Model Year | 2006 | 2014 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Volkswagen Passat | |
Engine | 1.3L R2 OHV-2v 238 hp@8500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 280 hp@6200 258 lb-ft@2500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed automated manual | |
Drivetrain | RWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 110.4 in | -4 in |
Length | 174.3 in | 191.6 in | -17.3 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 72.2 in | -2.5 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 58.5 in | -5.7 in |
Curb Weight | 3045 lb. | 3446 lb. | -401 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -2.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 38.3 in | -0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 56.9 in | -2.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 0.0 in | 53.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.7 in | 42.4 in | 0.3 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 37.8 in | -1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 57.0 in | -2.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 48.1 in | 0.0 in | 48.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 32.2 in | 39.1 in | -6.9 in |
Total Legroom | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 81.5 in (over 2 rows) | -6.6 in |
Cargo Volume | 7.6 ft3 | 15.9 ft3 | -8.3 ft3 |
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 |
2014 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2015 | The Passat's top strength remains a non-sporting attribute: never mind how the specs compare, the midsize Volkswagen has the roomiest interior in its class. Rear seat legroom seems limo-like compared to the merely adequate space inside the Mazda. Up front, there's also plenty of stretch-out space for heads, shoulders, and knees. The Passat's trunk is also among the largest, though in this area the Mazda comes up only a cubic foot short. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2014 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 |