Model Year | 2009 | 2008 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Toyota Avalon | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 111.0 in | -4.6 in |
Length | 175.6 in | 197.2 in | -21.6 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 72.8 in | -3.1 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 58.5 in | -5.7 in |
Curb Weight | 3064 lb. | 3495 lb. | -431 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -2.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 38.8 in | -0.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 59.4 in | -4.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 55.8 in | -2.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.7 in | 41.3 in | 1.4 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 37.5 in | -0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 58.2 in | -3.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 48.1 in | 56.2 in | -8.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 32.2 in | 40.9 in | -8.7 in |
Total Legroom | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 82.2 in (over 2 rows) | -7.3 in |
Cargo Volume | 7.6 ft3 | 14.4 ft3 | -6.8 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 Toyota Avalon Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Limo like rear seat that actually reclines. see full Toyota Avalon review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Plenty of room. see full Toyota Avalon review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Very adequate as is the back see full Toyota Avalon review |
2008 Toyota Avalon Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Seats are too short. Toyota seats are generally not comfortable, but for a car in this price range I would have expected better. see full Toyota Avalon review |