Model Year | 2006 | 2008 | |
Model | Audi A3 | Mercedes-Benz R-Class | |
Engine | 3.2L V6 DOHC-4v 250 hp@6300 236 lb-ft@2800 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 268 hp@6000 258 lb-ft@2400 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed automated manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 101.5 in | 126.6 in | -25.1 in |
Length | 168.7 in | 203.0 in | -34.3 in |
Width | 69.5 in | 75.7 in | -6.2 in |
Height | 56.0 in | 65.4 in | -9.4 in |
Curb Weight | 3660 lb. | 4829 lb. | -1169 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.0 gal. | 25.1 gal. | -10.1 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.1 in | 39.8 in | -1.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.3 in | 60.3 in | -6 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.2 in | 39.8 in | 1.4 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.9 in | 40.4 in | -3.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 52.8 in | 59.6 in | -6.8 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 34.8 in | 36.2 in | -1.4 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 37.2 in | -37.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 52.8 in | -52.8 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 32.4 in | -32.4 in |
Total Legroom | 76 in (over 2 rows) | 108.4 in (over 3 rows) | -32.4 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 13.1 ft3 | 15.3 ft3 | -2.2 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 13.1 | 42.2 ft3 | -29.1 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 54.6 ft3 | 85.0 ft3 | -30.4 ft3 |
2006 Audi A3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
The back seat is too small for most adults. I hadn't thought about it much when I bought the car, but it became apparent. I'd take friends to lunch and they are uncomfortable.Even ifa personplans on sitting small children in the back, they grow and the useful life of the car is affected. I wish the Europeans would figure that out. see full Audi A3 review |
2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Due to the position of the doors it is hard to get in and out of the car. see full Audi A3 review |
2006 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
The Subaru has a more comfortable and roomy back seat, with easier ingress/egress. see full Audi A3 review |
2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr SUV 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Very roomie see full Mercedes-Benz R-Class review |
2007 | 4dr SUV 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
3rd row seats are big enough and comfortable enough for an adult. 2nd row seats are the best captain chairs I have ever sat in in a car. Glass roof gives additional room appearance. see full Mercedes-Benz R-Class review |
2007 | 4dr SUV 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Great front view, comfortable seats. see full Mercedes-Benz R-Class review |
2007 | 4dr SUV 302-horsepower 5.0L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
There is excellent legroom in the middle and rear seats. All four recline. see full Mercedes-Benz R-Class review |
2007 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 215hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Outstanding room in the second row- tons of leg room. Very comfortable see full Mercedes-Benz R-Class review |
2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr SUV 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Three different lumbar pumps...don't seem to be very different in what is inflated. see full Mercedes-Benz R-Class review |