Model Year | 2014 | 2010 | |
Model | Volkswagen Beetle | Mercedes-Benz GL | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 Diesel DOHC-4v 140 hp@4000 236 lb-ft@1750 |
turbocharged 3.0L V6 Diesel DOHC-4v 210 hp@3800 398 lb-ft@1600 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed automated manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | |
Body | 2dr Hatch | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 100.0 in | 121.1 in | -21.1 in |
Length | 168.4 in | 200.6 in | -32.2 in |
Width | 71.2 in | 76.0 in | -4.8 in |
Height | 58.5 in | 72.4 in | -13.9 in |
Curb Weight | 3157 lb. | 5423 lb. | -2266 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 26.0 gal. | -11.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.4 in | 40.1 in | -0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.3 in | 58.3 in | -3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.3 in | 40.3 in | 1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.1 in | 40.6 in | -3.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 49.0 in | 58.9 in | -9.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 31.4 in | 39.5 in | -8.1 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 38.2 in | -38.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 50.5 in | -50.5 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 34.2 in | -34.2 in |
Total Legroom | 72.7 in (over 2 rows) | 114 in (over 3 rows) | -41.3 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 15.4 ft3 | 14.3 ft3 | 1.1 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 15.4 | 43.8 ft3 | -28.4 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 29.9 ft3 | 83.3 ft3 | -53.4 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 |
2010 Mercedes-Benz GL Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr SUV 335-horsepower 4.7L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
This SUV has a third row seat that can accommodate adults comfortably, without sacrificing braking and safety. see full Mercedes-Benz GL review |