Model Year | 2009 | 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 | 175.6 in | 168.7 in | 6.9 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 69.5 in | 0.2 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 56.0 in | -3.2 in |
Curb Weight | 3094 lb. | 3660 lb. | -566 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 |
2009 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 |
2009 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
The R3 Recaro seats had side bolsters that were a bit tight for us. I am below average in size as a male, and my wife is also very small and we found the bolsters cut into our hips far more than was comfortable. The seats are racing oriented only. 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 |