Tesla Model S (2012) vs. BMW 3-Series (2011) Specs

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2012 Tesla Model S and 2011 BMW 3-Series Specifications

Model Year	2012	2011
Model	Tesla Model S	BMW 3-Series
Engine	Electric 416 hp 443 lb-ft	turbocharged 3.0L I6 DOHC-4v 320 hp@5900 332 lb-ft@1500
Transmission	1-speed automatic	6-speed manual
Drivetrain	RWD	RWD
Body	4dr Hatch	4dr Wagon
			Difference
Wheelbase	116.5 in	108.7 in	7.8 in
Length	196.0 in	178.2 in	17.8 in
Width	77.3 in	71.5 in	5.8 in
Height	56.5 in	55.8 in	0.7 in
Curb Weight	4647 lb.	3671 lb.	976 lb.
Fuel Capacity	0.0 gal.	15.9 gal.	-15.9 gal.
Headroom, Row 1	38.8 in	38.5 in	0.3 in
Shoulder Room, Row 1	57.7 in	55.4 in	2.3 in
Hip Room, Row 1	55.0 in	0.0 in	55 in
Legroom, Row 1	42.7 in	41.5 in	1.2 in
Headroom, Row 2	35.3 in	38.0 in	-2.7 in
Shoulder Room, Row 2	55.0 in	55.1 in	-0.1 in
Hip Room, Row 2	54.7 in	0.0 in	54.7 in
Legroom, Row 2	35.4 in	34.6 in	0.8 in
Total Legroom	78.1 in (over 2 rows)	76.1 in (over 2 rows)	2 in
Cargo Volume, Minimum	31.6 ft³	24.8 ft³	6.8 ft³
Cargo Volume, Maximum	63.4 ft³	58.0 ft³	5.4 ft³

2012 Tesla Model S Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year	Comment
	The front seats in the Tesla Model S are reasonably comfortable, but don't look or feel especially luxurious and provide little lateral support in turns. At least in the Performance model the side bolsters should be larger and/or adjustable. The seats in the A7 similarly need more aggressive bolsters. The seats in the S7 have them. see full Tesla Model S review

None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2012 Tesla Model S.

2011 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Comment
2012	Another surprising strength for the new BMW 3-Series. There's more room in back than in competing cars, and the seat is comfortably positioned and shaped. see full BMW 3-Series review

2011 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2010	4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD	Relatively small back seat room. see full BMW 3-Series review

2011 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2010	4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD	Tight for large people. Fine for kids. Smaller than a G37, much smaller than a Maxima. see full BMW 3-Series review
2010	4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	tight and not too useful a space see full BMW 3-Series review
2010	4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Rear seat room not as expansive as competitors. Trunk capacity could be better. see full BMW 3-Series review

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