Model Year | 2009 | 2006 | |
Model | Mazda RX-8 | Volvo V70 | |
Engine | 1.3L R2 OHV-2v 232 hp@8500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
turbocharged 2.5L I5 DOHC-4v 300 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@1950 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Coupe | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 108.5 in | -2.1 in |
Length | 175.6 in | 185.4 in | -9.8 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 71.0 in | -1.3 in |
Height | 52.8 in | 57.7 in | -4.9 in |
Curb Weight | 3064 lb. | 3733 lb. | -669 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -2.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 39.3 in | -1.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.8 in | 56.2 in | -1.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.3 in | 55.0 in | -1.7 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.7 in | 42.6 in | 0.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 38.9 in | -2.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.9 in | 55.9 in | -1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 48.1 in | 54.8 in | -6.7 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 32.2 in | 35.2 in | -3 in |
Total Legroom | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 77.8 in (over 2 rows) | -2.9 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 7.6 ft3 | 37.4 ft3 | -29.8 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 7.6 ft3 | 71.4 ft3 | -63.8 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 |
2006 Volvo V70 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
best seats in the industry see full Volvo V70 review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 161hp 2.4L I5 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lumbar support see full Volvo V70 review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
It may seem strange to rate seat comfort so highly, but that's only if you have never driven in a Volvo. Amazing, ergonomic, adjustable, but those could describe many seats. What my wife would say (and I've read others express as well) is if you have back problems, get your Dr. to prescribe you a Volvo! They are that good. see full Volvo V70 review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 300hp 2.5L I5 6-speed manual AWD |
Almost as good as the seats in the 92 960. Good support & position except left footrest small & too far left. Lumbar support too far down for a tall person but bearable. Electric memory allows easy switching of seat position on long trips. Bun warmer. see full Volvo V70 review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Exceptionally comfortable seating for even very long trips. see full Volvo V70 review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 300hp 2.5L I5 6-speed manual AWD |
Fantastic front seats see full Volvo V70 review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I have been driving Volvos for 45 years, starting with a PV444. With every model the seats are the most comfortable and best support for driving. They provide leg, lumbar, and side support, and both driver and passenger seats have 6 way controls. see full Volvo V70 review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Can travel for hours without feeling need to stop and stretch. Seat heaters are great too. see full Volvo V70 review |
2006 Volvo V70 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
no knee room see full Volvo V70 review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Though not a big issue, the rear seats could be a bit wider for better 3-abreast seating (though most vehicles share this limitation). The greater need, however, is another few inches of legroom. It is adequate, but only that. Another 3 or 4 inches would make the rear seat amazing, but then again, that would come at the cost of rear cargo capacity ... no such thing as a "free lunch". see full Volvo V70 review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
There is not much if the front seats are back see full Volvo V70 review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 208hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
To give rear seats reasonable amount of room, you have to keep front seats forwards. see full Volvo V70 review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed automatic FWD |
I meant to choose the rear seat item. It could use more leg room in the rear. In the process of putting a lot of cargo space and comfortable front seat in a short car, the rear leg room took the hit. see full Volvo V70 review |