Model Year | 2008 | 2011 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 101.5 in | 4.9 in |
Length | 174.3 in | 179.3 in | -5 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 70.1 in | -0.4 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 59.2 in | -6.4 in |
Curb Weight | 3045 lb. | 3228 lb. | -183 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 1.4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 38.4 in | -0.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 54.8 in | 0 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 0.0 in | 53.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.7 in | 41.1 in | 1.6 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 38.1 in | -1.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 53.1 in | 1.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 48.1 in | 0.0 in | 48.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 32.2 in | 35.5 in | -3.3 in |
Total Legroom | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 76.6 in (over 2 rows) | -1.7 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 7.6 ft3 | 32.8 ft3 | -25.2 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 7.6 ft3 | 66.9 ft3 | -59.3 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 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I am a tall guy with big feet, so my vehicle choices are greatly restricted. The Jetta Sportwagen (Golf Wagon here in Canada) is very comfortable on long drives. see full Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen review |