Model Year | 2009 | 2014 | |
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 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 | 175.6 in | 191.6 in | -16 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 72.2 in | -2.5 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 58.5 in | -5.7 in |
Curb Weight | 3064 lb. | 3446 lb. | -382 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 |
2009 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 |
2009 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
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 |