Model Year | 2014 | 2008 | |
Model | BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo | Volkswagen Passat | |
Engine | turbocharged 3.0L I6 DOHC-4v 300 hp@5800 300 lb-ft@1300 |
3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 280 hp@6200 265 lb-ft@2750 |
|
Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 115.0 in | 106.7 in | 8.3 in |
Length | 190.0 in | 188.0 in | 2 in |
Width | 72.0 in | 71.7 in | 0.3 in |
Height | 59.4 in | 59.7 in | -0.3 in |
Curb Weight | 4010 lb. | 3997 lb. | 13 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -2.7 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 41.3 in | 38.3 in | 3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.2 in | 55.7 in | -0.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 41.4 in | 0.6 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.3 in | 38.6 in | -0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 54.1 in | 54.6 in | -0.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 39.2 in | 37.7 in | 1.5 in |
Total Legroom | 81.2 in (over 2 rows) | 79.1 in (over 2 rows) | 2.1 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 18.3 ft3 | 35.8 ft3 | -17.5 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 18.4 ft3 | 35.8 | -17.4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 56.5 ft3 | 61.7 ft3 | -5.2 ft3 |
2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2014 | Though the latest 3-Series has a much roomier back seat than its predecessors, many people still find it insufficient for their needs, and step up to a midsize sedan or wagon such as the 5-Series or E-Class. Well, most of the 3-Series Gran Turismo's wheelbase stretch was put towards rear seat legroom, bumping it from 35.0 to 37.9 inches. Though a larger car, the E-Class has nearly four inches less total legroom--barely more than the 3 wagon, in fact. (But with a more comfortably positioned rear seat than the 3 wagon.) What the specs don't tell you is that the 3 GT's rear seat cushion, since it is positioned much higher than that in the wagons, provides better thigh support and a much more open view forward. To top it off, the 3 GT's rear seat back reclines. Here again, though, the E-Class wagon has a trick bonus: a rear-facing third-row seat. Though there's not enough headroom back there for anyone over 5-4, the seat is well-padded. If you want to seat seven in a pinch, the E-Class wagon is your only option with a sedan-like driving position (aside from the Tesla Model S). Update: this review originally stated that the 3GT has much more shoulder room than the regular 3-Series, and about as much as the E-Class. But it seems that the initial specs were inaccurate. The latest specs suggest shoulder room in the 3GT is about the same as that in the regular 3-Series. Its interior does feel significantly roomier, though, so the initial specs could yet provide the more accurate set. see full BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo.
2008 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Passat provided more interior space especially in the rear than the Audi A4 see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Extremely comfortable front drivers seat w/ 12 way electronic adjustment. Able to find perfect driving position. Very little fatigue even after 12 - 14 hours of driving (taking breaks for food / gas of course). Lumbar adjusts both up/down and in/out. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of rear legroom and space for car seats. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Compared to other sporty wagons (BMW, Subaru) the Passat has about 3" more rear leg room - enough to put my full-size parents and/or friends in the back seat without making them do contortions. Easier to get a child in and out of a rear safety seat, too. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This version of the Passat can easily fit 3 across seating in the rear see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
More than large enough for American size bodies! see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Well bolstered seat, best seat heaters I ever had (have had Land Rovers and own a SAAB). see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
larger than chief competitors (BMW 3 series, Audi A4) see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD |
very restrictive space see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
No thigh support, not as comfortable as my 2000 Passat see full Volkswagen Passat review |