Model Year | 2014 | 2011 | |
Model | Volkswagen Beetle | Toyota Highlander | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 210 hp@5300 207 lb-ft@1700 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed automated manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 2dr Hatch | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 100.0 in | 109.8 in | -9.8 in |
Length | 168.4 in | 188.4 in | -20 in |
Width | 71.2 in | 75.2 in | -4 in |
Height | 58.5 in | 68.1 in | -9.6 in |
Curb Weight | 3104 lb. | 4045 lb. | -941 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 19.2 gal. | -4.7 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.4 in | 40.6 in | -1.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.3 in | 59.7 in | -4.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 56.7 in | -56.7 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.3 in | 43.2 in | -1.9 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.1 in | 40.1 in | -3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 49.0 in | 59.5 in | -10.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 56.5 in | -56.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 31.4 in | 38.3 in | -6.9 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 36.3 in | -36.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 55.0 in | -55 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 42.3 in | -42.3 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 0.0 in | 29.2 in | -29.2 in |
Total Legroom | 72.7 in (over 2 rows) | 110.7 in (over 3 rows) | -38 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 15.4 ft3 | 10.3 ft3 | 5.1 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 15.4 | 42.3 ft3 | -26.9 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 29.9 ft3 | 95.4 ft3 | -65.5 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 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I am 6 foot tall, and there is plenty of head and leg room in the driving position. Easy access as well. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2010 | 4dr SUV 187-horsepower 2.7L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of room in the second row, including seats that recline and move back & forth. Having the third row as an option for occasional use was really the deciding factor. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2011 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
3rd row seats are useless to me. Too little room for adults. Should have been an option for families with small children. With 3rd row seating, you lose storage space. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2011 | 4dr SUV 245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD |
Third row minimal legroom see full Toyota Highlander review |