Model Year | 2008 | 2012 | |
Model | Subaru Outback | Volkswagen Golf / GTI | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.5L H4 DOHC-4v 243 hp@6000 241 lb-ft@3600 |
turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 256 hp@4300 243 lb-ft@2400 |
|
Transmission | 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual | |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Wagon | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 105.1 in | 101.5 in | 3.6 in |
Length | 188.7 in | 165.4 in | 23.3 in |
Width | 69.7 in | 70.3 in | -0.6 in |
Height | 63.2 in | 58.3 in | 4.9 in |
Curb Weight | 3535 lb. | 3326 lb. | 209 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 16.9 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 2.4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.5 in | 39.3 in | 1.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.4 in | 54.7 in | -0.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 51.0 in | 0.0 in | 51 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 44.1 in | 41.2 in | 2.9 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.1 in | 38.5 in | 0.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 53.7 in | 52.8 in | 0.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 52.6 in | 0.0 in | 52.6 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 33.9 in | 35.5 in | -1.6 in |
Total Legroom | 78 in (over 2 rows) | 76.7 in (over 2 rows) | 1.3 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 33.5 ft3 | 15.0 ft3 | 18.5 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 66.2 ft3 | 46.0 ft3 | 20.2 ft3 |
2008 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
A little tight in the left portion of the footwell; small dead pedal. see full Subaru Outback review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Footroom too short. see full Subaru Outback review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
not long enough for a 6 foot 2 inch frame but I manage see full Subaru Outback review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 175-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
I was amazed at how small the back seat is in this car. Really no bigger than a compact sedan, eg Civic or Corolla. I can't fit my 3 kids (in car seats) back there, and feel bad when co-workers pile in to go to lunch. Surprisingly small for a vehicle this size, and marketed as a "family car." If you plan to put adults or 3 kids back there regularly, look at the '10 or newer (or at something else -- the rear seat in my co-worker's Accord is far bigger and more comfortable). see full Subaru Outback review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 245-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Leg and head room lacking for over 6 footers. see full Subaru Outback review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 245-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Seat back a bit low for 6 footers. see full Subaru Outback 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 |