Model Year | 2008 | 2007 | |
Model | BMW 1-Series | Volkswagen Passat | |
Engine | turbocharged 3.0L I6 DOHC-4v 300 hp@5800 300 lb-ft@1400 |
3.6L V6 DOHC-4v 280 hp@6200 265 lb-ft@2750 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | |
Body | 2dr Coupe | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 104.7 in | 106.7 in | -2 in |
Length | 171.7 in | 188.2 in | -16.5 in |
Width | 68.8 in | 71.7 in | -2.9 in |
Height | 56.0 in | 58.0 in | -2 in |
Curb Weight | 3384 lb. | 3829 lb. | -445 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.0 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -4.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 37.9 in | 38.4 in | -0.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.0 in | 55.7 in | -1.7 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.4 in | 41.4 in | 0 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.1 in | 37.8 in | -0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 53.4 in | 54.6 in | -1.2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 32.0 in | 37.7 in | -5.7 in |
Total Legroom | 73.4 in (over 2 rows) | 79.1 in (over 2 rows) | -5.7 in |
Cargo Volume | 10.0 ft3 | 14.2 ft3 | -4.2 ft3 |
2008 BMW 1-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Good seats, very adjustable. see full BMW 1-Series review |
2008 | 2dr Coupe 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Sport seats are great see full BMW 1-Series review |
2008 BMW 1-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 2dr Convertible 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Either young children for longer drives or most adults for trips below 30-40 miles each way. Just a "small car" (though with more rear-room that Lexus 250-350 4-door series!). see full BMW 1-Series review |
2008 | 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
Impractical for adults for anything but short runs see full BMW 1-Series review |
2007 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 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 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 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 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 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 |
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 |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Plenty of room in the front seat without squeezing the backseat. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Plenty of room in the back seats. Room for three comfortably. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2007 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
2006 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
My two teenagers complain that the rear seat cushion is low and not very comfortable to sit on for long distances. the leg room is great. see full Volkswagen Passat review |