Confort question

[Macadonious]

I am 5"10.5" tall and about 167lbs. I have noticed that the way the console is designed in the M3 that my knee hits it and I feel rather cramped. Has anyone els experianced this situation. Also, even though it is a comfortable ride, it feels like you are just not sitting in the right place.

[Dre]

I'm 5'10" 165lbs. I have absolutely no problem. Adjust the seat and steering wheel.

[mazdaspeedpower]

werd. I had the same problem. And I'm 5'2, i just had to adjust the steering wheel.abnd seat a bit.Yes I'm short, standin up. Lying downs another story.lol

[jersey_emt]

M3 = BMW

BMW > Mazda

:D

[Mazda3]

This is a Mazda forum.

M3=Mazda3 sedan

Thought I banished the M3 police a couple of weeks ago:rolleyes:

[Macadonious]

Originally posted by Dre
I'm 5'10" 165lbs. I have absolutely no problem. Adjust the seat and steering wheel.

I know to adjust all the following, but it just feels off and a little cramped where my legs are.

[turbonium959]

I am 6'7", and when I test drove the car, I felt fine too.

[agallag]

I'm 6'6" with a 38.5" inseam (really freakishly long legs) and I felt quite comfortable during my test drive. Much better than my '98 Accord. Maybe your particular leg length puts your knee in an uncomfortable position, while people with longer or shorter legs are okay. *shrug*

[eting_pro5]

thats why you have a teloscoping wheel!

sit further back, and bring the wheel with you.

[Macadonious]

Originally posted by eting_pro5
thats why you have a teloscoping wheel!

sit further back, and bring the wheel with you.

I am thinking you believe I am an idiot:rolleyes:

[3Zoom3]

I'm 6'0", with a long torso. One of my big complaints is that I canNOT get comfortable in this car. Granted, I typically spend 3 hours or more in it per day. My "sore spots" from rubbing are the outside of my right knee where it rubs the console, and my left elbow where it sits on the windowsill. I try shifiting around, the wheel is all the way out and all the way down (not nearly enough of either...). I know I'll get used to it, but its gonna be a long 3-4 years before I'm not upside-down on it, and can get rid of it.
Problems so far (at 2k miles on the odo) are: airbag light keeps coming on intermittently, steering wheel was not centered on delivery plus car pulls to the left (even after a visit to the dealer), and the air recirulator button doesn't work. Gonna go visit the dealer this week, I guess. I have had the car for about 6-8 weeks, and have yet to see another one on the road (I live between Dayton and Cinti, OH), which is nice. Also, I love the color of my Mica Black in the sun. The glitter in the clearcoat is great. Oh, another negative is the MPG which is somewhere around 23 for a 2.3l hatchback. I expected more. I got 25 avg with my 160hp V6 Camry with 155k on its odo....

[Dre]

Originally posted by 3Zoom3

...

Problems so far (at 2k miles on the odo) are: airbag light keeps coming on intermittently ...

http://www.mazdaiii.com/vbb230/showthread.php?s=&threadid=47551


Oh, another negative is the MPG which is somewhere around 23 for a 2.3l hatchback. I expected more. I got 25 avg with my 160hp V6 Camry with 155k on its odo....

The specs sheet for the 3 said that it would get abour 23MPG highway and 18MPG city. You can't really complain about it if you knew about it; unless you didn't read the specs? ;)

[3Zoom3]

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/mazda3/swf/mz3_features.pdf

page 11 of 12
fuel economy
s w/ AT 24/29
Yeah, I CAN complain about it. Did YOU read the specs, youknowwhatImsayin' yo????
Phhhhtttttt
Jeff

[Dre]

Yes, I did read the specs, thank you very much.

http://www.mazda.ca/include/printtable.asp

I was looking at the 5-speed specs though and I had to do the conversion manually. :p

[3Zoom3]

Oh, so have you talked to your therapist about your inability to say "I was wrong"???? Your math must suck worse than mine does...
Linkie no workie, boooyyyyyy.

[3Zoom3]

Ohhhh, I see! The 5-spd specs that state: 25/32. Yeah. Thats much closer to 18/23....
Buhdeeee buhdeeee buhdeeeee duhhhhhhhh.
Do you always spend your Sundays in drunken stupor?

[Dre]

Hey fucknut! I wasn't trying to be an asshole. I was merely trying to help. Get you head out of your ass. I'm sorry the link doesn't work. Will you ever forgive me, oh great one? (sarcastic)

According to Mazda.ca, the 2.3L (GT) does

City - 9.2L/100kms (5MT) | 9.8L/100kms (4AT)
Highway - 6.7L/100kms (5MT) | 7.5L/100kms (4AT)

That would mean, according to mathematicians all over the world:

City - 25.56MPG (5MT) | 24.0MPG (4AT)
Highway - 35.10MPG (5MT) | 31.36MPG (4AT)

Have a look at this site if you feel like educating yourself a little: http://www.wjaeger.de/tdi/convert.xls

I never said I wasn't wrong. As a matter of fact, my calculations were off; and I have no problem saying it.

What's with the "youknowwhatImsayin' yo" shit? :confused:

In case you're interested, I have nearly 4,000kms on mine. I average 9.1L/100kms which is roughly 25.85MPG. Give it time, it will get better. Oh, and if you're complaining for one lousy mile per gallon, you must really have nothing better to do.

Have a nice day.

[Emode]

you guys are worse than the MSP section(laugh)

[Macadonious]

MMM, I thought this was a comfort question thread. My mistake

[New Phase!]

3Zoom3: quit the attitude dude.

[3Zoom3]

Someone tries to make me look like a dumbass, claims he's "helping me" with false info, and I didn't care for it. "Dude".
Thanks for sticking your face in here. Really. Yeah. "Dude".

[New Phase!]

Ossp.... sorry Mr. Perfect.

Apparently, Dre didn't try to make you look like a dumbass. Why would he have to anyway? :D

[wongpres]

Ok, getting out of hand here. Back to the original topic or thread will be removed.

[Dre]

My car is comfortable :)

[rpc180]

Actually, I agree that its hard to get acustomed. I'm 5'5, seat's all the way up, wheel's as close to me as it can get and lowest it can get. I can't get any real lower back support (even with the lumbar lever) so I have the seatback leaning back quite a ways, which causes my shoulders to have no support. Maybe I'm really out of proportion, long legs short arms.

[New Phase!]

I forgot who brought it up before but I do agree the seats on the 3 does make you feel like you are sitting ON the seat but rather than IN the seat.

But I guess cause I just test drove it twice and the driver have yet moded to my butt shape :) (unlike my old car)

but overall, the car is very comfortable IMO.

[zenmaster]

My only complaint with comfort on the 3 Sport is that when the driver's seat is far enough forward that I can comfortably depress the clutch, I have to be careful not to biff the door speakers with my feet when getting out. Same deal getting out of the back seat.

I'm no car designer, but I wonder if they couldn't have made the door opening just a tad longer, or maybe not set the pedals quite as far back relative to the door?

Other than that, I'm comfy (6'2" 200lbs).

[Eugeosyncline]

I had been awaiting the release of the 3 for some time, and with hopeful anticipation. That said, after having the chance to directly compare the 3 to nearly all other small car offerings at our local car show last week, I must say I've become disheartened by the interior space presented by it.

In terms of comfort, I found the ride quality much improved compared to the horrible experience levied by my Protege ES, and noise levels were also better-- Although not as much so as in the Focus, for instance. Road noise continues to be a problem that Mazda has not sufficiently addressed, in my opinion.

As far as interior space goes, I've determined that the back seat area in the sedan is likely the worst currently being offered amongst mainstream compact cars (as in, compared to the likes of Nissan, Toyota, Honda). The back seat area is even worse than the VW Jetta, and that I cannot accept. I've been unfortunate enough to spend extended road trip time in the back of one of those accursed Jettas, and I would not want to find myself in the back of a Mazda3 for very long. To be blatantly honest, I find it offensive; especially when the Protege before it offers such a NICE back seat area.

I also found the front seat experience cramped feeling. Although I like the interior styling, it feels claustrophobic in the 3 compared to the Corolla and Civic. I didn't get the same sense of expanse. And although my 3 test drives I thought were okay, the third time I started to feel that I might indeed run into problems being fully comfortable over long trips; which is one of my biggest problems with the Protege: It's not a good road trip car at all-- Rough riding, noisy, and no center arm rest support. The 3 DOES have a much improved center rest area, though. FINALLY!

So all in all, I'm not sure the 3 will appeal to people who make more than around town trips or perhaps spirited country road twisties. Those who like road trips or want more comfort might be better off with another car (like the Honda Accord, which I'm trying to find a way to afford).

But then again, Mazda hasn't built cars of late that are designed to appeal to civility and comfort-- They emphasize performance handling and appearance. So all in all it's likely a matter of opinion whether one is comfortable with the 3's ride qualities.

I am very interested to see how Consumer Reports rates the 3, however. Now that I've seen it in detail I think it'll be in 3rd place behind the Corolla and Civic. Maybe second place...

[Macadonious]

Now that is exactly what I was refering to and what I had thought and why I began this thread. Before this car I had a 95 Acura Integra and it was far more roomy in front and in back, particualy in the drivers seat. I am haveing to constintatly adjust myself to comform the the car. This is my only complaint as far as comfort is concerned, power is another.

[Brian MP5T]

Sell it and buy a HUMMER!! There is no problem with room in a H2.

Aside from that, if it is such a big deal, why did you buy the car. You took it for a test drive, did Mazda use some kind of mind control "New Car Scent" drug?? WTF? :eek:

[Macadonious]

Originally posted by Brian MP5T
Sell it and buy a HUMMER!! There is no problem with room in a H2.

Aside from that, if it is such a big deal, why did you buy the car. You took it for a test drive, did Mazda use some kind of mind control "New Car Scent" drug?? WTF? :eek:

Sarcasm is truly unnecessary. I am just making an observation as well as others are doing the same. True enough, if we wanted alot more room, we might have gotten another car and when test driving a car, you may not notice all the downsides. The inevitability that man as a species has, is adaptibility and we who all have made statements of comfort conflict will adapt. Meanwhile this thread is here for a vent or release of opinions.

[New Phase!]

I went snowboard this past weekend and my friend drove his P5. What amazed me with the P5 was, it took the 4 of us (2 guys and 2 girls) with 4 snowboards with one side of the backseats fold down (the smaller side). Me and my gf still sat in the back seats relatively comfortable (didn't feel packed...)

Knowing that the 3 back seats area is tighter than the P5. I wonder if that would still be comfortable in the same situation.

Does anyone has the interior measurement of the P5? I've read somewhere that people were complaining about the small trunk that the P5 has, Mazda which improved the trunk space by redcuing the leg room in the back seats. Just want to get the facts/measurment of P5 so we can compare.

[Mazda3]

Backseat Specs:

Legroom: P5:900mm, M3:922mm

Headroom: P5:949mm, M3: 976mm

Width: P5: 1705mm, M3: 1755mm

Not sure what all this talk is about the backseat being smaller M3 has 2cm more legroom, 3cm more headroom, and is 5cm wider.

[Brian MP5T]

Originally posted by Macadonious
Sarcasm is truly unnecessary. I am just making an observation as well as others are doing the same. True enough, if we wanted alot more room, we might have gotten another car and when test driving a car, you may not notice all the downsides. The inevitability that man as a species has, is adaptibility and we who all have made statements of comfort conflict will adapt. Meanwhile this thread is here for a vent or release of opinions.

(rockon)

Cool, I was just kidding. It just seemed at the time that the thread was a bunch of people who were upset with their new cars. The logical question that crossed my mind was, did someone have a gun to your head when you signed the papers?

Later...Brian;)

[Brian MP5T]

Originally posted by Mazda3
Backseat Specs:

Legroom: P5:900mm, M3:922mm

Headroom: P5:949mm, M3: 976mm

Width: P5: 1705mm, M3: 1755mm

Not sure what all this talk is about the backseat being smaller M3 has 2cm more legroom, 3cm more headroom, and is 5cm wider.

What about the floor brace. Don't you think that takes away from some comfort?:eek:

[Mazda3]

No, I don't :eek:

Seats both front and back are more comfortable in the 3 versus the P5.

[New Phase!]

Originally posted by Mazda3
Backseat Specs:

Legroom: P5:900mm, M3:922mm

Headroom: P5:949mm, M3: 976mm

Width: P5: 1705mm, M3: 1755mm

Not sure what all this talk is about the backseat being smaller M3 has 2cm more legroom, 3cm more headroom, and is 5cm wider.

Good info, thanks Mazda3, do you have all the dimension measure of the P5 as well?

[Brian MP5T]

Originally posted by New Phase!
Good info, thanks Mazda3, do you have all the dimension measure of the P5 as well?

Look again, Closer.

[dream merchant]

Originally posted by 3Zoom3
I'm 6'0", with a long torso. One of my big complaints is that I canNOT get comfortable in this car.....

Well im 6'-0" but i have a long... uh... uh... oh wait... we're talking cars. nevermind

hehe jk.

[New Phase!]

Originally posted by Brian MP5T
Look again, Closer.

Make it easier for you, I am looking for all measures as in

Interior

Front head room wo/w moonroof (mm)
Rear head room wo/w moonroof (mm)
Front shoulder room (mm)
Rear shoulder room (mm)
Front leg room (mm)
Rear leg room (mm)
Trunk length (mm)
Trunk width min/max (mm)

External

Overall length (mm)
Overall width (mm)
Overall height (mm)
Wheelbase (mm)
Front Tread (mm)
Rear Tread (mm)
Ground clearance unladen/laden (mm)

[Mazda3]

P5

Internal

Front head room wo/w moonroof (mm)998/977
Rear head room wo/w moonroof (mm)949/947
Front shoulder room (mm)1370
Rear shoulder room (mm)1356
Front leg room (mm)1073
Rear leg room (mm)900
Trunk capacity 19.8 cu. ft
Trunk capacity seats folded 24.4 cu.ft

External

Overall length (mm)4331
Overall width (mm)1705
Overall height (mm)1420
Wheelbase (mm)2610
Ground clearance unladen/laden (mm)140

M3 Sport

Front head room wo/w moonroof (mm)994/971
Rear head room wo/w moonroof (mm)976/974
Front shoulder room (mm)1394
Rear shoulder room (mm)1371
Front leg room (mm)1065
Rear leg room (mm)922
Trunk capacity n/a
Trunk capacity seats folded n/a

External

Overall length (mm)4540
Overall width (mm)1755
Overall height (mm)1465
Wheelbase (mm)2640
Ground clearance unladen/laden (mm)145

[New Phase!]

Thanks :)

[Brian MP5T]

Originally posted by New Phase!
Make it easier for you, I am looking for all measures as in

Ground clearance unladen/laden (mm)

You asked if anyone had the measurements for the P5, They were both on the same place. If you had asked for a more "Detailed list" You would not have had to, Make it easier for anyone.


No offence I realise that you may not have read how that sounded, but really... Easier for me, like I need a tutor or an easier to understand description? This is how people get off to a bad start.

[Eugeosyncline]

I noted the comment, "Why did you buy the car if you're not happy with it?", which is a legitimate question that can be perhaps explained by my experience with the Protege.

For the record, I've been very unhappy with the characteristics of the Protege, reliability problems notwithstanding. I indeed had test driven the car before buying it, and thought it was fun to drive, but unfortunately a test drive will never allow you to fully learn what the car will be like. I discovered my dissatisfaction over time; particularly after I had the chance to take it out on an extended road trip. After that, it became apparent that this would not be a car I could be happy with.

My observations during and after the road trip:

Gratuitous road noise.
A nervous, bucking ride.
The center storage/"arm rest" is far too low and back to be of any use, thus tiring my right arm.
Engine RPMs much higher than they should be at comparatively slow highway speeds.
Poor fuel economy (compared to Honda/Toyota compact car offerings, for instance).
Poor quality windshield glass.

I’ve found after a full day of driving in this car I’m much more tired-- Noise and uncivil ride quality will do that, sadly.

Other general observations:

Raucous engine noise before the engine is warmed up, thus sounding like a diesel.


Protege is great for zipping around town, as it indeed is a fun car to drive for such purposes. Its handing is phenomenal. This façade is largely what sold me on it in the first place, and is why I bought it (in addition to predicated good reliability and awesome appearance; I still think Protege looks fantastic). But for me, that’s not enough-- I expect a car that yields a nice balance between comfort, handling, economy, and refinement, and as it is the Protege only delivers a one-sided experience: Sportiness. This I couldn’t have really known until AFTER owning it for some time.

So, it’s not always possible to go into a car buying experience fully knowing if the car will work for you, and I believe that’s why we’re seeing a few people being bothered with their new 3’s. I sure wish that wasn't the case, because I feel your pain, brother! I can identify with how troublesome it is to have bought a car that turned sour.

Anyway, that’s my theory, at least! On the other hand there are many who feel the Protege is perfectly fine, and there will also be many who feel the 3 is fine. Again, matters of different opinion that must be respected...

Alternately, and as an aside, sure wish I could afford an Accord :( . Although I'd have to be the first to agree that it's an ugly car, it's easily more comfortable, and has an excellent engine. I'm at a point now where I'm more interested in function than in vanity, and even though Honda's kind of a generic, commonplace vehicle, I think the Accord's blend of characteristics is the kind of car that I'd personally be happy with.

[Macadonious]

Thank you! I could not have said it better myself.

[New Phase!]

Originally posted by Brian MP5T
You asked if anyone had the measurements for the P5, They were both on the same place. If you had asked for a more "Detailed list" You would not have had to, Make it easier for anyone.


No offence I realise that you may not have read how that sounded, but really... Easier for me, like I need a tutor or an easier to understand description? This is how people get off to a bad start.

Ok, I apologize to pull this OT but since it seems to be directed to me so I would respond.

I think on my initial post for inquiring measurements, I believe I've said "ALL" measurements.

That's right, "Look again, closer" next time.

I didn't get offended from your comment, so you shouldn't be from mine as I am not intended to anyway. :)


<- who's trying to clear things up. :)

[Brian MP5T]

Originally posted by Eugeosyncline
I noted the comment, "Why did you buy the car if you're not happy with it?", which is a legitimate question that can be perhaps explained by my experience with the Protege.



I'm sorry that you find your car is lacking. I am personally happy as I have ever been with any car. All the positive points you brought up are the ones I love my car for. Some of the negatives don’t bother me as much as they do you I guess...Later

[Brian MP5T]

Originally posted by New Phase!
Ok, I apologize to pull this OT but since it seems to be directed to me so I would respond.

I think on my initial post for inquiring measurements, I believe I've said "ALL" measurements.

That's right, "Look again, closer" next time.

I didn't get offended from your comment, so you shouldn't be from mine as I am not intended to anyway. :)


<- who's trying to clear things up. :)

Understood, I to am sorry. :p

[taylor5]

When it comes down to it...."COMFORT" is strictly a personal observation. What is a "pain in the a.." to some, is fine or bearable to others.

When it comes to my P5 (and yea, I have really test driven the 3 hatch) is the " nasty ride".

I like this car even with some of its goofy problems I have experienced personally. But the idea of living with that nasty, bouncy, headache inducing ride another 3 years worth of payments pisses me off.

I like the 3. I like the Scion XB (yea goofball car) and both do ride better than my P5. But neither of them have the front seat leg-room of my P5. The 3 felt a little cramped to me on the "left foot" and the Scion XB is set up almost reminding me off a old VW Bus....odd but cool, but odd.

But i am gonna trade out of this thing one day, darn it , wanted to pay off a car and have no payments. Aint gonna happen. Gotta start all over again......which SUCKS!!!

Gonna drive both again (3 hatch and Xb) and try to decide or Im just gonna say to hell with it all and by a moped!!!

CAR DEALERS SHOULD REALLY LET U TEST DRIVE A VEHICLE FOR AN ENTIRE WEEKEND! "DEMOS" SHOULD MEAN KEEP THE CAR FOR A FEW DAYS AND REALLY TEST IT OUT AND THEN DECIDE. THEN FORUMS SUCH AS THIS WOULD NOT BE NECESSARY AND GET RELATIVELY SANE PEOPLE ALL PISSED AT EACH OTHER. MAN, YOU GUYS WERE READY TO THROW PUNCHES, THAT AINT THE WAY THIS IS SUPPOSE TO BE.

Tay in Carolina.

[Eugeosyncline]

Sorry to hear you too have been a victim of the Protege's (in my opinion) primitive ride characteristics, taylor5. Believe me, everyone, I honestly wish it wasn't such a problem-- It would make vehicular life much easier, to be sure.

Anyway, that's also an excellent point regarding the practice of being able to test drive a car over a weekend or something. I believe some GM dealerships allowed for a "sleep on it", "try a car for a day or two" program (with accompanying advertising campaign). Now THAT'S a practical, good idea-- Although I understand it's a risk and added cost to a dealer. But that allows you to really get to know a car, and when you're talking about purchases in the tens of thousands of dollars, from now on I damn well want to know EVERYTHING about a car. I'm not interested in getting burned again...

A day or two living with a car is the best way I can think of to answer critical questions concerning one's satisfaction with a car's characteristics.

Sorry to shift topic a bit, but it's a good idea!

[agallag]

Just trying to clear up an earlier argument here:

According to Mazda.ca, the 2.3L (GT) does

City - 9.2L/100kms (5MT) | 9.8L/100kms (4AT)
Highway - 6.7L/100kms (5MT) | 7.5L/100kms (4AT)


In Miles per Imperial gallon:

City - 30.7 mpg (5MT) | 28.8 mpg (4AT)
Highway - 42.2 mpg (5MT) | 37.7 mpg (4AT)


In Miles per US gallon:

City - 25.6 mpg (5MT) | 24.0 mpg (4AT)
Highway - 35.1 mpg (5MT) | 31.4 mpg (4AT)

See how big a difference it makes depending on which kind of gallon you use? Remember, 1 Imperial gallon = 1.2 US gallons.

[AcousticRock]

Don't fight, guys. I JUST bought a mazda3 hatch and it says 24-34 mpg highway, and 18-28 city.

[Brian MP5T]

Just Use The KM/L, The metric system works!!! The entire world uses it... AARRRGGHHH!!! Even Pakistan...The Dutch Love it...Even LIBIA!!...CUBA...