Mazda RX-8 (2006) vs. Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport (2006) Specs

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2006 Mazda RX-8 and 2006 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport Specifications

Model Year	2006	2006
Model	Mazda RX-8	Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport
Engine	1.3L R2 OHV-2v 238 hp@8500 159 lb-ft@5500	turbocharged 2.5L H4 DOHC-4v 300 hp@6000 300 lb-ft@4000
Transmission	6-speed manual	6-speed manual
Drivetrain	RWD	AWD
Body	4dr Coupe	4dr Sedan
			Difference
Wheelbase	106.4 in	99.4 in	7 in
Length	174.3 in	175.4 in	-1.1 in
Width	69.7 in	68.5 in	1.2 in
Height	52.8 in	56.7 in	-3.9 in
Curb Weight	3045 lb.	3351 lb.	-306 lb.
Fuel Capacity	15.9 gal.	15.9 gal.	0 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	38.2 in	38.6 in	-0.4 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	54.8 in	52.7 in	2.1 in
Hip Room, Row 1	53.3 in	53.3 in	0 in
Legroom, Row 1	42.7 in	42.9 in	-0.2 in
Headroom, Row 2	36.8 in	36.7 in	0.1 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2	54.9 in	52.9 in	2 in
Hip Room, Row 2	48.1 in	51.9 in	-3.8 in
Legroom, Row 2	32.2 in	33.0 in	-0.8 in
Total Legroom	74.9 in (over 2 rows)	75.9 in (over 2 rows)	-1 in
Cargo Volume	7.6 ft³	11.0 ft³	-3.4 ft³

2006 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
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
2006	4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD	Rear seats are functional for adults, which is unique for a sports car. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2005	4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD	Adults my height (5-9) can actually fit in the back seat of the RX-8. And getting in and out is aided by a second set of rear-hinged doors. Other sports cars have no rear seat or a very small one. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2005	4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD	Unlike most sports cars, the RX-8 has a rear seat that adults can get into (using rear doors) and fit into. see full Mazda RX-8 review

2006 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2005	4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD	Head room is low with sunroof see full Mazda RX-8 review
2005	4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD	Ok for small women and children. Not really made for full sized male adults see full Mazda RX-8 review
2005	4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD	it is POSSIBLE to fit an adult in the back...but really anyone over 10-12 years old will be uncomfortable. see full Mazda RX-8 review

2006 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2006	4dr Wagon 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	Body hugging front seats see full Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport review

2006 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2007	4dr Sedan 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	I know it is a smaller sedan, but even with the front seats shoved up to that your knees are in the dashboard, that leaves just enough room for an average human in back. Under normal front seat conditions, crushed knees in back. see full Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport review
2006	4dr Sedan turbocharged 230hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	Seats are very large and not built for comfort for a thinner person. see full Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport review
2006	4dr Wagon turbocharged 230hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	The rear seat leg room is too small for American sized adults. A little more room would have made this car a lot more livable when family comes to town. This may be THE reason why I upgrade to a midsize car once this car dies. see full Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport review

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