Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2009 Volkswagen Passat Volkswagen Passat 2008

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Mazda RX-8 (2009) vs. Volkswagen Passat (2008) Specs

How powerful is the engine? How much room is in the back seat? Get the 2009 Mazda RX-8 and 2008 Volkswagen Passat specs.

2009 Mazda RX-8 and 2008 Volkswagen Passat Specifications

Model Year 2009 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 106.4 in 106.7 in -0.3 in
Length 175.6 in 188.2 in -12.6 in
Width 69.7 in 71.7 in -2 in
Height 52.8 in 58.0 in -5.2 in
Curb Weight 3064 lb. 3829 lb. -765 lb.
Fuel Capacity 15.9 gal. 18.5 gal. -2.6 gal.
Headroom, Row 1 38.2 in 38.4 in -0.2 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1 54.8 in 55.7 in -0.9 in
Hip Room, Row 1 53.3 in 0.0 in 53.3 in
Legroom, Row 1 42.7 in 41.4 in 1.3 in
Headroom, Row 2 36.8 in 37.8 in -1 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2 54.9 in 54.6 in 0.3 in
Hip Room, Row 2 48.1 in 0.0 in 48.1 in
Legroom, Row 2 32.2 in 37.7 in -5.5 in
Total Legroom 74.9 in (over 2 rows) 79.1 in (over 2 rows) -4.2 in
Cargo Volume 7.6 ft3 14.2 ft3 -6.6 ft3

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What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2009 Mazda RX-8

2009 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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
2009 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2010 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD
The R3 Recaro seats had side bolsters that were a bit tight for us. I am below average in size as a male, and my wife is also very small and we found the bolsters cut into our hips far more than was comfortable. The seats are racing oriented only. see full Mazda RX-8 review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2008 Volkswagen Passat

2008 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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
 
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