Model Year | 2008 | 2006 | |
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 250 hp@6000 250 lb-ft@3600 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 105.1 in | 1.3 in |
Length | 174.3 in | 186.2 in | -11.9 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 69.7 in | 0 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 59.1 in | -6.3 in |
Curb Weight | 3075 lb. | 3595 lb. | -520 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 16.9 gal. | -1 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 37.6 in | 0.6 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 | 36.5 in | 0.3 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 | 7.6 ft3 | 11.4 ft3 | -3.8 ft3 |
2008 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 |
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 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
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 |
2006 | 4dr Wagon 175-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD |
Too small for kids see full Subaru Outback review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon 175-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Too short! I am 6ft tall and the front passenger seat leaves me feeling very cramped. Drivers position is better. Seats also too narrow. Maybe plenty of room for skinny folks, but not for us folks that are large boned :-) see full Subaru Outback review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD |
The Outback is much smaller (but not cheaper) than the XC70. see full Subaru Outback review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
very tight and narrow rear seat room. feels much bumpier in the rear seat than the front seat. see full Subaru Outback review |