Model Year | 2013 | 2012 | |
Model | BMW 3-Series | Volkswagen Golf / GTI | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 110.6 in | 101.5 in | 9.1 in |
Length | 182.5 in | 165.4 in | 17.1 in |
Width | 71.3 in | 70.3 in | 1 in |
Height | 56.3 in | 58.3 in | -2 in |
Curb Weight | 3360 lb. | 2968 lb. | 392 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 1.3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.3 in | 39.3 in | 1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.1 in | 54.7 in | 0.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 41.2 in | 0.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.7 in | 38.5 in | -0.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.1 in | 52.8 in | 2.3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 35.1 in | 35.5 in | -0.4 in |
Total Legroom | 77.1 in (over 2 rows) | 76.7 in (over 2 rows) | 0.4 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 13.0 ft3 | 15.0 ft3 | -2 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 13.0 ft3 | 46.0 ft3 | -33 ft3 |
2013 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2014 | The BMW 3-Series used to be tight inside, but it has grown with each redesign, especially the most recent one. The rear seat of the current sedan isn't nearly as roomy as that in the related 3-Series Gran Turismo hatchback. But it offers considerably more rear legroom than direct competitors like the Audi A4, Cadillac ATS, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. In fact, combined front and rear legroom is the same as in the one size-class up, ten-inch-longer Mercedes E-Class. (You do get a half-inch more rear headroom and nearly two inches more rear shoulder room in the Benz.) Beyond the specs, the BMW's rear seat is comfortably high off the floor, a rarity in the age of sedans with plunging coupe-like roof lines. see full BMW 3-Series review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2013 BMW 3-Series.
2012 Volkswagen Golf / GTI Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Four adults can easily and comfortably fit in this car, with plenty of room for luggage. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD |
Seats actually fit your body and have proper bolstering, unlike most other seats in this price range which are more like shelves for oversized American behinds. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Good leg room and supportive seats. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Good leg room for a small car. Supportive seats. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
I have MS, so comfortable seats are a must. This is the only car that I've been in where I could do a non-stop trip from Michigan to Washington DC in. No fatigue, no stopping for a stretch. It's that good, and VW throws in standard heated seats for the GTI. And they do mean "heated" seats, not "warmed" seats, not "take-the-edge-off" seats. Turn them on full and your bum will be roasting with in a few minutes. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Firm, supportive seats. Not too hard. Should be excellent for long road trips. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Firm, yet comfortable. Excellent lateral support in the turns. Excellent thigh support fro taller driver. Can sit for hours and still feel comfortable. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |