Subaru Outback (2014) vs. Mini Hardtop (2009) Specs

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2014 Subaru Outback and 2009 Mini Hardtop Specifications

Model Year	2014	2009
Model	Subaru Outback	Mini Hardtop
Engine	3.6L H6 DOHC-4v 256 hp@6000 247 lb-ft@4400	turbocharged 1.6L I4 DOHC-4v 208 hp@6000 192 lb-ft@1850
Transmission	5-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed manual
Drivetrain	AWD	FWD
Body	4dr Wagon	2dr Hatch
			Difference
Wheelbase	107.9 in	97.1 in	10.8 in
Length	189.0 in	145.6 in	43.4 in
Width	71.7 in	66.3 in	5.4 in
Height	65.7 in	55.4 in	10.3 in
Curb Weight	3613 lb.	2668 lb.	945 lb.
Fuel Capacity	18.5 gal.	10.6 gal.	7.9 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	40.8 in	38.8 in	2 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	56.3 in	50.3 in	6 in
Legroom, Row 1	43.0 in	41.4 in	1.6 in
Headroom, Row 2	39.3 in	37.6 in	1.7 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2	56.1 in	44.7 in	11.4 in
Legroom, Row 2	37.8 in	29.9 in	7.9 in
Total Legroom	80.8 in (over 2 rows)	71.3 in (over 2 rows)	9.5 in
Cargo Volume, Minimum	34.3 ft³	5.7 ft³	28.6 ft³
Cargo Volume, Maximum	71.3 ft³	24.0 ft³	47.3 ft³

2014 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Comment
2015	Through the 2009 model year, the Outback (and the related Legacy sedan) had a tight back seat. Though marketed as a midsize car, it was actually a compact. The 2010 redesign dramatically expanded the Outback's interior, especially in the back seat. The 2015 redesign added another inch of shoulder room, such that the Outback (and Legacy) are now not only truly midsize, but rank among the roomiest midsize cars. Rear air vents are offered--in Outbacks with leather. So the tested car lacked them. Some compact crossovers, including the Cherokee, are about as roomy, but they achieve their specs through a more upright seating position. People in the back seat are closer to the front seats, so they don't feel like they have as much room even though they have just as much space for their legs. But they get rear air vents even in the lower trim levels. see full Subaru Outback review

2014 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year	Comment
	The front seats have an unusually high bulge just below my shoulder blades. This feels more odd than uncomfortable, at least to me. The driver's lumbar adjusts, but this affects the area below said bulge. Partly depending on your height your experience might vary. These seats also provide very little lateral support, which admittedly isn't much of an issue given the non-sporting character (and non-sporting tires) of the Outback. I had no such qualms with the armrest on the door. It's wide and cushy. In the front seats' favor, for 2015 Subaru has added fore-aft adjustability to the headrests, a rarity in recent moderately priced cars. The Jeep's cloth seats are too squishy, but they're more form-fittting than the Subaru's, and I find them more comfortable. see full Subaru Outback review

2014 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2014	4dr Wagon 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD	The front seats are very comfy, and the seat heaters are powerful and warm up quickly. We compared the car to a 2014 Forrester, and we think the OB seats are more comfy-- they have more thigh support. see full Subaru Outback review
2014	4dr Wagon 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD	The rear seats are much more comfy than in the old Outback. They took a couple of inches out of the cargo area to give the rear seat more room. The reclining seatback for the rear seats is a nice comfort as well. see full Subaru Outback review

2014 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2014	4dr Wagon 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD	Minor complaint-- like every other Japanese car I've ever owned, this one also doesn't seem to understand that feet get cold. The heater is great- it provides lots of heat, and quickly. But when you you set it to floor, the hot air hits you in the lower calf, and then rises. The heat never makes it to your feet! see full Subaru Outback review

2009 Mini Hardtop Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2009	2dr Hatch 118-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	nevr a backache, I am a six footer that arrives refreshed and never feel cramped. see full Mini Hardtop review
2009	2dr Hatch 118-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	heated seats, great driving position, great visability see full Mini Hardtop review

2009 Mini Hardtop Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2009	2dr Hatch turbocharged 172hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD	Smallish seats made the front feel kinda cheap. The middle armrest was also a very hard plastic, but the door was slightly softer plastic. see full Mini Hardtop review
2009	2dr Hatch turbocharged 172hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD	Despite being a hatchback, not a lot of headroom in the back, almost as same as the Mustang. Seats were more upright and headrest should have been integrated into seatbacks; rather, it was mostly a nuisance. see full Mini Hardtop review
2009	2dr Hatch turbocharged 172hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD	There is no room for anyone other than a child see full Mini Hardtop review
2009	2dr Hatch turbocharged 172hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD	I drove a John Cooperworks MINI and I found the front seat to be incredibly flat and unsupportive. It was the complete opposite of the GTI seats, and a big part of why I purchased the GTI instead see full Mini Hardtop review
2008	2dr Hatch 118-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	The roof line is so low that tall people do not fit. When I tested the car my head was touching the roofliner. see full Mini Hardtop review
2008	2dr Hatch turbocharged 172hp 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	too small for adults see full Mini Hardtop review

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