Model Year | 2008 | 2011 | |
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 |
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 |
2011 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
2010 | 4dr SUV 187-horsepower 2.7L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of room in the second row, including seats that recline and move back & forth. Having the third row as an option for occasional use was really the deciding factor. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2011 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 |