Model Year | 2006 | 2016 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Subaru Outback | |
Engine | 1.3L R2 OHV-2v 238 hp@8500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
3.6L H6 DOHC-4v 256 hp@6000 247 lb-ft@4400 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable CVT | |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 108.1 in | -1.7 in |
Length | 174.3 in | 189.6 in | -15.3 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 72.4 in | -2.7 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 66.1 in | -13.3 in |
Curb Weight | 3045 lb. | 3810 lb. | -765 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -2.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 40.8 in | -2.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 58.1 in | -3.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 55.5 in | -2.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.7 in | 42.9 in | -0.2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 38.9 in | -2.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 57.3 in | -2.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 48.1 in | 55.0 in | -6.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 32.2 in | 38.1 in | -5.9 in |
Total Legroom | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 81 in (over 2 rows) | -6.1 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 7.6 ft3 | 35.5 ft3 | -27.9 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 7.6 ft3 | 73.3 ft3 | -65.7 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 |
2016 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2015 | Through the 2009 model year, the Outback (and the related Legacy sedan) had a tight back seat. Though marketed as a midsize car, it was actually a compact. The 2010 redesign dramatically expanded the Outback's interior, especially in the back seat. The 2015 redesign added another inch of shoulder room, such that the Outback (and Legacy) are now not only truly midsize, but rank among the roomiest midsize cars. Rear air vents are offered--in Outbacks with leather. So the tested car lacked them. Some compact crossovers, including the Cherokee, are about as roomy, but they achieve their specs through a more upright seating position. People in the back seat are closer to the front seats, so they don't feel like they have as much room even though they have just as much space for their legs. But they get rear air vents even in the lower trim levels. see full Subaru Outback review |
2016 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The front seats have an unusually high bulge just below my shoulder blades. This feels more odd than uncomfortable, at least to me. The driver's lumbar adjusts, but this affects the area below said bulge. Partly depending on your height your experience might vary. These seats also provide very little lateral support, which admittedly isn't much of an issue given the non-sporting character (and non-sporting tires) of the Outback. I had no such qualms with the armrest on the door. It's wide and cushy. In the front seats' favor, for 2015 Subaru has added fore-aft adjustability to the headrests, a rarity in recent moderately priced cars. The Jeep's cloth seats are too squishy, but they're more form-fittting than the Subaru's, and I find them more comfortable. see full Subaru Outback review |
2016 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2016 | 4dr Wagon 175-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
see full Subaru Outback review |
2016 | 4dr Wagon 175-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
see full Subaru Outback review |