Model Year | 2009 | 2011 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Volvo V50 | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 103.9 in | 2.5 in |
Length | 175.6 in | 178.0 in | -2.4 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 69.7 in | 0 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 58.0 in | -5.2 in |
Curb Weight | 3064 lb. | 3570 lb. | -506 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 15.9 gal. | 0 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 38.9 in | -0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 55.2 in | -0.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 53.7 in | -0.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.7 in | 41.6 in | 1.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 38.1 in | -1.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 54.1 in | 0.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 48.1 in | 50.7 in | -2.6 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 32.2 in | 34.4 in | -2.2 in |
Total Legroom | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 76 in (over 2 rows) | -1.1 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 7.6 ft3 | 12.8 ft3 | -5.2 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 7.6 ft3 | 44.2 ft3 | -36.6 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 |
2011 Volvo V50 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 113hp 1.6L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat is slightly hampered by limited head/leg/sideways room, but for normal sized persons the seat is fantastic for two with splending leg and back support. Car is also very silent, making long drives a pleasure. see full Volvo V50 review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of front seat room. Good dash design accommodates tall passengers with rear facing car seat behind. Seat was vertically adjustable providing lots of hear room. see full Volvo V50 review |