Model Year | 2014 | 2006 | |
Model | Volkswagen Beetle | Audi A3 | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 210 hp@5300 207 lb-ft@1700 |
3.2L V6 DOHC-4v 250 hp@6300 236 lb-ft@2800 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed automated manual | 6-speed automated manual | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 2dr Hatch | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 100.0 in | 101.5 in | -1.5 in |
Length | 168.4 in | 168.7 in | -0.3 in |
Width | 71.2 in | 69.5 in | 1.7 in |
Height | 58.5 in | 56.0 in | 2.5 in |
Curb Weight | 3104 lb. | 3660 lb. | -556 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 15.0 gal. | -0.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.4 in | 38.1 in | 1.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.3 in | 54.3 in | 1 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.3 in | 41.2 in | 0.1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.1 in | 36.9 in | 0.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 49.0 in | 52.8 in | -3.8 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 31.4 in | 34.8 in | -3.4 in |
Total Legroom | 72.7 in (over 2 rows) | 76 in (over 2 rows) | -3.3 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 15.4 ft3 | 13.1 ft3 | 2.3 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 29.9 ft3 | 54.6 ft3 | -24.7 ft3 |
2014 Volkswagen Beetle Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
Back in the 1960s VW entreated Americans to "think small." Lately, though, the German manufacturers cars have been getting bigger and bigger. The latest redesign added over two inches to the car's length (now 168 inches) and over two inches to its width (now a midsize-like 71.2 inches. Compared to the 146-by-66-inch, 2,822-pound Mini and the 140-by-64-inch, 2,434-pound Fiat, the 3,340-pound Beetle TDI convertible is a big, heavy car. As noted earlier, solidity and ride quality benefit from this additional bulk. But rear seat room does not. Sure, the Beetle Convertible's rear seat is more viable than the MINI's, but bars to clear rarely come lower. The Fiat is in the same (adults-in-a-pinch) ballpark. In addition to the space shortage, the VW's rear seat back is uncomfortably upright. see full Volkswagen Beetle review |
2014 Volkswagen Beetle Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 2dr Convertible 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The back seat, if you could really call it that, leaves a lot to be desired. Maybe another 3 in. That being said it fits a car seat with my 6' frame in the front seat ahead of it, so it gets the job done. Once the top goes down the interior space seems adequate. see full Volkswagen Beetle review |
2006 Audi A3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
The back seat is too small for most adults. I hadn't thought about it much when I bought the car, but it became apparent. I'd take friends to lunch and they are uncomfortable.Even ifa personplans on sitting small children in the back, they grow and the useful life of the car is affected. I wish the Europeans would figure that out. see full Audi A3 review |
2007 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Due to the position of the doors it is hard to get in and out of the car. see full Audi A3 review |
2006 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
The Subaru has a more comfortable and roomy back seat, with easier ingress/egress. see full Audi A3 review |