Model Year | 2007 | 2012 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Toyota Highlander | |
Engine | 1.3L R2 OHV-2v 212 hp@7500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 109.8 in | -3.4 in |
Length | 174.3 in | 188.4 in | -14.1 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 75.2 in | -5.5 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 68.1 in | -15.3 in |
Curb Weight | 3075 lb. | 4266 lb. | -1191 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 19.2 gal. | -3.3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 40.6 in | -2.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 59.7 in | -4.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 56.7 in | -3.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.7 in | 43.2 in | -0.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 40.1 in | -3.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 59.5 in | -4.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 48.1 in | 56.5 in | -8.4 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 32.2 in | 38.3 in | -6.1 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 36.3 in | -36.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 55.0 in | -55 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 42.3 in | -42.3 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 29.2 in | -29.2 in |
Total Legroom | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 110.7 in (over 3 rows) | -35.8 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 7.6 ft3 | 10.3 ft3 | -2.7 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 7.6 | 42.3 ft3 | -34.7 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 7.6 ft3 | 95.4 ft3 | -87.8 ft3 |
2007 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
2006 | 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Rear seats are functional for adults, which is unique for a sports car. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2012 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Perfect for two car seats. Really neat trick - the middle seat for the 2nd row rolls up into the center console. I did not remove it nor attempt to sit in it but that does make the 3rd row more likely to be used for those with car seats. I did not attempt to sit in the 3rd row (looked at it before folding into the floor for cargo space for the entire trip) so cannot opine on it. Use at your own risk. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2012 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I am 6 foot tall, and there is plenty of head and leg room in the driving position. Easy access as well. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2012 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
3rd row seats are useless to me. Too little room for adults. Should have been an option for families with small children. With 3rd row seating, you lose storage space. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2011 | 4dr SUV 245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD |
Third row minimal legroom see full Toyota Highlander review |