Mazda RX-8 (2008) vs. Mazda Mazda3 (2010) Specs

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2008 Mazda RX-8 and 2010 Mazda Mazda3 Specifications

Model Year	2008	2010
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	180.7 in	-6.4 in
Width	69.7 in	69.1 in	0.6 in
Height	52.8 in	57.9 in	-5.1 in
Curb Weight	3045 lb.	3179 lb.	-134 lb.
Fuel Capacity	15.9 gal.	14.5 gal.	1.4 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	38.2 in	38.9 in	-0.7 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	54.8 in	54.9 in	-0.1 in
Hip Room, Row 1	53.3 in	0.0 in	53.3 in
Legroom, Row 1	42.7 in	42.0 in	0.7 in
Headroom, Row 2	36.8 in	37.5 in	-0.7 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2	54.9 in	54.0 in	0.9 in
Hip Room, Row 2	48.1 in	0.0 in	48.1 in
Legroom, Row 2	32.2 in	36.2 in	-4 in
Total Legroom	74.9 in (over 2 rows)	78.2 in (over 2 rows)	-3.3 in
Cargo Volume	7.6 ft³	11.8 ft³	-4.2 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

2010 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2010	4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD	Tilt and telescopic wheel plus the adjustments with the drivers seat had me in a very good/comfortable driving position. Being comfortable allows me to concentrate on the drive ahead instead of being distracted by squirming around in the seat. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2010	4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD	Being a 5 door hatch, there is plenty of room back for 2 full size adults or 3 kids/teenagers. The versatility of the hatch makes it feel like a Mini SUV. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2010	4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	Very comfortable and form fitting. My butt and back feel supported. Leg room is great. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
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

2010 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2011	4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	The Mazda3 is not a vehicle for transporting more than 2 people. The backseat is cramped for a full-size adult. However, when required, they will fit. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2011	4dr Sedan 104-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD	Seating room is borderline for 2 adults, particularly leg room. 3 adults virtually impossible. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2010	4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD	Rear seat space can be tight see full Mazda Mazda3 review

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