Model Year | 2006 | 2020 | |
Model | Pontiac Vibe | Subaru Legacy | |
Engine | 1.8L I4 DOHC-4v 164 hp@7600 125 lb-ft@4400 |
turbocharged 2.4L H4 DOHC-4v 260 hp@5600 277 lb-ft@2000 |
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Transmission | 6-speed manual | 8-speed shiftable CVT | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 102.4 in | 108.3 in | -5.9 in |
Length | 171.9 in | 190.6 in | -18.7 in |
Width | 69.9 in | 72.4 in | -2.5 in |
Height | 62.2 in | 59.1 in | 3.1 in |
Curb Weight | 2781 lb. | 3779 lb. | -998 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -5.3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.6 in | 39.4 in | 1.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 53.2 in | 58.1 in | -4.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 51.7 in | 0.0 in | 51.7 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.8 in | 42.8 in | -1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.8 in | 37.2 in | 2.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 52.6 in | 57.4 in | -4.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 47.8 in | 0.0 in | 47.8 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.3 in | 39.5 in | -3.2 in |
Total Legroom | 78.1 in (over 2 rows) | 82.3 in (over 2 rows) | -4.2 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 19.3 ft3 | 15.1 ft3 | 4.2 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 54.1 ft3 | 15.1 ft3 | 39 ft3 |
2006 Pontiac Vibe Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr Hatch 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
. see full Pontiac Vibe review |
2005 | 4dr Hatch 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
Leather seats have been durable and relatively comfortable although no lumbar control, which would have welcomed. Despite some reviews saying driving position is odd, it fits me just fine and I like being able to simply get it--I don't have to climb up as in a SUV and I don't have to get down, as in a sedan. Rear seat room is amazing for such a small car. see full Pontiac Vibe review |
2006 Pontiac Vibe Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr Hatch 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
It would only fit the 2 kids in their seat. There is a 3rd belt, but the car seats took up the space where the adult would go between them. see full Pontiac Vibe review |
2006 | 4dr Hatch 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Heating/cooling of the rear seats is poor. see full Pontiac Vibe review |
2005 | 4dr Hatch 126-horsepower 1.8L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
The driver's seat lacks lumbar support. I made a minor modification to significantly improve the driver seat: I shaped a piece of upholstery foam to create lumbar support. I fit it under the seat cloth so it looks factory. Without it I was slouching and had back aches within 30 minutes of driving. My test drive was 10 minutes. My wife found an inadequate situation on the passenger seat. She needs a very upright seat back. That makes the headrest push her head forward. She uses a 2" thick piece of foam on the upper 2/3rd of the back rest to create a little space between her head and the headrest. see full Pontiac Vibe review |
2020 Subaru Legacy Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2021 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 260hp 2.4L H4 8-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Front seats are softly padded in a way that is uncommon in modern vehicles. Driver's seat adjustments are above average, as there is an adjustable thigh support. Passenger seats lack lumbar adjustment and thigh support extensions, but have full 8-way power including seat-bottom tilt and height adjustment.
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Some drivers complain the lumbar support is intrusive, while others complain it's too subtle. Remember to sit in a seat and get a feel for yourself, as it is very subjective.
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The driver's seat has the option of a facial recognition system that is fairly reliable if used correctly and a useful feature that is not common in other cars. Memory buttons remain on the door for those that prefer them.
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The details that count: According to the owner's manual, the facial recognition system's software is open-source and data remains in the vehicle.
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2020 Subaru Legacy Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2021 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 260hp 2.4L H4 8-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
The Mazda6 has a smaller rear seat, no way around it. That being said, I find it to be more richly appointed than the Legacy's with the same great materials as up-front and cool touches: the USB ports are in the center armrest with a covered storage cubby, and the rear seat heaters are 3-level with controls in the armrest. These touches are reminiscent of very high-end luxury cars and are more convenient locations in general. The Mazda's heated rear seats also seem to be stronger than the Legacy's. --- The seats follow the same theme as the front in both cars- softer/plusher in the Legacy, firmer but well shaped in the Mazda. --- The front seat-backs are more upscale in the Mazda, and the rear seat of the Mazda has ambient lighting in the door pockets (unlike the Legacy). Overall, the rear cabin of the Mazda is snugger but remains comfortable while carrying on the quality and elegance of the front. For space though, the Legacy still grabs a Win here. see full Subaru Legacy review |