Nissan Altima Nissan Altima 2012 Volkswagen Golf / GTI Volkswagen Golf / GTI 2011

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Nissan Altima (2012) vs. Volkswagen Golf / GTI (2011) Specs

How powerful is the engine? How much room is in the back seat? Get the 2012 Nissan Altima and 2011 Volkswagen Golf / GTI specs.

2012 Nissan Altima and 2011 Volkswagen Golf / GTI Specifications

Model Year 2012 2011  
Model Nissan Altima Volkswagen Golf / GTI  
Engine 3.5L V6
DOHC-4v
270 hp@6000
258 lb-ft@4400
turbocharged
2.0L I4
DOHC-4v
200 hp@5100
207 lb-ft@1800
 
Transmission 6-speed shiftable CVT 6-speed automated manual  
Drivetrain FWD FWD  
Body 4dr Sedan 4dr Hatch  
      Difference
Wheelbase 109.3 in 101.5 in 7.8 in
Length 190.7 in 165.4 in 25.3 in
Width 70.7 in 70.3 in 0.4 in
Height 57.9 in 58.3 in -0.4 in
Curb Weight 3357 lb. 3090 lb. 267 lb.
Fuel Capacity 20.0 gal. 14.5 gal. 5.5 gal.
Headroom, Row 1 40.6 in 39.3 in 1.3 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1 55.7 in 54.7 in 1 in
Hip Room, Row 1 56.8 in 0.0 in 56.8 in
Legroom, Row 1 44.1 in 41.2 in 2.9 in
Headroom, Row 2 36.8 in 38.5 in -1.7 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2 55.5 in 52.8 in 2.7 in
Hip Room, Row 2 52.5 in 0.0 in 52.5 in
Legroom, Row 2 35.8 in 35.5 in 0.3 in
Total Legroom 79.9 in (over 2 rows) 76.7 in (over 2 rows) 3.2 in
Cargo Volume, Minimum 15.3 ft3 15.0 ft3 0.3 ft3
Cargo Volume, Maximum 15.3 ft3 46.0 ft3 -30.7 ft3

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TrueDelta Reviews the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2012 Nissan Altima

2012 Nissan Altima Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearComment
2013 I'm already stuck. In just about every other way aside from fuel economy the Altima is a good, even very good car, yet an unremarkable one. Either this, or a strength must be qualified with a "but." The latter is the case with the front seats. Inspired by the "zero gravity" seats designed by NASA for ultra-long-distance travel, the Altima's buckets feel substantial and fit like a glove. BUT...also check the reasons not to buy an Altima. Move to the back seat, and Nissan's midsize sedan has a clearer advantage. The comfortably padded rear seat cushions in both the Altima and the Fushion provide good thigh support--those in many competitors do not. The Altima's rear seat isn't quite the roomiest, but it is roomier than the Fusion's. see full Nissan Altima review
2012 Nissan Altima Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearComment
The NASA-inspired driver's seat is very comfortable and supportive, BUT its headrest juts so far forward that I had to remove it and reinsert it turned around. This severely compromises safety, but otherwise the headrest presses very uncomfortably against the back of my head. For this reason I doubt I could own an Altima. The average person, with a less vertical neck, won't have this problem. Just be sure to pay attention to this during your test drive. see full Nissan Altima review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2012 Nissan Altima

2012 Nissan Altima Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.5L I4
CVT FWD
The seats are very comfortable, I would have been happy if both the driver and passenger were electronic. The lumbar support is fantastic and the driver seats is 8-way adjustable. For tall people this car will be a great ride. see full Nissan Altima review
2013 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.5L I4
CVT FWD
Huge back seat for a sedan (legroom) and even three abreast is not that terrible. Big guys did not complain. see full Nissan Altima review
2012 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.5L I4
6-speed shiftable CVT FWD
Roomy front seat room. see full Nissan Altima review
2012 Nissan Altima Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr Sedan 182-horsepower 2.5L I4
CVT FWD
Kids in the back seat love the limoesque space. I do enjoy anchor locks and the well placed seat belts. There is definitely some intelligent design and practice into everything and anything in this car. see full Nissan Altima review
2012 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.5L I4
6-speed shiftable CVT FWD
Very comfortable. see full Nissan Altima review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2011 Volkswagen Golf / GTI

2011 Volkswagen Golf / GTI Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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 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 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 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
2010 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
They are supportive with good leg support. The seat side bolsters hold driver in place. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
2010 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
Good room for a small car. Four adults can ride comfortably. Plenty of cargo room with the rear seats down. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
2010 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
A lot of rear leg rrom when compared to the Mazda3 and A3 which I also looked at. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review
 
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