Model Year | 2012 | 2017 | |
Model | Volkswagen Golf / GTI | Subaru Forester | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 256 hp@4300 243 lb-ft@2400 |
turbocharged 2.0L H4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@5600 258 lb-ft@2000 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 8-speed shiftable CVT | |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Hatch | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 101.5 in | 103.9 in | -2.4 in |
Length | 165.4 in | 180.9 in | -15.5 in |
Width | 70.3 in | 70.7 in | -0.4 in |
Height | 58.3 in | 66.4 in | -8.1 in |
Curb Weight | 3326 lb. | 3624 lb. | -298 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 15.9 gal. | -1.4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.3 in | 41.4 in | -2.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 54.7 in | 57.0 in | -2.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 53.9 in | -53.9 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.2 in | 43.0 in | -1.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.5 in | 39.8 in | -1.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 52.8 in | 56.5 in | -3.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 53.0 in | -53 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 35.5 in | 38.0 in | -2.5 in |
Total Legroom | 76.7 in (over 2 rows) | 81 in (over 2 rows) | -4.3 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 15.0 ft3 | 34.4 ft3 | -19.4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 46.0 ft3 | 74.7 ft3 | -28.7 ft3 |
2012 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 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 | 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 | 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 |
2017 Subaru Forester Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2017 | 4dr SUV turbocharged 250hp 2.0L H4 8-speed shiftable CVT AWD |
- Terrible front seat support - The cushions are too short - It's not noticeable on a test drive right away. I would not have bought the car! Test drive extensively! - Surfaces where your elbows would lay are too hard - I purchased foam pads to make it feel better. - Tall drivers like myself will struggle with the telescoping wheel's short extension range. - It is hard to get into a fully comfortable driving position. The memory seats in the XT help somewhat by retaining your seat settings if moved. - Front seat cushions are too short - Yes I said this twice - Front seat cushions are too short - Yes I said this THREE times! Subaru are you listening? The front seat cushions are WAY TOO SHORT! see full Subaru Forester review |