Mazda RX-8 (2009) vs. Subaru Outback (2008) Specs

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2009 Mazda RX-8 and 2008 Subaru Outback Specifications

Model Year	2009	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	175.6 in	188.7 in	-13.1 in
Width	69.7 in	69.7 in	0 in
Height	52.8 in	63.2 in	-10.4 in
Curb Weight	3094 lb.	3605 lb.	-511 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

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

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

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