Model Year | 2009 | 2014 | |
Model | Mercedes-Benz GL | Volkswagen Beetle | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr SUV | 2dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 121.1 in | 100.0 in | 21.1 in |
Length | 200.6 in | 168.4 in | 32.2 in |
Width | 76.0 in | 71.2 in | 4.8 in |
Height | 72.4 in | 58.5 in | 13.9 in |
Curb Weight | 5280 lb. | 2987 lb. | 2293 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 26.0 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 11.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.1 in | 39.4 in | 0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.3 in | 55.3 in | 3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 40.3 in | 41.3 in | -1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 40.6 in | 37.1 in | 3.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 58.9 in | 49.0 in | 9.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 39.5 in | 31.4 in | 8.1 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 38.2 in | 0.0 in | 38.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 50.5 in | 0.0 in | 50.5 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 34.2 in | 0.0 in | 34.2 in |
Total Legroom | 114 in (over 3 rows) | 72.7 in (over 2 rows) | 41.3 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 14.3 ft3 | 15.4 ft3 | -1.1 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 43.8 ft3 | 15.4 | 28.4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 83.3 ft3 | 29.9 ft3 | 53.4 ft3 |
2009 Mercedes-Benz GL Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr SUV 335-horsepower 4.7L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
This SUV has a third row seat that can accommodate adults comfortably, without sacrificing braking and safety. see full Mercedes-Benz GL review |
2008 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 215hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Excellent, usable 3rd row seating see full Mercedes-Benz GL review |
2008 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 215hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Roomy and adjustable. see full Mercedes-Benz GL review |
2008 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 215hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Second row is good. Third row is EXCELLENT. Bigger than some of the monster American SUVs. see full Mercedes-Benz GL review |
2014 Volkswagen Beetle Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
Back in the 1960s VW entreated Americans to "think small." Lately, though, the German manufacturers cars have been getting bigger and bigger. The latest redesign added over two inches to the car's length (now 168 inches) and over two inches to its width (now a midsize-like 71.2 inches. Compared to the 146-by-66-inch, 2,822-pound Mini and the 140-by-64-inch, 2,434-pound Fiat, the 3,340-pound Beetle TDI convertible is a big, heavy car. As noted earlier, solidity and ride quality benefit from this additional bulk. But rear seat room does not. Sure, the Beetle Convertible's rear seat is more viable than the MINI's, but bars to clear rarely come lower. The Fiat is in the same (adults-in-a-pinch) ballpark. In addition to the space shortage, the VW's rear seat back is uncomfortably upright. see full Volkswagen Beetle review |
2014 Volkswagen Beetle Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 2dr Convertible 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The back seat, if you could really call it that, leaves a lot to be desired. Maybe another 3 in. That being said it fits a car seat with my 6' frame in the front seat ahead of it, so it gets the job done. Once the top goes down the interior space seems adequate. see full Volkswagen Beetle review |