Model Year | 2014 | 2011 | |
Model | Volkswagen Beetle | Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 210 hp@5300 207 lb-ft@1700 |
2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 158 hp@6700 140 lb-ft@5000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed automated manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 2dr Convertible | 2dr Convertible | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 100.0 in | 91.7 in | 8.3 in |
Length | 168.4 in | 157.3 in | 11.1 in |
Width | 71.2 in | 67.7 in | 3.5 in |
Height | 58.0 in | 49.0 in | 9 in |
Curb Weight | 3274 lb. | 2527 lb. | 747 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 12.7 gal. | 1.8 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.3 in | 37.4 in | 1.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.3 in | 53.2 in | 2.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 50.6 in | -50.6 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.3 in | 43.1 in | -1.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.6 in | 0.0 in | 37.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 43.1 in | 0.0 in | 43.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 31.4 in | 0.0 in | 31.4 in |
Total Legroom | 72.7 in (over 2 rows) | 43.1 in (over 1 rows) | 29.6 in |
Cargo Volume | 7.1 ft3 | 5.3 ft3 | 1.8 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 |
2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The first con is the obvious one, and a deal killer for many people. While the FR-S has a barely usable rear seat, the MX-5 Miata has none at all. see full Mazda MX-5 Miata review |
2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 2dr Convertible 167-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed manual RWD |
Seats fit my butt see full Mazda MX-5 Miata review |
2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 2dr Convertible 167-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed manual RWD |
not for a large peron see full Mazda MX-5 Miata review |