Model Year | 2006 | 2009 | |
Model | BMW Z4 | Volkswagen Passat | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 2dr Hatch | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 98.2 in | 106.7 in | -8.5 in |
Length | 161.9 in | 188.0 in | -26.1 in |
Width | 70.1 in | 71.7 in | -1.6 in |
Height | 49.9 in | 59.7 in | -9.8 in |
Curb Weight | 3108 lb. | 3512 lb. | -404 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 37.3 in | 38.3 in | -1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 52.5 in | 55.7 in | -3.2 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.0 in | 41.4 in | 0.6 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 38.6 in | -38.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 54.6 in | -54.6 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 37.7 in | -37.7 in |
Total Legroom | 42 in (over 1 rows) | 79.1 in (over 2 rows) | -37.1 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 11.9 ft3 | 35.8 ft3 | -23.9 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 11.9 ft3 | 61.7 ft3 | -49.8 ft3 |
2006 BMW Z4 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 2dr Hatch 330-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
Adjustable thigh bolster and seat back bolsters offer great support and the Nappa leather is grippy to prevent sliding around. see full BMW Z4 review |
2006 | 2dr Convertible 215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
I find the front seat, even heated, to have great lumbar support, my sciatica does not bother me even when I have to use the clutch. Those with long legs are amazed at all the leg room available. see full BMW Z4 review |
2005 | 2dr Convertible 184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
enough leg room for a six-footer (unlike the Miata we almost bought) see full BMW Z4 review |
2006 BMW Z4 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 2dr Convertible 215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
low roof line, long doors make entryb and exit difficult see full BMW Z4 review |
2007 | 2dr Hatch 255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
There is no rear seat. see full BMW Z4 review |
2007 | 2dr Hatch 330-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
I would not recommend the car for EXTREMELY long road trips or the like. Comfort wise, if you used to something that is very plush or soft the car will feel too hard on badly paved roads. see full BMW Z4 review |
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 |