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 |