Model Year | 2006 | 2012 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Volkswagen Passat | |
Engine | 1.3L R2 OHV-2v 177 kW@8500 216 Nm@5500 |
3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 206 kW@6200 350 Nm@2500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed automated manual | |
Drivetrain | RWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,703 mm | 2,804 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,427 mm | 4,867 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,770 mm | 1,834 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,341 mm | 1,486 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,381 kg | 1,563 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 60 L | 70 L | -10 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 970 mm | 973 mm | -3 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,392 mm | 1,445 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,354 mm | 0 mm | 1 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,085 mm | 1,077 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 935 mm | 960 mm | -25 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,394 mm | 1,448 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,222 mm | 0 mm | 1 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 818 mm | 993 mm | -175 mm |
Total Legroom | 1,902 mm (over 2 rows) | 2,070 mm (over 2 rows) | -1 mm |
Cargo Volume | 215 L | 450 L | -235 L |
2006 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 |
2005 | 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Adults my height (5-9) can actually fit in the back seat of the RX-8. And getting in and out is aided by a second set of rear-hinged doors. Other sports cars have no rear seat or a very small one. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2005 | 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Unlike most sports cars, the RX-8 has a rear seat that adults can get into (using rear doors) and fit into. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2006 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2005 | 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Head room is low with sunroof see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2005 | 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Ok for small women and children. Not really made for full sized male adults see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2005 | 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
it is POSSIBLE to fit an adult in the back...but really anyone over 10-12 years old will be uncomfortable. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2012 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2012 | Volkswagen's research must have found that Americans highly value rear legroom, because the Passat has an abundance of it. Unless you're an NBA center you'll have plenty of room to stretch out in the back of this sedan. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2012 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
SEL Premium seating is fantastic. Definitely worth the cost of the upgrade over the mid-grade seats. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2013 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD |
rear seat room is exceptional. can handle long-legged folks with ease and those with large shoe sizes. enter and exiting with larger folks not a problem either. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Older teenagers like the extra room see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
HUGE amount of rear legroom! see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Tons of room while driving. I am 6'4" and have plenty of leg and headroom. see full Volkswagen Passat review |