Model Year | 2009 | 2014 | |
Model | Volkswagen Passat | Mazda Mazda3 | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 200 hp@5100 207 lb-ft@1800 |
2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 155 hp@6000 148 lb-ft@4000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 106.7 in | 106.3 in | 0.4 in |
Length | 188.2 in | 180.3 in | 7.9 in |
Width | 71.7 in | 70.7 in | 1 in |
Height | 58.0 in | 57.3 in | 0.7 in |
Curb Weight | 3344 lb. | 2799 lb. | 545 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 13.2 gal. | 5.3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.4 in | 38.6 in | -0.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.7 in | 57.2 in | -1.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 55.5 in | -55.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.4 in | 42.2 in | -0.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.8 in | 37.5 in | 0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.6 in | 54.4 in | 0.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 53.5 in | -53.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 37.7 in | 35.8 in | 1.9 in |
Total Legroom | 79.1 in (over 2 rows) | 78 in (over 2 rows) | 1.1 in |
Cargo Volume | 14.2 ft3 | 12.4 ft3 | 1.8 ft3 |
2009 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Comfortable power seats with power lumbar adjustment. Good side support, and with the tilting/telescoping steering wheel - easy to find a comfortable driving position. Also has easy to use steering wheel controls for the cars stereo/trip computer. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Compared to other sporty wagons (BMW, Subaru) the Passat has about 3" more rear leg room - enough to put my full-size parents and/or friends in the back seat without making them do contortions. Easier to get a child in and out of a rear safety seat, too. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of rear legroom and space for car seats. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Extremely comfortable front drivers seat w/ 12 way electronic adjustment. Able to find perfect driving position. Very little fatigue even after 12 - 14 hours of driving (taking breaks for food / gas of course). Lumbar adjusts both up/down and in/out. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This version of the Passat can easily fit 3 across seating in the rear see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
More than large enough for American size bodies! see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Passat provided more interior space especially in the rear than the Audi A4 see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2009 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD |
very restrictive space see full Volkswagen Passat 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 |