Model Year | 2012 | 2009 | |
Model | Volkswagen Beetle | Mazda RX-8 | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 200 hp@5100 207 lb-ft@1700 |
1.3L R2 OHV-2v 212 hp@7500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed automated manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 2dr Hatch | 4dr Coupe | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 99.9 in | 106.4 in | -6.5 in |
Length | 168.4 in | 175.6 in | -7.2 in |
Width | 71.2 in | 69.7 in | 1.5 in |
Height | 58.5 in | 52.8 in | 5.7 in |
Curb Weight | 3089 lb. | 3094 lb. | -5 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 15.9 gal. | -1.4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.4 in | 38.2 in | 1.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.3 in | 54.8 in | 0.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 53.3 in | -53.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.3 in | 42.7 in | -1.4 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.1 in | 36.8 in | 0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 49.0 in | 54.9 in | -5.9 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 48.1 in | -48.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 31.4 in | 32.2 in | -0.8 in |
Total Legroom | 72.7 in (over 2 rows) | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | -2.2 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 15.4 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 7.8 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 29.9 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 22.3 ft3 |
2012 Volkswagen Beetle Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
2012 | 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 |
2012 Volkswagen Beetle Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 0 | The rear seat is also surprisingly roomy. My 6'2" father was able to sit comfortably in the back for ~30 min hops around town. see full Volkswagen Beetle review |
2012 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 |
2012 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
I love my Beetle, but the rear seat legspace is not so good. For me its no problem at all, since normally only my wife and i drive the car, but when you normally have to drive with 4 adults, it can become crampy at the back. If the driver and front passenger are not that tall, the rear legspace is quite good. Even the headspace is ok. see full Volkswagen Beetle review |
2009 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Very comfortable Recaro seats, even on long drives. Larger people may not be comfortable so beware. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2009 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Given the RX-8's compact dimensions, you wouldn't expect rear seat space to be a strength. But thanks to clever packaging and a subtly high roofline, there is actually space for real adults in back, provided those up front are short or move their seats up somewhat. With a pair of pickup-like rear-opening "half" rear doors, ingress and egress for rear seat passengers is a snap. For those who want a sports car but have children or need to transport a few friends occassionally, the RX-8 fits the bill nicely. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2009 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
The R3 Recaro seats had side bolsters that were a bit tight for us. I am below average in size as a male, and my wife is also very small and we found the bolsters cut into our hips far more than was comfortable. The seats are racing oriented only. see full Mazda RX-8 review |