Model Year | 2014 | 2008 | |
Model | Volkswagen Passat | Mazda RX-8 | |
Engine | 3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 280 hp@6200 258 lb-ft@2500 |
1.3L R2 OHV-2v 232 hp@8500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed automated manual | 6-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Coupe | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 110.4 in | 106.4 in | 4 in |
Length | 191.6 in | 174.3 in | 17.3 in |
Width | 72.2 in | 69.7 in | 2.5 in |
Height | 58.5 in | 52.8 in | 5.7 in |
Curb Weight | 3446 lb. | 3045 lb. | 401 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 15.9 gal. | 2.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.3 in | 38.2 in | 0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 56.9 in | 54.8 in | 2.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 53.3 in | -53.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.4 in | 42.7 in | -0.3 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.8 in | 36.8 in | 1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.0 in | 54.9 in | 2.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 48.1 in | -48.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 39.1 in | 32.2 in | 6.9 in |
Total Legroom | 81.5 in (over 2 rows) | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 6.6 in |
Cargo Volume | 15.9 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 8.3 ft3 |
2014 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2015 | The Passat's top strength remains a non-sporting attribute: never mind how the specs compare, the midsize Volkswagen has the roomiest interior in its class. Rear seat legroom seems limo-like compared to the merely adequate space inside the Mazda. Up front, there's also plenty of stretch-out space for heads, shoulders, and knees. The Passat's trunk is also among the largest, though in this area the Mazda comes up only a cubic foot short. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2014 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
SEL Premium seating is fantastic. Definitely worth the cost of the upgrade over the mid-grade seats. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2013 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD |
rear seat room is exceptional. can handle long-legged folks with ease and those with large shoe sizes. enter and exiting with larger folks not a problem either. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Very comfortable Recaro seats, even on long drives. Larger people may not be comfortable so beware. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2009 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Given the RX-8's compact dimensions, you wouldn't expect rear seat space to be a strength. But thanks to clever packaging and a subtly high roofline, there is actually space for real adults in back, provided those up front are short or move their seats up somewhat. With a pair of pickup-like rear-opening "half" rear doors, ingress and egress for rear seat passengers is a snap. For those who want a sports car but have children or need to transport a few friends occassionally, the RX-8 fits the bill nicely. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2007 | 4dr Coupe 212-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Excellent for long trips. Even though I suffer from spinal stenosis, I did a two-day 1800 mile trip with no troubles and felt great on arrival. Most modern cars have comfortable seats, but these also make me feel like I am part of the car. see full Mazda RX-8 review |