Model Year | 2009 | 2012 | |
Model | Mercedes-Benz GL | Volkswagen Golf / GTI | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 3,076 mm | 2,578 mm | 1 mm |
Length | 5,095 mm | 4,201 mm | 1 mm |
Width | 1,930 mm | 1,786 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,839 mm | 1,481 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 2,395 kg | 1,346 kg | 1 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 98 L | 55 L | 43 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 1,019 mm | 998 mm | -997 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,481 mm | 1,389 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,024 mm | 1,046 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 1,031 mm | 978 mm | -977 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,496 mm | 1,341 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 1,003 mm | 902 mm | -901 mm |
Headroom, Row 3 | 970 mm | 0 mm | 970 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 1,283 mm | 0 mm | 1 mm |
Legroom, Row 3 | 869 mm | 0 mm | 869 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,896 mm (over 3 rows) | 1,948 mm (over 2 rows) | 1 mm |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 405 L | 425 L | -20 L |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 1,240 L | 15.0 | -14 L |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 2,359 L | 1,303 L | 1 L |
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 |
2012 Volkswagen Golf / GTI Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Four adults can easily and comfortably fit in this car, with plenty of room for luggage. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD |
Seats actually fit your body and have proper bolstering, unlike most other seats in this price range which are more like shelves for oversized American behinds. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Good leg room and supportive seats. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Good leg room for a small car. Supportive seats. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
I have MS, so comfortable seats are a must. This is the only car that I've been in where I could do a non-stop trip from Michigan to Washington DC in. No fatigue, no stopping for a stretch. It's that good, and VW throws in standard heated seats for the GTI. And they do mean "heated" seats, not "warmed" seats, not "take-the-edge-off" seats. Turn them on full and your bum will be roasting with in a few minutes. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Firm, supportive seats. Not too hard. Should be excellent for long road trips. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Firm, yet comfortable. Excellent lateral support in the turns. Excellent thigh support fro taller driver. Can sit for hours and still feel comfortable. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |