Model Year | 2008 | 2013 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Hyundai Elantra GT | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 104.3 in | 2.1 in |
Length | 174.3 in | 169.3 in | 5 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 70.1 in | -0.4 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 57.9 in | -5.1 in |
Curb Weight | 3045 lb. | 2745 lb. | 300 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 14.0 gal. | 1.9 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 40.1 in | -1.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 55.9 in | -1.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 53.1 in | 0.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.7 in | 42.0 in | 0.7 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 37.9 in | -1.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 54.9 in | 0 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 48.1 in | 51.0 in | -2.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 32.2 in | 34.6 in | -2.4 in |
Total Legroom | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 76.6 in (over 2 rows) | -1.7 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 7.6 ft3 | 23.0 ft3 | -15.4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 7.6 ft3 | 51.0 ft3 | -43.4 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 |
2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2014 | Like the Elantra Touring which it replaced, the Elantra GT shares few if any visible parts with the Elantra coupe and sedan. Instead, both cars are essentially the European-market Hyundai i30 rebadged and slightly retuned for North American consumption. In Europe, the i30 is offered in two lengths, a hatch and an estate (the Queen's English for "wagon"). With the Elantra Touring, we got the estate. Perhaps because not enough people bought an Elantra Touring, Hyundai decided we'd readily trade functionality for styling. So with the Elantra GT we get the hatchback. While adults no longer have room to stretch, the Elantra GT's rear seat remains roomier than those in the Mazda3 and Ford Focus, but can't quite match the Kia Forte5's interior dimensions. Actually, Mazda claims more rear legroom in its car, but this particular spec seems well out of sync with reality. Even if this wasn't the case, specs aren't everything. Owing to a healthy height off the floor, the Hyundai's rear seat might be the most comfortable in the segment (unless you're tall enough to require more than the modest amount of headroom). A bonus for rear-seat passengers: the Tech Package includes the segment's only panoramic sunroof. see full Hyundai Elantra GT review |
2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Hatch 148-horsepower 1.8L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Room enough for up to 6 foot adults. see full Hyundai Elantra GT review |
2013 | 4dr Hatch 148-horsepower 1.8L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
A comfortable ride. We drove over 500 miles each way on spring break and had no complaints. see full Hyundai Elantra GT review |
2013 | 4dr Hatch 148-horsepower 1.8L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Coming from a Volvo the seats are firm in comparison. They aren't the hard pans Honda seems to favor though with good side bolsters, quality cloth that should wear well and decent lumbar support(not adjustable in base). Headrests are adjustable for vertical movement but not forward or back. Driving & Visibility see full Hyundai Elantra GT review |