Model Year | 2011 | 2009 | |
Model | Volkswagen Golf / GTI | Mazda Mazda3 | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 101.5 in | 103.9 in | -2.4 in |
Length | 165.4 in | 176.6 in | -11.2 in |
Width | 70.3 in | 69.1 in | 1.2 in |
Height | 58.3 in | 57.7 in | 0.6 in |
Curb Weight | 2968 lb. | 2808 lb. | 160 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 14.5 gal. | 0 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.3 in | 39.1 in | 0.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.7 in | 54.9 in | -0.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 54.9 in | -54.9 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.2 in | 41.9 in | -0.7 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.5 in | 38.4 in | 0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 52.8 in | 54.0 in | -1.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 53.9 in | -53.9 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 35.5 in | 36.3 in | -0.8 in |
Total Legroom | 76.7 in (over 2 rows) | 78.2 in (over 2 rows) | -1.5 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 15.0 ft3 | 17.1 ft3 | -2.1 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 46.0 ft3 | 43.8 ft3 | 2.2 ft3 |
2011 Volkswagen Golf / GTI Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Four adults can easily and comfortably fit in this car, with plenty of room for luggage. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
I have MS, so comfortable seats are a must. This is the only car that I've been in where I could do a non-stop trip from Michigan to Washington DC in. No fatigue, no stopping for a stretch. It's that good, and VW throws in standard heated seats for the GTI. And they do mean "heated" seats, not "warmed" seats, not "take-the-edge-off" seats. Turn them on full and your bum will be roasting with in a few minutes. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD |
Seats actually fit your body and have proper bolstering, unlike most other seats in this price range which are more like shelves for oversized American behinds. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Good leg room and supportive seats. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Good leg room for a small car. Supportive seats. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Firm, supportive seats. Not too hard. Should be excellent for long road trips. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2011 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Firm, yet comfortable. Excellent lateral support in the turns. Excellent thigh support fro taller driver. Can sit for hours and still feel comfortable. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
They are supportive with good leg support. The seat side bolsters hold driver in place. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Good room for a small car. Four adults can ride comfortably. Plenty of cargo room with the rear seats down. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
A lot of rear leg rrom when compared to the Mazda3 and A3 which I also looked at. see full Volkswagen Golf / GTI review |
2009 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Tilt and telescopic wheel plus the adjustments with the drivers seat had me in a very good/comfortable driving position. Being comfortable allows me to concentrate on the drive ahead instead of being distracted by squirming around in the seat. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Being a 5 door hatch, there is plenty of room back for 2 full size adults or 3 kids/teenagers. The versatility of the hatch makes it feel like a Mini SUV. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Very comfortable and form fitting. My butt and back feel supported. Leg room is great. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Kids easily able to get in/out of back (4-doors) and often able to take co-workers to lunch (both of which is much more of a hassle with 2-doors). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of leg room even with the seat all the way back see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2009 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Rear seat space can be tight see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Not enough comfort-room for my son (which meant that the Mazda failed the test). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Tight and uncomfortable as are most other cars in this class. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Too cramped for an adult see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Well, when the front seats are back, there is little leg room in the back seat -- to be expected in a compact. But, the rear seats are very comfortable and can handle a wider person. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
good for a small child, but i would not want to ride back there for long see full Mazda Mazda3 review |