Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2008 Mazda Mazda3 Mazda Mazda3 2008

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Mazda RX-8 (2008) vs. Mazda Mazda3 (2008) Specs

How powerful is the engine? How much room is in the back seat? Get the 2008 Mazda RX-8 and 2008 Mazda Mazda3 specs.

2008 Mazda RX-8 and 2008 Mazda Mazda3 Specifications

Model Year 2008 2008  
Model Mazda RX-8 Mazda Mazda3  
Engine 1.3L R2
OHV-2v
232 hp@8500
159 lb-ft@5500
turbocharged
2.3L I4
DOHC-4v
263 hp@5500
280 lb-ft@3000
 
Transmission 6-speed manual 6-speed manual  
Drivetrain RWD FWD  
Body 4dr Coupe 4dr Sedan  
      Difference
Wheelbase 106.4 in 103.9 in 2.5 in
Length 174.3 in 178.3 in -4 in
Width 69.7 in 69.1 in 0.6 in
Height 52.8 in 57.7 in -4.9 in
Curb Weight 3045 lb. 2991 lb. 54 lb.
Fuel Capacity 15.9 gal. 14.5 gal. 1.4 gal.
Headroom, Row 1 38.2 in 39.1 in -0.9 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1 54.8 in 54.9 in -0.1 in
Hip Room, Row 1 53.3 in 54.9 in -1.6 in
Legroom, Row 1 42.7 in 41.9 in 0.8 in
Headroom, Row 2 36.8 in 37.4 in -0.6 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2 54.9 in 54.0 in 0.9 in
Hip Room, Row 2 48.1 in 53.9 in -5.8 in
Legroom, Row 2 32.2 in 36.3 in -4.1 in
Total Legroom 74.9 in (over 2 rows) 78.2 in (over 2 rows) -3.3 in
Cargo Volume 7.6 ft3 11.4 ft3 -3.8 ft3

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What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2008 Mazda RX-8

2008 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2008 Mazda Mazda3

2008 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2009 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Kids easily able to get in/out of back (4-doors) and often able to take co-workers to lunch (both of which is much more of a hassle with 2-doors). see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2008 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Lots of leg room even with the seat all the way back see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2007 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4
5-speed manual FWD
Very sporty seats, excellent lumber support. Seats will ensure that you stay where you are supposed to be, even in tight cornering. After a straight 12hr trip, the seat still feels comfortable. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2007 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Lots of leg space & head room, and seat adjustments possible. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2008 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2008 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Not enough comfort-room for my son (which meant that the Mazda failed the test). see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2008 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4
6-speed manual FWD
good for a small child, but i would not want to ride back there for long see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2008 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Too cramped for an adult see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2008 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Tight and uncomfortable as are most other cars in this class. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2008 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Well, when the front seats are back, there is little leg room in the back seat -- to be expected in a compact. But, the rear seats are very comfortable and can handle a wider person. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2007 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
This IS a smaller car. That being said, if the front seats are all the way back, people in the back had better sit Indian-style on the seats. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2007 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
The Mazda 3 has very limited footroom except when the driver is of very small stature.it helps somewhat if you puchsae the model with the height adjustable seat.seat fabric on the none leather models goes bally,and becomes difficult to clean!! see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2007 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4
5-speed manual FWD
Rear seats are really small and tight legroom. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
 
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