Model Year | 2011 | 2014 | |
Model | Volkswagen Golf / GTI | Mazda Mazda3 | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 200 hp@5100 207 lb-ft@1800 |
2.5L I4 DOHC-4v 184 hp@5700 185 lb-ft@3250 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed automated manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Hatch | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 101.5 in | 106.3 in | -4.8 in |
Length | 165.4 in | 175.6 in | -10.2 in |
Width | 70.3 in | 70.7 in | -0.4 in |
Height | 58.3 in | 57.3 in | 1 in |
Curb Weight | 3090 lb. | 3002 lb. | 88 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 13.2 gal. | 1.3 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.3 in | 38.6 in | 0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.7 in | 57.2 in | -2.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 55.5 in | -55.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.2 in | 42.2 in | -1 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.5 in | 37.6 in | 0.9 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 52.8 in | 54.4 in | -1.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 53.5 in | -53.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 35.5 in | 35.8 in | -0.3 in |
Total Legroom | 76.7 in (over 2 rows) | 78 in (over 2 rows) | -1.3 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 15.0 ft3 | 20.2 ft3 | -5.2 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 46.0 ft3 | 47.1 ft3 | -1.1 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 |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
The Mazda3 also isn't a clear choice if a roomy rear seat is a top priority. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, I had little room to spare. The rear seat in the Ford Focus is at least as tight, but has a more comfortably positioned cushion. A Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, or Toyota Corolla has far more rear seat room. If you like how the Mazda3 looks and drives, but need more rear seat legroom, the Mazda6 offers another three inches for another $2,100 to $3,700 (depending on trim level). see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Nice contoured, form fitting seats offer plenty of support, quite comfortable. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2014 Mazda Mazda3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr Hatch 155-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Rear seat a bit tight, needs more room back there. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |