Model Year | 2008 | 2012 | |
Model | Kia Optima | Volkswagen Golf / GTI | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.1 in | 101.5 in | 5.6 in |
Length | 186.4 in | 165.4 in | 21 in |
Width | 71.1 in | 70.3 in | 0.8 in |
Height | 58.3 in | 58.3 in | 0 in |
Curb Weight | 3142 lb. | 2968 lb. | 174 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 17.0 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 2.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.8 in | 39.3 in | 0.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.1 in | 54.7 in | 2.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 54.5 in | 0.0 in | 54.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.7 in | 41.2 in | 2.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.0 in | 38.5 in | -0.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.3 in | 52.8 in | 3.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.7 in | 0.0 in | 54.7 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 37.8 in | 35.5 in | 2.3 in |
Total Legroom | 81.5 in (over 2 rows) | 76.7 in (over 2 rows) | 4.8 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 14.8 ft3 | 15.0 ft3 | -0.2 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 14.8 ft3 | 46.0 ft3 | -31.2 ft3 |
2008 Kia Optima Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Spacious enough to allow my 84 year old mother to get in and out without injuring herself! see full Kia Optima review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
After driving the Optima for five days straight for 10+ hours per day, other than the occasional stop, on a road trip, not one time did I get a sore back or thighs. see full Kia Optima review |
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 |