Model Year | 2007 | 2008 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Subaru Outback | |
Engine | 1.3L R2 OHV-2v 212 hp@7500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
turbocharged 2.5L H4 DOHC-4v 243 hp@6000 241 lb-ft@3600 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 105.1 in | 1.3 in |
Length | 174.3 in | 188.7 in | -14.4 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 69.7 in | 0 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 63.2 in | -10.4 in |
Curb Weight | 3075 lb. | 3605 lb. | -530 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 16.9 gal. | -1 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 40.5 in | -2.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 54.4 in | 0.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 51.0 in | 2.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.7 in | 44.1 in | -1.4 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 39.1 in | -2.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 53.7 in | 1.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 48.1 in | 52.6 in | -4.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 32.2 in | 33.9 in | -1.7 in |
Total Legroom | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 78 in (over 2 rows) | -3.1 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 7.6 ft3 | 33.5 ft3 | -25.9 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 7.6 ft3 | 66.2 ft3 | -58.6 ft3 |
2007 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 |
2008 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
A little tight in the left portion of the footwell; small dead pedal. see full Subaru Outback review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Footroom too short. see full Subaru Outback review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
not long enough for a 6 foot 2 inch frame but I manage see full Subaru Outback review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 175-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
I was amazed at how small the back seat is in this car. Really no bigger than a compact sedan, eg Civic or Corolla. I can't fit my 3 kids (in car seats) back there, and feel bad when co-workers pile in to go to lunch. Surprisingly small for a vehicle this size, and marketed as a "family car." If you plan to put adults or 3 kids back there regularly, look at the '10 or newer (or at something else -- the rear seat in my co-worker's Accord is far bigger and more comfortable). see full Subaru Outback review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 245-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Leg and head room lacking for over 6 footers. see full Subaru Outback review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 245-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Seat back a bit low for 6 footers. see full Subaru Outback review |