.2 gal. | 3.2 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.4 in | 40.7 in | -2.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.1 in | 57.3 in | -0.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 56.1 in | 54.9 in | 1.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.2 in | 40.0 in | 2.2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.1 in | 38.7 in | -1.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.5 in | 54.6 in | 0.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 56.1 in | 49.4 in | 6.7 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.7 in | 36.7 in | 2 in |
Total Legroom | 80.9 in (over 2 rows) | 76.7 in (over 2 rows) | 4.2 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 14.8 ft3 | 22.4 ft3 | -7.6 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 14.8 ft3 | 68.0 ft3 | -53.2 ft3 |
2015 Mazda Mazda6 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
This one, again borrowed from the earlier review, won't be an issue with most potential buyers: The Mazda6's svelte, athletically proportioned body comes at a typical price: rear seat room, as in the Ford Fusion, is merely adequate. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, my knees and head have only an inch or two of clearance, my shins none. Among major competitors, only the Chevrolet Malibu has a tighter rear seat. To carve out even this much room beneath the plunging rear roofline the new Mazda6's rear seat cushion is slightly undersized and positioned too low. That in the Fusion is more supportive. A deal killer? Unless space for large adults is a priority, no. If, on the other hand, space for large adults is a priority, then the Honda Accord and VW Passat are better bets. Even for small passengers, the Mazda6 Sport's rear seat has a key shortcoming. Unlike in the Touring and Grand Touring, there's no rear air vent to help cool the aft cabin in the summer. see full Mazda Mazda6 review |
2015 Mazda Mazda6 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2016 | 4dr Sedan 143-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Why doesn't this vehicle have heated front seats (they only cost a tenner or so at manufacturing time) and why doesn't it have electric front seats with memory (it is particularly annoying to have to try and reset the seat after the garage has had the car and adjusted it to their liking)! Again electric front seats don;t really cost anything much to build in. see full Mazda Mazda6 review |
2014 Fiat 500L Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2014 | The front seats in the 500 (no L) aren't my favorite aspect of the car (to put it lightly). Those in the 500L are totally different. They're not luxurious. They're not sporty. But they're firm without being overly firm and the way the seatback angles forward from its midpoint provides excellent mid-back support. A power lumbar adjuster is available, but the tested car lacked this feature and I didn't miss it. The Soul's front seats are flatter, firmer, lacking in lumbar support, and generally much less comfortable. see full Fiat 500L review |
2014 Fiat 500L Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
2014 | The 500L's rear seat, which slides and reclines, is mounted very high off the floor, and consequently provides better thigh support than most. Slide it all the way back, and legroom is plentiful (if still not as plentiful as in the Kia). But combine the high cushion with the optional panoramic sunroof, and even though I'm only 5-9 my scalp nearly touched the headliner. Anyone who intends to carry people over 5-10 in the back seat best skip the sunroof. Without it the 500L has much more rear headroom. see full Fiat 500L review |
2014 Fiat 500L Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 160hp 1.4L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
This isn't a problem for me exactly, but I've noticed other reviewers have mentioned it. The front seats are firm and I've been told that the seat fabric in some of the other models can be a bit slick. It took me a few days to get fully accustomed to the seats and find the position that works best for me. I like the firmness because it gives extra support. It's certainly something you'll want to pay attention to when you test drive it. see full Fiat 500L review |