Model Year | 2013 | 2008 | |
Model | Mercedes-Benz GL | Mazda Mazda3 | |
Engine | turbocharged 5.5L V8 DOHC-4v 550 hp@5750 560 lb-ft@2000 |
turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 263 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000 |
|
Transmission | 7-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 121.0 in | 103.9 in | 17.1 in |
Length | 201.6 in | 176.6 in | 25 in |
Width | 76.4 in | 69.1 in | 7.3 in |
Height | 72.8 in | 57.7 in | 15.1 in |
Curb Weight | 5687 lb. | 3041 lb. | 2646 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 26.4 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 11.9 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 41.2 in | 39.1 in | 2.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.5 in | 54.9 in | 3.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 54.9 in | -54.9 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 40.3 in | 41.9 in | -1.6 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 40.0 in | 38.4 in | 1.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 58.3 in | 54.0 in | 4.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 53.9 in | -53.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.5 in | 36.3 in | 2.2 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 38.9 in | 0.0 in | 38.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 50.5 in | 0.0 in | 50.5 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 35.0 in | 0.0 in | 35 in |
Total Legroom | 113.8 in (over 3 rows) | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 35.6 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 16.0 ft3 | 17.1 ft3 | -1.1 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 49.4 ft3 | 17.1 | 32.3 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 93.8 ft3 | 43.8 ft3 | 50 ft3 |
2013 Mercedes-Benz GL Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2013 | The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is just a little longer than the Audi Q7 (201.6 vs. 200.3 inches), and isn't as wide (76.4 vs. 78.1 inches). But the Mercedes is considerably taller (72.8 vs. 68.4 inches) and not nearly as curvy. Which might explain how it is far roomier than the much sleeker Audi. Combined legroom for all three rows is 107.6 inches in the Q7 vs. 113.8 inches in the GL-Class, a large difference. The Q7's space deficit grows the farther back you sit. For adults to even fit in the Audi's third row without extreme discomfort, those in the second row must slide their seats forward to the point that they are themselves short on knee room. While the new GL350's third row sits too low to provide thigh support, it's not nearly as cramped. Further evidence that Audi didn't intend the Q7's third row for frequent use: the second-row seat doesn't do a good job of getting out of the way, making the path in and out of the way-back perhaps the tightest I've experienced. The second-row seat in the GL-Class tips forward to open up a much wider path. If manually tipping the seat is too much of a chore (perhaps because you'e a five-year-old and haven't yet learned to read this), $400 buys a power assist. But even with this option the seat must be manually returned to its upright position, so the point eludes me. see full Mercedes-Benz GL review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL.
2008 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Kids easily able to get in/out of back (4-doors) and often able to take co-workers to lunch (both of which is much more of a hassle with 2-doors). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of leg room even with the seat all the way back see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Very sporty seats, excellent lumber support. Seats will ensure that you stay where you are supposed to be, even in tight cornering. After a straight 12hr trip, the seat still feels comfortable. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of leg space & head room, and seat adjustments possible. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Not enough comfort-room for my son (which meant that the Mazda failed the test). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
good for a small child, but i would not want to ride back there for long see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Too cramped for an adult see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Tight and uncomfortable as are most other cars in this class. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Well, when the front seats are back, there is little leg room in the back seat -- to be expected in a compact. But, the rear seats are very comfortable and can handle a wider person. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This IS a smaller car. That being said, if the front seats are all the way back, people in the back had better sit Indian-style on the seats. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The Mazda 3 has very limited footroom except when the driver is of very small stature.it helps somewhat if you puchsae the model with the height adjustable seat.seat fabric on the none leather models goes bally,and becomes difficult to clean!! see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2007 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Rear seats are really small and tight legroom. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |