Model Year | 2007 | 2008 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Volkswagen Passat | |
Engine | 1.3L R2 OHV-2v 232 hp@8500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 280 hp@6200 265 lb-ft@2750 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,703 mm | 2,710 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,427 mm | 4,780 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,770 mm | 1,821 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,341 mm | 1,473 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,381 kg | 1,737 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 60 L | 70 L | -10 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 970 mm | 975 mm | -5 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,392 mm | 1,415 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,354 mm | 0 mm | 1 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,085 mm | 1,052 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 935 mm | 960 mm | -25 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,394 mm | 1,387 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,222 mm | 0 mm | 1 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 818 mm | 958 mm | -140 mm |
Total Legroom | 1,902 mm (over 2 rows) | 2,009 mm (over 2 rows) | -1 mm |
Cargo Volume | 215 L | 402 L | -187 L |
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 |
2008 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Passat provided more interior space especially in the rear than the Audi A4 see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Extremely comfortable front drivers seat w/ 12 way electronic adjustment. Able to find perfect driving position. Very little fatigue even after 12 - 14 hours of driving (taking breaks for food / gas of course). Lumbar adjusts both up/down and in/out. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of rear legroom and space for car seats. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Compared to other sporty wagons (BMW, Subaru) the Passat has about 3" more rear leg room - enough to put my full-size parents and/or friends in the back seat without making them do contortions. Easier to get a child in and out of a rear safety seat, too. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This version of the Passat can easily fit 3 across seating in the rear see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
More than large enough for American size bodies! see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Well bolstered seat, best seat heaters I ever had (have had Land Rovers and own a SAAB). see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
larger than chief competitors (BMW 3 series, Audi A4) see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD |
very restrictive space see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
No thigh support, not as comfortable as my 2000 Passat see full Volkswagen Passat review |