Model Year | 2009 | 2016 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Lexus IS | |
Engine | 1.3L R2 OHV-2v 232 hp@8500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 306 hp@6400 277 lb-ft@4800 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 110.2 in | -3.8 in |
Length | 175.6 in | 183.7 in | -8.1 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 71.3 in | -1.6 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 56.3 in | -3.5 in |
Curb Weight | 3064 lb. | 3593 lb. | -529 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 17.4 gal. | -1.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 38.2 in | 0 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 55.9 in | -1.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 54.3 in | -1 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.7 in | 44.8 in | -2.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 36.9 in | -0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 53.4 in | 1.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 48.1 in | 54.0 in | -5.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 0 in |
Total Legroom | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 77 in (over 2 rows) | -2.1 in |
Cargo Volume | 7.6 ft3 | 10.8 ft3 | -3.2 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 |
2016 Lexus IS Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2016 | For me, the front bucket seats in Lexus F Sport models provide a nearly ideal blend of comfort and support. Even when they don't lack lateral support, the seats in competitors don't fit my form as well. Infiniti doesn't offer the Q50 2.0t in Sport form. The standard car's front seats provide little lateral support. The instrument panel appears larger and more imposing in the Infiniti than in the Lexus. Still, I wish the view forward were a little more open in the latter. (The Cadillac ATS is better in this regard.) Lexus lowered the driving position compared to the previous IS to help the car feel sportier. I raised the seat some to compensate. Adding all-wheel-drive to the Lexus IS (and a V6 engine with it, AWD isn't offered with the 2.0T engine) adds another issue, a large hump beneath the driver's right calf. Some drivers might find they have to adjust how they sit to avoid this hump. see full Lexus IS review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2016 Lexus IS.