Model Year | 2011 | 2012 | |
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 | 175.6 in | 180.9 in | -5.3 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 69.1 in | 0.6 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 57.9 in | -5.1 in |
Curb Weight | 3064 lb. | 3257 lb. | -193 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 1.4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 38.1 in | 0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 54.9 in | -0.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 53.7 in | -0.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.7 in | 42.0 in | 0.7 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 | 52.2 in | -4.1 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 |
2011 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 |
2012 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Nice contoured, form fitting seats offer plenty of support, quite comfortable. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Rear seat a bit tight, needs more room back there. 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 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 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |