Model Year | 2008 | 2014 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Toyota Corolla | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 106.3 in | 0.1 in |
Length | 174.3 in | 182.6 in | -8.3 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 69.9 in | -0.2 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 57.3 in | -4.5 in |
Curb Weight | 3045 lb. | 2800 lb. | 245 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 13.2 gal. | 2.7 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 38.3 in | -0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 54.8 in | 0 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 53.0 in | 0.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.7 in | 40.2 in | 2.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 37.1 in | -0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 54.8 in | 0.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 48.1 in | 43.9 in | 4.2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 32.2 in | 41.3 in | -9.1 in |
Total Legroom | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 81.5 in (over 2 rows) | -6.6 in |
Cargo Volume | 7.6 ft3 | 13.0 ft3 | -5.4 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 |
2014 Toyota Corolla Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2014 | The Corolla's specs indicate rear legroom worthy of a large sedan, 41.3 inches, a substantial four more than in the Sentra and five more than in last year's Corolla. To provide this increase, Toyota stretched the car's wheelbase by four inches, taking it from the shortest in the segment to the 106.3-inch dimension shared by the Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, and Nissan. The Ford Focus, with a 104.3-inch wheelbase, is now the briefest of the bunch. The Corolla's overall length has also grown by four inches, to 182.6. Subjectively, the Corolla's advantage over the Sentra seems about half as large. Still a lot of legroom for a compact, especially in conjunction with a more comfortably positioned seat. Rear seat headroom is in much shorter supply in both cars. see full Toyota Corolla review |
2014 Toyota Corolla Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan 132-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
This is a very comfortable car for driver and passengers. see full Toyota Corolla review |