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Midsize Sedans 2.0

18200 messages,  Last post on May 21, 2013 at 8:30 PM

You are in the Hyundai Sonata Forum.

What is this discussion about? Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Volkswagen Passat, Mazda MAZDA6, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Kia Optima, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 5 of 1820

#41 of 18200 Re: 2008 Mazda6 [jeffyscott] by backy

Apr 15, 2007 (11:12 am)

Replying to: jeffyscott (Apr 15, 2007 8:15 am)
Everyone's legs are different.
 
I know for example that the Mazda6 has less rear leg room than my previous-gen Elantra, a compact car. I would not reject the Mazda6 only because of its rear leg space, as I think it's adequate (barely) for my needs, but my point is that most mid-sized cars have more interior volume and rear-seat space than the Mazda6. Even the current-gen compact Elantra has more of both. When I pay for a mid-sized car, I'd like mid-sized room. Otherwise I may as well buy a compact and save the extra bucks.

#42 of 18200 Re: 2008 Mazda6 [backy] by jd10013

Apr 15, 2007 (2:07 pm)

Replying to: backy (Apr 15, 2007 7:11 am)
Altima notes its reduced rear legroom compared to the prior generation.
 
Yes, it is a little less, but fairly negligable. It was the rear headroom that was hit hardest because of the slopping roofline, though it will still comforably fit people under about 6'2. But the aim for the 07 redesign wasn't to lead the class in leg, head, or overall room. It was to be the best handling front wheel drive sedan on the road. Wheather or not it sucseeded is pretty subjective, but with the near elimination of torque steer, fastest 0-60 time ect, its by far the best performing altima yet. And, deffintly equal to, if not better, than the competition.

#43 of 18200 Re: 2008 Mazda6 [backy] by jeffyscott

Apr 15, 2007 (3:01 pm)

Replying to: backy (Apr 15, 2007 11:12 am)
I know for example that the Mazda6 has less rear leg room than my previous-gen Elantra
 
Not according to measurements reported in CR and listed here on Edmunds. Both indicate that Elantra had 1.5 inches less rear leg room than the Mazda6 does.

#44 of 18200 Re: 2008 Mazda6 [jd10013] by lilengineerboy

Apr 15, 2007 (3:34 pm)

Replying to: jd10013 (Apr 14, 2007 8:28 pm)
bigger, in some cases, is better. a larger car offers more room and hence, more comfort.
 
I don't see the Space = Comfort thing. Grippy supportive seats, properly spaced accelerator, brake, and clutch, short to moderate throws on the shifter, and a relatively small diameter grippy wheel = driving comfort for me.
I also accept that I am not a typical consumer. I really wish I was; I wish I didn't care about how cars feel or driving dynamics and I could just get the Accord or Taurus or something and be done with it. I am sure eventually I will get old and have some 3 hour 30 mile each way commute like everyone else and I won't care. Oh well.

#45 of 18200 Re: 2008 Mazda6 [lilengineerboy] by elroy5

Apr 15, 2007 (4:27 pm)

Replying to: lilengineerboy (Apr 15, 2007 3:34 pm)
I wish I didn't care about how cars feel or driving dynamics and I could just get the Accord or Taurus or something and be done with it.
 
Us Accord drivers do care about driving dynamics. Which is why we don't drive Camrys or Buicks. Of course driving dynamics aren't everything. I want to be comfortable, even on long trips. And "Fun to drive" is nice, on occasion, but how aggressive can you get with a family car, with the family in it? Since I don't pull big G-forces around corners every day, I want a balance of handling and comfort.

#46 of 18200 Re: 2008 Mazda6 [elroy5] by lilengineerboy

Apr 15, 2007 (4:50 pm)

Replying to: elroy5 (Apr 15, 2007 4:27 pm)
Of course driving dynamics aren't everything.
 
I might disagree with that statement. This is how vehicles differentiate themselves.
 
I want a balance of handling and comfort.
 
I totally agree with this statement. That "balance" is very subjective. Vehicles like the E36 3-series had a great balance, it was very sporty and handled very well and absorbed bumps and expansion joints very nicely, and this was over 10 years ago.
 
The amount of time this vehicle will have more than 1 occupant is mayyyybeee 20%. That one occupant is neither tall nor hefty. The commute is an easy 20-30 minute drive with light traffic. Almost every other vehicle I've had has been able to get me to school or work or both and back, and been an entertaining autocross or HPDE companion.
 
As I said before, I realize I am not a typical consumer, but I do need 4 doors, 5 seatbelts, 3 pedals and room for a couple of car seats. Perhaps I should go down a size class and look there.

#47 of 18200 Re: 2008 Mazda6 [jeffyscott] by backy

Apr 15, 2007 (5:31 pm)

Replying to: jeffyscott (Apr 15, 2007 3:01 pm)
According to my experience actually sitting in both cars, I have more rear seat leg room in my '04 Elantra.
 
The published measurements can be deceiving. They do not take into account seat height and contouring, and toe space. So one car may have, by the numbers, more rear seat leg room but not feel as spacious as another car with lower numbers.
 
So I always do a "sit test" when shopping for cars, and don't just depend on the numbers.

#48 of 18200 Re: 2008 Mazda6 [lilengineerboy] by elroy5

Apr 15, 2007 (5:42 pm)

Replying to: lilengineerboy (Apr 15, 2007 4:50 pm)
Almost every other vehicle I've had has been able to get me to school or work or both and back, and been an entertaining autocross or HPDE companion.
 
No midsize car is designed for that. Not even a 6.
 
As I said before, I realize I am not a typical consumer, but I do need 4 doors, 5 seatbelts, 3 pedals and room for a couple of car seats. Perhaps I should go down a size class and look there.
 
Seems to me what you need is one of those off-road-rally type cars, not a midsize sedan. I've watched a few of those races. Don't they use cars like the Mitsu Lancer, or a small Subaru? Something lighter, and more nimble than a Mazda 6.

#49 of 18200 Re: 2008 Mazda6 [lilengineerboy] by jd10013

Apr 15, 2007 (7:12 pm)

Replying to: lilengineerboy (Apr 15, 2007 3:34 pm)
the space=comfort thing is more for the passengers. As others have said, the altima, accord, camry, fussion, ect are family cars.
 
But I know where your coming from. Its why I decided to keep my coupe instead of tradding it in when I bought my altima.

#50 of 18200 Re: 2008 Mazda6 [jd10013] by elroy5

Apr 15, 2007 (8:03 pm)

Replying to: jd10013 (Apr 15, 2007 7:12 pm)
Sometimes I will drive somewhere 5-600 miles just because I enjoy driving. But the car has to be comfortable, and easy to drive. I drove to northern Arkansas (700 miles) to visit my sister once in a pickup truck. That was not enjoyable, at all. Never again, I couldn't wait to get home. I need something easy to drive and comfortable. Considering I've had back surgery for two ruptured disks in my lower back, lumbar support is also a necessity.

Messages Page 5 of 1820

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