Model Year | 2008 | 2009 | |
Model | Mercedes-Benz M-Class | Mazda Mazda3 | |
Engine | 6.2L V8 DOHC-4v 503 hp@6800 465 lb-ft@5200 |
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 | 114.7 in | 103.9 in | 10.8 in |
Length | 188.5 in | 176.6 in | 11.9 in |
Width | 75.2 in | 69.1 in | 6.1 in |
Height | 71.5 in | 57.7 in | 13.8 in |
Curb Weight | 5093 lb. | 3041 lb. | 2052 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 25.1 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 10.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.9 in | 39.1 in | 0.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.9 in | 54.9 in | 5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 54.9 in | 0.1 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.2 in | 41.9 in | 0.3 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.8 in | 38.4 in | 1.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 59.8 in | 54.0 in | 5.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 53.9 in | -53.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 40.0 in | 36.3 in | 3.7 in |
Total Legroom | 82.2 in (over 2 rows) | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 4 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 29.4 ft3 | 17.1 ft3 | 12.3 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 72.4 ft3 | 43.8 ft3 | 28.6 ft3 |
2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 215hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Bottom seat cushions are long enough for taller drivers. Padding is not too firm or too soft. Excellent support and an upright, easy-chair seating position, instead of having to extend your legs horizontally to get legroom. Results in no low back pain. see full Mercedes-Benz M-Class review |
2007 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 215hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Can drive this vehicle all day long and not be tired. see full Mercedes-Benz M-Class review |
2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr SUV 382-horsepower 5.5L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
very still and uncomfortable for long drives see full Mercedes-Benz M-Class review |
2009 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Tilt and telescopic wheel plus the adjustments with the drivers seat had me in a very good/comfortable driving position. Being comfortable allows me to concentrate on the drive ahead instead of being distracted by squirming around in the seat. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Being a 5 door hatch, there is plenty of room back for 2 full size adults or 3 kids/teenagers. The versatility of the hatch makes it feel like a Mini SUV. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Very comfortable and form fitting. My butt and back feel supported. Leg room is great. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
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 |
2009 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat space can be tight see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
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 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 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 |
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 |
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 |