Model Year | 2008 | 2010 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | BMW 3-Series | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Coupe | 2dr Coupe | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 108.7 in | -2.3 in |
Length | 174.3 in | 181.1 in | -6.8 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 70.2 in | -0.5 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 54.1 in | -1.3 in |
Curb Weight | 3045 lb. | 3351 lb. | -306 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 15.9 gal. | 0 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 38.4 in | -0.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 55.3 in | -0.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 0.0 in | 53.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.7 in | 41.8 in | 0.9 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 36.8 in | 0 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 51.9 in | 3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 48.1 in | 0.0 in | 48.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 32.2 in | 33.7 in | -1.5 in |
Total Legroom | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 75.5 in (over 2 rows) | -0.6 in |
Cargo Volume | 7.6 ft3 | 11.1 ft3 | -3.5 ft3 |
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 |
2010 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Relatively small back seat room. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2010 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
tight and not too useful a space see full BMW 3-Series review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Rear seat room not as expansive as competitors. Trunk capacity could be better. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Tight for large people. Fine for kids. Smaller than a G37, much smaller than a Maxima. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2009 | 0 | Not much room in rear see if driver is 6 feet tall see full BMW 3-Series review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD |
With a 6-foot driver, rear seat room is barely adequate for adults, for short trips. This is typical for this car segment, though. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2009 | 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Limited for adults see full BMW 3-Series review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 414-horsepower 4.0L V8 7-speed automated manual RWD |
Wish the rear seats had 1" more legroom. see full BMW 3-Series review |