Model Year | 2009 | 2007 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Hyundai Santa Fe | |
Engine | 1.3L R2 OHV-2v 212 hp@7500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
3.3L V6 DOHC-4v 242 hp@6000 226 lb-ft@4500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 106.3 in | 0.1 in |
Length | 175.6 in | 184.1 in | -8.5 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 74.4 in | -4.7 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 67.9 in | -15.1 in |
Curb Weight | 3094 lb. | 4022 lb. | -928 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 19.8 gal. | -3.9 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 40.2 in | -2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 59.5 in | -4.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 55.8 in | -2.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.7 in | 42.6 in | 0.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 39.6 in | -2.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 58.6 in | -3.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 48.1 in | 55.0 in | -6.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 32.2 in | 36.8 in | -4.6 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 34.8 in | -34.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 53.9 in | -53.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 44.6 in | -44.6 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 31.3 in | -31.3 in |
Total Legroom | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 110.7 in (over 3 rows) | -35.8 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 7.6 ft3 | 10.0 ft3 | -2.4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 7.6 | 34.2 ft3 | -26.6 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 7.6 ft3 | 78.2 ft3 | -70.6 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 |
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 148hp 2.2L I4 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
It has leather seats with electric adjustment, so I can get a good seating position. see full Hyundai Santa Fe review |
2007 | 4dr SUV 185-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Space is very good see full Hyundai Santa Fe review |
2007 | 4dr SUV 242-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
It is fantastic. You can ride for hundreds of miles a day and not get sore at all. My bad back loves it. Hyundai should start making home furniture. see full Hyundai Santa Fe review |
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr SUV 242-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Cushions are slightly too short. see full Hyundai Santa Fe review |