Model Year | 2006 | 2012 | |
Model | Pontiac Vibe | Subaru Outback | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 102.4 in | 107.9 in | -5.5 in |
Length | 171.9 in | 188.2 in | -16.3 in |
Width | 69.9 in | 71.7 in | -1.8 in |
Height | 62.2 in | 65.7 in | -3.5 in |
Curb Weight | 2701 lb. | 3389 lb. | -688 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -5.3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.6 in | 40.8 in | -0.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 53.2 in | 56.3 in | -3.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 51.7 in | 0.0 in | 51.7 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.8 in | 43.0 in | -1.2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.8 in | 39.3 in | 0.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 52.6 in | 56.1 in | -3.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 47.8 in | 0.0 in | 47.8 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.3 in | 37.8 in | -1.5 in |
Total Legroom | 78.1 in (over 2 rows) | 80.8 in (over 2 rows) | -2.7 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 19.3 ft3 | 34.3 ft3 | -15 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 54.1 ft3 | 71.3 ft3 | -17.2 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 |
2012 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
I am a big guy. 5'10 and about 290 lbs. This car is very comfortable for me. I can reach the controls nicely, love the heated leather seats. see full Subaru Outback review |
2012 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
0 see full Subaru Outback review |
2012 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
I have found our 2012 Outback to be very comfortable for long drives. The driver's seat has plenty of adjustment to accommodate my frame. Legroom is outstanding. My wife got so spoiled with the heated seats in our 99 Outback Limited that she balks at cars without. So our 2010 and now the 2012 have had the heated seats. see full Subaru Outback review |
2012 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Rear seat comfort is excellent even for very tall teenagers and 20 somethings. The redesign of the Outback in 2010 noticeably improved rear seat space. One note when flipping down the back seats. Make sure your head is out of the way when you lift the release lever. The seat back springs forward quickly. The angle of the rear seat can also be reclined for additional comfort. The fold down center cup holder is a nice touch. The seating position is high so visibility is great. see full Subaru Outback review |
2012 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Very comfortable. see full Subaru Outback review |
2011 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Impressed with the seat comfort/adjustability/durability. 12+hours in the chair is no problem. see full Subaru Outback review |
2011 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
Wide space with lots of shoulder, hip, leg and head room. Seats are comfy too without being decadent. see full Subaru Outback review |