Model Year | 2009 | 2013 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Subaru Impreza / WRX | |
Engine | 1.3L R2 OHV-2v 232 hp@8500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
turbocharged 2.5L H4 DOHC-4v 265 hp@6000 244 lb-ft@4000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 5-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 104.1 in | 2.3 in |
Length | 175.6 in | 180.3 in | -4.7 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 68.5 in | 1.2 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 57.6 in | -4.8 in |
Curb Weight | 3064 lb. | 3208 lb. | -144 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 14.6 gal. | 1.3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 39.7 in | -1.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 55.6 in | -0.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 53.2 in | 0.1 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.7 in | 43.5 in | -0.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 37.2 in | -0.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 54.2 in | 0.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 48.1 in | 52.2 in | -4.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 32.2 in | 35.4 in | -3.2 in |
Total Legroom | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | -4 in |
Cargo Volume | 7.6 ft3 | 12.0 ft3 | -4.4 ft3 |
2009 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 |
2009 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 Subaru Impreza / WRX Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Hatch 148-horsepower 2.0L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
I am 6'4" tall and this is one of the few compact cars I fit into easily with room to spare. see full Subaru Impreza / WRX review |
2012 | 4dr Hatch 148-horsepower 2.0L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
The rear seats actually have enough space to comfortably fit full size adults or child car seats. The doors open wide making ingress and egress easy. see full Subaru Impreza / WRX review |
2012 | 4dr Hatch 148-horsepower 2.0L H4 CVT AWD |
I've driven between the SF Bay Area and San Diego several times with no comfort issues. As a point of comparison, I am comfortable with long drives in a 2002 Honda Civic and I would like to burn the seats in a 2010 Hyundai Tucson. see full Subaru Impreza / WRX review |
2012 | 4dr Hatch 148-horsepower 2.0L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Amongst small cars, this had quite comfortable rear seat room, which accommodated our car seat better than our previous Volkswagen Jetta. see full Subaru Impreza / WRX review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Roomy inside, as well as pretty large greenhouse see full Subaru Impreza / WRX review |
2013 Subaru Impreza / WRX Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Hatch 148-horsepower 2.0L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
The lumbar support is slightly lacking for me, but I have dancer-like posture so it could just be my preference. The seats are very plush and well-designed otherwise... go sit in one. see full Subaru Impreza / WRX review |
2012 | 4dr Hatch 148-horsepower 2.0L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Seats only adjust two ways, and manual adjustments at that. They're adequate for short trips but uncomfortable if you have to sit for hours. I wish there was an option for multiple power adjustments with memory. see full Subaru Impreza / WRX review |
2012 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 265hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD |
Coming from both an MX-5 and Buick Century the cabin of the WRX is very spacious. There is good room for driver and passenger. see full Subaru Impreza / WRX review |
2012 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 265hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD |
I drove he car for a better part of 2 hours today. The seats were very comfortable all around in rush hour traffic on city and highway roads. see full Subaru Impreza / WRX review |