Model Year | 2010 | 2013 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Mercedes-Benz GL | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 121.0 in | -14.6 in |
Length | 175.6 in | 201.6 in | -26 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 76.4 in | -6.7 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 72.8 in | -20 in |
Curb Weight | 3064 lb. | 5401 lb. | -2337 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 26.4 gal. | -10.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 41.2 in | -3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 58.5 in | -3.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 0.0 in | 53.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.7 in | 40.3 in | 2.4 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 40.0 in | -3.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 58.3 in | -3.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 48.1 in | 0.0 in | 48.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 32.2 in | 38.5 in | -6.3 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 38.9 in | -38.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 50.5 in | -50.5 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 35.0 in | -35 in |
Total Legroom | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 113.8 in (over 3 rows) | -38.9 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 7.6 ft3 | 16.0 ft3 | -8.4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 7.6 | 49.4 ft3 | -41.8 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 7.6 ft3 | 93.8 ft3 | -86.2 ft3 |
2010 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 |
2010 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 |
2013 Mercedes-Benz GL Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2013 | The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is just a little longer than the Audi Q7 (201.6 vs. 200.3 inches), and isn't as wide (76.4 vs. 78.1 inches). But the Mercedes is considerably taller (72.8 vs. 68.4 inches) and not nearly as curvy. Which might explain how it is far roomier than the much sleeker Audi. Combined legroom for all three rows is 107.6 inches in the Q7 vs. 113.8 inches in the GL-Class, a large difference. The Q7's space deficit grows the farther back you sit. For adults to even fit in the Audi's third row without extreme discomfort, those in the second row must slide their seats forward to the point that they are themselves short on knee room. While the new GL350's third row sits too low to provide thigh support, it's not nearly as cramped. Further evidence that Audi didn't intend the Q7's third row for frequent use: the second-row seat doesn't do a good job of getting out of the way, making the path in and out of the way-back perhaps the tightest I've experienced. The second-row seat in the GL-Class tips forward to open up a much wider path. If manually tipping the seat is too much of a chore (perhaps because you'e a five-year-old and haven't yet learned to read this), $400 buys a power assist. But even with this option the seat must be manually returned to its upright position, so the point eludes me. see full Mercedes-Benz GL review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL.