Subaru Forester Subaru Forester 2018 Volkswagen Golf / GTI Volkswagen Golf / GTI 2012

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Subaru Forester (2018) vs. Volkswagen Golf / GTI (2012) Specs

How powerful is the engine? How much room is in the back seat? Get the 2018 Subaru Forester and 2012 Volkswagen Golf / GTI specs.

2018 Subaru Forester and 2012 Volkswagen Golf / GTI Specifications

Model Year 2018 2012  
Model Subaru Forester Volkswagen Golf / GTI  
Engine turbocharged
2.0L H4
DOHC-4v
250 hp@5600
258 lb-ft@2000
turbocharged
2.0L I4
DOHC-4v
256 hp@4300
243 lb-ft@2400
 
Transmission 8-speed shiftable CVT 6-speed manual  
Drivetrain AWD AWD  
Body 4dr SUV 4dr Hatch  
      Difference
Wheelbase 103.9 in 101.5 in 2.4 in
Length 180.9 in 165.4 in 15.5 in
Width 70.7 in 70.3 in 0.4 in
Height 66.4 in 58.3 in 8.1 in
Curb Weight 3653 lb. 3326 lb. 327 lb.
Fuel Capacity 15.9 gal. 14.5 gal. 1.4 gal.
Headroom, Row 1 41.4 in 39.3 in 2.1 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1 57.0 in 54.7 in 2.3 in
Hip Room, Row 1 53.9 in 0.0 in 53.9 in
Legroom, Row 1 43.0 in 41.2 in 1.8 in
Headroom, Row 2 39.8 in 38.5 in 1.3 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2 56.5 in 52.8 in 3.7 in
Hip Room, Row 2 53.0 in 0.0 in 53 in
Legroom, Row 2 38.0 in 35.5 in 2.5 in
Total Legroom 81 in (over 2 rows) 76.7 in (over 2 rows) 4.3 in
Cargo Volume, Minimum 34.4 ft3 15.0 ft3 19.4 ft3
Cargo Volume, Maximum 74.7 ft3 46.0 ft3 28.7 ft3

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What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2018 Subaru Forester

2018 Subaru Forester Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2017 4dr SUV turbocharged 250hp 2.0L H4
8-speed shiftable CVT AWD
- Terrible front seat support - The cushions are too short - It's not noticeable on a test drive right away. I would not have bought the car! Test drive extensively! - Surfaces where your elbows would lay are too hard - I purchased foam pads to make it feel better. - Tall drivers like myself will struggle with the telescoping wheel's short extension range. - It is hard to get into a fully comfortable driving position. The memory seats in the XT help somewhat by retaining your seat settings if moved. - Front seat cushions are too short - Yes I said this twice - Front seat cushions are too short - Yes I said this THREE times! Subaru are you listening? The front seat cushions are WAY TOO SHORT! see full Subaru Forester review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2012 Volkswagen Golf / GTI

2012 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 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
 
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