Model Year | 2011 | 2009 | |
Model | Volkswagen Golf / GTI | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | |
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 400 lb-ft@1600 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed automated manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 101.5 in | 112.4 in | -10.9 in |
Length | 165.4 in | 192.3 in | -26.9 in |
Width | 70.3 in | 71.7 in | -1.4 in |
Height | 58.3 in | 59.3 in | -1 in |
Curb Weight | 3025 lb. | 4177 lb. | -1152 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 21.1 gal. | -6.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.3 in | 39.6 in | -0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.7 in | 56.4 in | -1.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 52.4 in | -52.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.2 in | 41.9 in | -0.7 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.5 in | 37.7 in | 0.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 52.8 in | 56.1 in | -3.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 53.8 in | -53.8 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 35.5 in | 35.6 in | -0.1 in |
Total Legroom | 76.7 in (over 2 rows) | 77.5 in (over 2 rows) | -0.8 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 15.0 ft3 | 24.4 ft3 | -9.4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 46.0 ft3 | 68.9 ft3 | -22.9 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 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Much better sized for me. My prior 2007 three series BMW was too small and cramped. see full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Can spend all day driving this car and not be exhausted. see full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 382-horsepower 5.5L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
The most comfortable seats among all its rivals including Lexus, Jaguar, BMW, Audi, and Infiniti. Plenty of adjustments in the seat and the telescoping steering wheel. Plenty of front seat room for people 6 foot tall and more. Provides ample support. see full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Driving 4-5 hours in a row left no fatigue or discomfort in my back or legs. The seats are just firm enough but very supportive where they need to be. see full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review |
2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 382-horsepower 5.5L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
The back seat is very comfortable and provides good headroom and seating support. They fold down to provide additional storage room. My complaint is that it is not S class roomy in the back. Leg and foot room can be limited if sitting behind a tall driver see full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review |