Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2008 Mazda Mazda3 Mazda Mazda3 2011

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Mazda RX-8 (2008) vs. Mazda Mazda3 (2011) Specs

How powerful is the engine? How much room is in the back seat? Get the 2008 Mazda RX-8 and 2011 Mazda Mazda3 specs.

2008 Mazda RX-8 and 2011 Mazda Mazda3 Specifications

Model Year 2008 2011  
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

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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 2011 Mazda Mazda3

2011 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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
2011 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
It's a joke. You can't fit anything in the back seat aside from children and/or groceries/shopping. Putting an adult back there will require a sincere apology, and possibly a written note and gift bottle of wine. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2012 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Rear seat is rather tight, worse than my old Protege5 see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2012 4dr Sedan 155-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
I bought this car to replace a 2004 Mazda 6i Hatchback that I truly loved (got rear-ended and totaled). I did not like the 2012 Mazda 6 at all (or the milage it got), so I went the 3 with Skyactiv. The rear seat and rear legroom is just a bit too small. If it were a tad larger, this would be a awesome car, but the great mileage I get offsets this to a certain degree. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
2012 4dr Sedan 155-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Non of either if the front seats are all the way back, but rear seat room is NOT a factor for me. see full Mazda Mazda3 review
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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