Model Year | 2009 | 2008 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Audi Q7 | |
Engine | 1.3L R2 OHV-2v 212 hp@7500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
4.2L V8 OHC-4v 350 hp@6800 325 lb-ft@3500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 118.2 in | -11.8 in |
Length | 175.6 in | 200.2 in | -24.6 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 78.1 in | -8.4 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 68.4 in | -15.6 in |
Curb Weight | 3094 lb. | 5269 lb. | -2175 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 26.4 gal. | -10.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 39.5 in | -1.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 58.7 in | -3.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 0.0 in | 53.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.7 in | 41.3 in | 1.4 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 39.0 in | -2.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 58.1 in | -3.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 48.1 in | 0.0 in | 48.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 32.2 in | 37.1 in | -4.9 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 35.4 in | -35.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 48.6 in | -48.6 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 29.2 in | -29.2 in |
Total Legroom | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 107.6 in (over 3 rows) | -32.7 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 7.6 ft3 | 10.9 ft3 | -3.3 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 7.6 | 40.1 ft3 | -32.5 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 7.6 ft3 | 88.7 ft3 | -81.1 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 Q7 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr SUV 280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The middle seat of all the SUVs we looked at, had the most room to move furthest forward or backward to allow far rear seat passengers most accommodation. see full Audi Q7 review |
2007 | 4dr SUV 280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Rear seat legroom is greater than other vehicles I evaluated in this category: Acura MDX, BMW X5, Mercedes ML; seats more plush; more cargo space. see full Audi Q7 review |
2007 | 4dr SUV 350-horsepower 4.2L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Great front seats for long drives. see full Audi Q7 review |