Model Year | 2009 | 2014 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Kia Optima | |
Engine | 1.3L R2 OHV-2v 232 hp@8500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 274 hp@6000 269 lb-ft@1650 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | RWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 110.0 in | -3.6 in |
Length | 175.6 in | 190.7 in | -15.1 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 72.1 in | -2.4 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 57.9 in | -5.1 in |
Curb Weight | 3064 lb. | 3468 lb. | -404 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -2.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 40.0 in | -1.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 57.3 in | -2.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 54.7 in | -1.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.7 in | 45.5 in | -2.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 37.6 in | -0.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 55.7 in | -0.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 48.1 in | 54.5 in | -6.4 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 32.2 in | 34.7 in | -2.5 in |
Total Legroom | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 80.2 in (over 2 rows) | -5.3 in |
Cargo Volume | 7.6 ft3 | 15.4 ft3 | -7.8 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 |
2014 Kia Optima Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The Optima's rear seat is comfortably shaped, and includes plenty of room for passengers to stretch out their legs. Heads are a different matter. Though I'm only 5-9, if I still had much hair it would have been brushing the headliner. The Fusion provides a little more rear headroom, but less knee room. Buyers seeking a rear seat suitable for large adults won't be happy with this aspect of either car. see full Kia Optima review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2014 Kia Optima.