Model Year | 2006 | 2008 | |
Model | Volvo V50 | Mazda RX-8 | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.5L I5 DOHC-4v 218 hp@5000 236 lb-ft@1500 |
1.3L R2 OHV-2v 212 hp@7500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
|
Transmission | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr Wagon | 4dr Coupe | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 106.4 in | -2.5 in |
Length | 177.7 in | 174.3 in | 3.4 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 69.7 in | 0 in |
Height | 57.2 in | 52.8 in | 4.4 in |
Curb Weight | 3379 lb. | 3075 lb. | 304 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 15.9 gal. | 0 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.9 in | 38.2 in | 0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.2 in | 54.8 in | 0.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.7 in | 53.3 in | 0.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.6 in | 42.7 in | -1.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.1 in | 36.8 in | 1.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.1 in | 54.9 in | -0.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 50.7 in | 48.1 in | 2.6 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 34.4 in | 32.2 in | 2.2 in |
Total Legroom | 76 in (over 2 rows) | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 1.1 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 27.4 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 19.8 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 62.9 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 55.3 ft3 |
2006 Volvo V50 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed manual FWD |
It has a lot of arm and leg room for a smaller car. see full Volvo V50 review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Front seat comfort is top notch. Lots of adjustments with power drivers seat. see full Volvo V50 review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Very comfortable leather seats. Fully adjustable. see full Volvo V50 review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 218hp 2.5L I5 6-speed manual AWD |
They are the most comfortable seats I have ever had in a car - period. see full Volvo V50 review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 218hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Let me put it this way: road trip across Canada. Last day getting home drove 1,500kms in 15 hrs (including breaks, of course). No neck or back pain. The front seats are extremely comfortable. see full Volvo V50 review |
2006 Volvo V50 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed manual FWD |
Not a lot of room for tall adults. Good for kids. see full Volvo V50 review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 218hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Rear seat is for very small people or children only --no leg room. see full Volvo V50 review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
legroom too cramped see full Volvo V50 review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Volvo should be ashamed for such lousy seats. They know how to build great seats but they shortchanged the V50. see full Volvo V50 review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Too cramped. See previous comments about seats. see full Volvo V50 review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 218hp 2.5L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good only for children. 3 adults are getting squeezed. see full Volvo V50 review |
2005 | 4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I5 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
really only good for kids see full Volvo V50 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 |