Model Year | 2007 | 2008 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Audi A3 | |
Engine | 1.3L R2 OHV-2v 212 hp@7500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
3.2L V6 DOHC-4v 250 hp@6300 236 lb-ft@2800 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed automated manual | |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 101.5 in | 4.9 in |
Length | 174.3 in | 168.7 in | 5.6 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 69.5 in | 0.2 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 56.0 in | -3.2 in |
Curb Weight | 3075 lb. | 3660 lb. | -585 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 15.0 gal. | 0.9 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 38.1 in | 0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 54.3 in | 0.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 0.0 in | 53.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.7 in | 41.2 in | 1.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 36.9 in | -0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 52.8 in | 2.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 48.1 in | 0.0 in | 48.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 32.2 in | 34.8 in | -2.6 in |
Total Legroom | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 76 in (over 2 rows) | -1.1 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 7.6 ft3 | 13.1 ft3 | -5.5 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 7.6 ft3 | 54.6 ft3 | -47 ft3 |
2007 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
2006 | 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Rear seats are functional for adults, which is unique for a sports car. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2008 Audi A3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
A lot less leg room when compared to the GTI, but the rear hatch space is bigger. see full Audi A3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Really just a 4 place vehicle...3 across in the rear is not comfortably possible. see full Audi A3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Slightly too close to each other in arm room. see full Audi A3 review |
2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
The back seat is too small for most adults. I hadn't thought about it much when I bought the car, but it became apparent. I'd take friends to lunch and they are uncomfortable.Even ifa personplans on sitting small children in the back, they grow and the useful life of the car is affected. I wish the Europeans would figure that out. see full Audi A3 review |
2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Due to the position of the doors it is hard to get in and out of the car. see full Audi A3 review |