Model Year | 2007 | 2011 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Ford Taurus | |
Engine | 1.3L R2 OHV-2v 232 hp@8500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
turbocharged 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 365 hp@5500 350 lb-ft@3500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 112.9 in | -6.5 in |
Length | 174.3 in | 202.9 in | -28.6 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 76.2 in | -6.5 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 60.7 in | -7.9 in |
Curb Weight | 3045 lb. | 4415 lb. | -1370 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 20.0 gal. | -4.1 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 39.0 in | -0.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 57.9 in | -3.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 56.3 in | -3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.7 in | 41.9 in | 0.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 37.8 in | -1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 56.9 in | -2 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 48.1 in | 55.8 in | -7.7 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 32.2 in | 38.1 in | -5.9 in |
Total Legroom | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 80 in (over 2 rows) | -5.1 in |
Cargo Volume | 7.6 ft3 | 20.1 ft3 | -12.5 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 |
2011 Ford Taurus Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Three adult room in the back seat - comfortably! see full Ford Taurus review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 365hp 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The front and rear seats are very comfortable. The back can be cramped with three passengers. The SL has heated front and rear seats which works great and are needed as the car heater is very slow to initially get warm. The heated steering wheel is also a nice touch. The seat fabric is soft but the light color might not wear well. see full Ford Taurus review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Leather appointed seats are like sitting in an easy chair. see full Ford Taurus review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 365hp 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Independently adjustable lumbar and cushion supports, individual front seat heaters, coolers and massagers for both the seat cushion and the back. Need I say more? see full Ford Taurus review |
2011 Ford Taurus Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 0 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The front seats are horrible- similar to airline seats, and no amount of adjusting or adding cushions helped. I'm 6'2 and my wife is 5'3.and neither of us could get comfortable. After 2 weeks, it was actually painful to drive this car. see full Ford Taurus review |
2012 | 0 263-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Not enough headroom for adults in the rear seat. Seat comfort is as poor as the front seats. see full Ford Taurus review |