Model Year | 2012 | 2009 | |
Model | BMW 3-Series | Volkswagen Passat | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,809 mm | 2,710 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,636 mm | 4,780 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,811 mm | 1,821 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,430 mm | 1,473 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,545 kg | 1,517 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 60 L | 70 L | -10 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 1,024 mm | 975 mm | -974 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,400 mm | 1,415 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,067 mm | 1,052 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 958 mm | 960 mm | -2 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,400 mm | 1,387 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 892 mm | 958 mm | -66 mm |
Total Legroom | 1,958 mm (over 2 rows) | 2,009 mm (over 2 rows) | -1 mm |
Cargo Volume | 368 L | 402 L | -34 L |
2012 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2012 | Another surprising strength for the new BMW 3-Series. There's more room in back than in competing cars, and the seat is comfortably positioned and shaped. see full BMW 3-Series review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2012 BMW 3-Series.
2009 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Comfortable power seats with power lumbar adjustment. Good side support, and with the tilting/telescoping steering wheel - easy to find a comfortable driving position. Also has easy to use steering wheel controls for the cars stereo/trip computer. 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 |
Lots of rear legroom and space for car seats. 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 |
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 |
2009 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 |