Model Year | 2006 | 2014 | |
Model | Pontiac Vibe | Mazda Mazda3 | |
Engine | 1.8L I4 DOHC-4v 164 hp@7600 125 lb-ft@4400 |
2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 155 hp@6000 148 lb-ft@4000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 102.4 in | 106.3 in | -3.9 in |
Length | 171.9 in | 175.6 in | -3.7 in |
Width | 69.9 in | 70.7 in | -0.8 in |
Height | 62.2 in | 57.3 in | 4.9 in |
Curb Weight | 2781 lb. | 2797 lb. | -16 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 13.2 gal. | 0 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.6 in | 38.6 in | 2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 53.2 in | 57.2 in | -4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 51.7 in | 55.5 in | -3.8 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.8 in | 42.2 in | -0.4 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.8 in | 37.6 in | 2.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 52.6 in | 54.4 in | -1.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 47.8 in | 53.5 in | -5.7 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.3 in | 35.8 in | 0.5 in |
Total Legroom | 78.1 in (over 2 rows) | 78 in (over 2 rows) | 0.1 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 19.3 ft3 | 20.2 ft3 | -0.9 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 54.1 ft3 | 47.1 ft3 | 7 ft3 |
2006 Pontiac Vibe Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr Hatch 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
. see full Pontiac Vibe review |
2005 | 4dr Hatch 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Leather seats have been durable and relatively comfortable although no lumbar control, which would have welcomed. Despite some reviews saying driving position is odd, it fits me just fine and I like being able to simply get it--I don't have to climb up as in a SUV and I don't have to get down, as in a sedan. Rear seat room is amazing for such a small car. see full Pontiac Vibe review |
2006 Pontiac Vibe Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr Hatch 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
It would only fit the 2 kids in their seat. There is a 3rd belt, but the car seats took up the space where the adult would go between them. see full Pontiac Vibe review |
2006 | 4dr Hatch 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Heating/cooling of the rear seats is poor. see full Pontiac Vibe review |
2005 | 4dr Hatch 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
The driver's seat lacks lumbar support. I made a minor modification to significantly improve the driver seat: I shaped a piece of upholstery foam to create lumbar support. I fit it under the seat cloth so it looks factory. Without it I was slouching and had back aches within 30 minutes of driving. My test drive was 10 minutes. My wife found an inadequate situation on the passenger seat. She needs a very upright seat back. That makes the headrest push her head forward. She uses a 2" thick piece of foam on the upper 2/3rd of the back rest to create a little space between her head and the headrest. see full Pontiac Vibe review |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The Mazda3 also isn't a clear choice if a roomy rear seat is a top priority. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, I had little room to spare. The rear seat in the Ford Focus is at least as tight, but has a more comfortably positioned cushion. A Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, or Toyota Corolla has far more rear seat room. If you like how the Mazda3 looks and drives, but need more rear seat legroom, the Mazda6 offers another three inches for another $2,100 to $3,700 (depending on trim level). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Nice contoured, form fitting seats offer plenty of support, quite comfortable. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Rear seat a bit tight, needs more room back there. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |