Model Year | 2008 | 2017 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Chevrolet Malibu | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 111.4 in | -5 in |
Length | 174.3 in | 193.8 in | -19.5 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 73.0 in | -3.3 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 57.7 in | -4.9 in |
Curb Weight | 3045 lb. | 3086 lb. | -41 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 13.0 gal. | 2.9 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 39.1 in | -0.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 58.5 in | -3.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 54.1 in | -0.8 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.7 in | 42.0 in | 0.7 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 37.5 in | -0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 57.1 in | -2.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 48.1 in | 53.4 in | -5.3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 32.2 in | 38.1 in | -5.9 in |
Total Legroom | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 80.1 in (over 2 rows) | -5.2 in |
Cargo Volume | 7.6 ft3 | 15.8 ft3 | -8.2 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 |
2017 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2016 | Chevrolet's designers styled the new Malibu's instrument panel to appear low and out of the way, such that the front seat feels especially roomy and the view forward seems more open than in most competitors, including the Kia (the instrument panel in which seems significantly higher and more imposing). In the tested car, which had every option except the panoramic sunroof, headroom was so abundant I could have worn a fedora. The Kia Optima might have as much front headroom when similarly without a sunroof. The official specs, which often don't reflect real world differences, suggest it should have even more than the Malibu. But you cannot get a highly equipped Optima without the sunroof, as it's part of a large package on the SX and standard on the SX Limited. Though the Malibu's windshield is relatively large, you won't find outward visibility among the reasons to buy one. The Chevrolet's front pillars remain on the thick side, its instrument panel is considerably deeper than the Kia's, and the view to the sides and rear also could be more open. In the Optima, the view to the sides is more open but that to the rear is not. I did find the Cherolet's front seats more form-fitting and comfortable than the Optima's. The Kia's quilted seats aren't as cushy as they appear. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu.