Model Year | 2009 | 2012 | |
Model | Mercedes-Benz M-Class | Volkswagen Golf / GTI | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 114.7 in | 101.5 in | 13.2 in |
Length | 188.5 in | 165.4 in | 23.1 in |
Width | 75.2 in | 70.3 in | 4.9 in |
Height | 70.1 in | 58.3 in | 11.8 in |
Curb Weight | 4705 lb. | 2968 lb. | 1737 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 25.1 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 10.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.9 in | 39.3 in | 0.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.9 in | 54.7 in | 5.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.9 in | 0.0 in | 55.9 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.2 in | 41.2 in | 1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.8 in | 38.5 in | 1.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 59.8 in | 52.8 in | 7 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 56.2 in | 0.0 in | 56.2 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 40.0 in | 35.5 in | 4.5 in |
Total Legroom | 82.2 in (over 2 rows) | 76.7 in (over 2 rows) | 5.5 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 29.4 ft3 | 15.0 ft3 | 14.4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 72.4 ft3 | 46.0 ft3 | 26.4 ft3 |
2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 215hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Bottom seat cushions are long enough for taller drivers. Padding is not too firm or too soft. Excellent support and an upright, easy-chair seating position, instead of having to extend your legs horizontally to get legroom. Results in no low back pain. see full Mercedes-Benz M-Class review |
2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr SUV 382-horsepower 5.5L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
very still and uncomfortable for long drives see full Mercedes-Benz M-Class 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 |