Model Year | 2009 | 2008 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Subaru Outback | |
Engine | 1.3L R2 OHV-2v 158 kW@7500 216 Nm@5500 |
turbocharged 2.5L H4 DOHC-4v 181 kW@6000 327 Nm@3600 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,703 mm | 2,670 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,460 mm | 4,793 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,770 mm | 1,770 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,341 mm | 1,605 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,403 kg | 1,635 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 60 L | 64 L | -4 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 970 mm | 1,029 mm | 969 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,392 mm | 1,382 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,354 mm | 1,295 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,085 mm | 1,120 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 935 mm | 993 mm | -58 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,394 mm | 1,364 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,222 mm | 1,336 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 818 mm | 861 mm | -43 mm |
Total Legroom | 1,902 mm (over 2 rows) | 1,981 mm (over 2 rows) | 0 mm |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 215 L | 949 L | -734 L |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 7.6 | 1,875 L | 6.6 |
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 |