Model Year | 2009 | 2012 | |
Model | Saab 9-3 | Volkswagen Golf / GTI | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.8L V6 DOHC-4v 280 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@2150 |
turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 256 hp@4300 243 lb-ft@2400 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Wagon | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 105.3 in | 101.5 in | 3.8 in |
Length | 183.2 in | 165.4 in | 17.8 in |
Width | 69.4 in | 70.3 in | -0.9 in |
Height | 60.6 in | 58.3 in | 2.3 in |
Curb Weight | 3730 lb. | 3326 lb. | 404 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 16.4 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 1.9 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.9 in | 39.3 in | -0.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 56.3 in | 54.7 in | 1.6 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.3 in | 41.2 in | 1.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.0 in | 38.5 in | -1.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.1 in | 52.8 in | 2.3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 35.1 in | 35.5 in | -0.4 in |
Total Legroom | 77.4 in (over 2 rows) | 76.7 in (over 2 rows) | 0.7 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 29.7 ft3 | 15.0 ft3 | 14.7 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 72.3 ft3 | 46.0 ft3 | 26.3 ft3 |
2009 Saab 9-3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Great seats! see full Saab 9-3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Great seats. Very supportive of back and upper thighs. Don't have tightness in shoulders and neck anymore on long drives. see full Saab 9-3 review |
2009 Saab 9-3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Limited knee room in front with rear facing car seat behind. see full Saab 9-3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
The seats are very comfortable, but those with longer legs (especially thighs) might have trouble getting in a comfortable position. Tall drivers may find some awkwardness with all around reach. I.E. The steering wheel doesn't telescope far enough f see full Saab 9-3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual AWD |
No space. see full Saab 9-3 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 |