Model Year | 2010 | 2012 | |
Model | Nissan Maxima | Volkswagen Golf / GTI | |
Engine | 3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 290 hp@6400 261 lb-ft@4400 |
turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 256 hp@4300 243 lb-ft@2400 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable CVT | 6-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 109.3 in | 101.5 in | 7.8 in |
Length | 190.6 in | 165.4 in | 25.2 in |
Width | 73.2 in | 70.3 in | 2.9 in |
Height | 57.8 in | 58.3 in | -0.5 in |
Curb Weight | 3556 lb. | 3326 lb. | 230 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 20.0 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 5.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.5 in | 39.3 in | -0.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 56.3 in | 54.7 in | 1.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.4 in | 0.0 in | 53.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.8 in | 41.2 in | 2.6 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 36.4 in | 38.5 in | -2.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.1 in | 52.8 in | 2.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 53.9 in | 0.0 in | 53.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 34.6 in | 35.5 in | -0.9 in |
Total Legroom | 78.4 in (over 2 rows) | 76.7 in (over 2 rows) | 1.7 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 14.2 ft3 | 15.0 ft3 | -0.8 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 14.2 ft3 | 46.0 ft3 | -31.8 ft3 |
2010 Nissan Maxima Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
Lumbar in the base model. Good side bolstering on bottom cushion and through the shoulders. Large range of adjustment and the wheel tilts and shifts. see full Nissan Maxima review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
Lots of room, soft seats. see full Nissan Maxima review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
Bucket seats hold you in around corners - very supportive. Telescopic steering wheel and power seats ensure you get a great driving position. Both seats and steering wheel are heated. Dual climate control great for passengers. see full Nissan Maxima review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
It fits everywhere. On a recent trip, I drove all day and was never "seat tired". see full Nissan Maxima review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
Adjustable everything! Air conditioned driver seat a huge consideration. see full Nissan Maxima review |
2010 Nissan Maxima Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
My tall friends hit there heads on the roofline, they are over 6 foot see full Nissan Maxima review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD |
The rear seat of the 7th gen Maxima is slightly smaller than that of the 6th gen Maxima. Still fairly roomy, but slightly smaller. This is understandable because of the major styling change, and the conversion from 'near luxury family sedan' back to 'near luxury family sedan with a sporty edge' that took place between these generations. see full Nissan Maxima 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 |