Model Year | 2010 | 2011 | |
Model | Subaru Outback | Mazda Mazda3 | |
Engine | 3.6L H6 DOHC-4v 256 hp@6000 247 lb-ft@4400 |
turbocharged 2.3L I4 DOHC-4v 263 hp@5500 280 lb-ft@3000 |
|
Transmission | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Wagon | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.9 in | 103.9 in | 4 in |
Length | 188.2 in | 177.4 in | 10.8 in |
Width | 71.7 in | 69.1 in | 2.6 in |
Height | 65.7 in | 57.9 in | 7.8 in |
Curb Weight | 3544 lb. | 3221 lb. | 323 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 15.9 gal. | 2.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.8 in | 38.9 in | 1.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 56.3 in | 54.9 in | 1.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.0 in | 42.0 in | 1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.3 in | 38.0 in | 1.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.1 in | 54.0 in | 2.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 37.8 in | 36.2 in | 1.6 in |
Total Legroom | 80.8 in (over 2 rows) | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | 2.6 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 34.3 ft3 | 17.0 ft3 | 17.3 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 71.3 ft3 | 43.8 ft3 | 27.5 ft3 |
2010 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Impressed with the seat comfort/adjustability/durability. 12+hours in the chair is no problem. see full Subaru Outback review |
2011 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Wide space with lots of shoulder, hip, leg and head room. Seats are comfy too without being decadent. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The driver's seat with its 10 way adjustments was rival to Volvo's orthopedic chair. The passenger seat, however was akin to something out of a Yaris & this was the main reason we did not buy this car. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
This is a big one for me since I'm 6'6". The seat is very comfortable, even with my long legs. With it all the way back, I can fit in the rear seat as well. Also, heated seats are a wonderful thing. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD |
It seems to have as much room as my Chevy Suburban. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD |
More then enough room for my children and their car seats. Much more room compared to my VW Passat Wagon I traded in. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
There are no adjustements for height, lumbar or tilt for the passenger in any of the available trim levels. We would have bought this car new from the dealer otherwise. see full Subaru Outback review |
2010 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
One complaint is the hard, short driver's seat. I use a gel cushion. I had after market leather installed. see full Subaru Outback review |
2011 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 |
2011 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
It's a joke. You can't fit anything in the back seat aside from children and/or groceries/shopping. Putting an adult back there will require a sincere apology, and possibly a written note and gift bottle of wine. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat is rather tight, worse than my old Protege5 see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I bought this car to replace a 2004 Mazda 6i Hatchback that I truly loved (got rear-ended and totaled). I did not like the 2012 Mazda 6 at all (or the milage it got), so I went the 3 with Skyactiv. The rear seat and rear legroom is just a bit too small. If it were a tad larger, this would be a awesome car, but the great mileage I get offsets this to a certain degree. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2012 | 4dr Sedan 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Non of either if the front seats are all the way back, but rear seat room is NOT a factor for me. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The Mazda3 is not a vehicle for transporting more than 2 people. The backseat is cramped for a full-size adult. However, when required, they will fit. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 104-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Seating room is borderline for 2 adults, particularly leg room. 3 adults virtually impossible. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat space can be tight see full Mazda Mazda3 review |