Model Year | 2011 | 2009 | |
Model | Volkswagen Jetta | Mazda RX-8 | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Coupe | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 104.4 in | 106.4 in | -2 in |
Length | 182.2 in | 175.6 in | 6.6 in |
Width | 70.0 in | 69.7 in | 0.3 in |
Height | 57.2 in | 52.8 in | 4.4 in |
Curb Weight | 2804 lb. | 3064 lb. | -260 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 15.9 gal. | -1.4 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.2 in | 38.2 in | 0 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.2 in | 54.8 in | 0.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 53.3 in | -53.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.2 in | 42.7 in | -1.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.1 in | 36.8 in | 0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 53.6 in | 54.9 in | -1.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 48.1 in | -48.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.1 in | 32.2 in | 5.9 in |
Total Legroom | 79.3 in (over 2 rows) | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 4.4 in |
Cargo Volume | 15.5 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 7.9 ft3 |
2011 Volkswagen Jetta Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD |
This vehicle was intended to be the "Mommy Mobile". My wife also likes to drive most of the time in "Her Car". I am 6 ft 205 lb; with my 22 month old daughter in a forward facing car seat, I feel I have to pull my seat some what forward to allow her room. This makes my knees kinda touch the glove box. It really only is a problem if shes is fussy, and does not want anything near her. (Instead of hearing her fuss I move it....sometimes.) see full Volkswagen Jetta review |
2011 Volkswagen Jetta Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 115-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
While the Jetta is extremely roomy and comfortable, the center console is slightly too close and can interfere with the driver's right knee and calf. see full Volkswagen Jetta review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
The rear seat is a little small but compared to other compact cars it is not bad, Still cramped if your over 6 feet. see full Volkswagen Jetta review |
2009 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Very comfortable Recaro seats, even on long drives. Larger people may not be comfortable so beware. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2009 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Given the RX-8's compact dimensions, you wouldn't expect rear seat space to be a strength. But thanks to clever packaging and a subtly high roofline, there is actually space for real adults in back, provided those up front are short or move their seats up somewhat. With a pair of pickup-like rear-opening "half" rear doors, ingress and egress for rear seat passengers is a snap. For those who want a sports car but have children or need to transport a few friends occassionally, the RX-8 fits the bill nicely. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2009 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
The R3 Recaro seats had side bolsters that were a bit tight for us. I am below average in size as a male, and my wife is also very small and we found the bolsters cut into our hips far more than was comfortable. The seats are racing oriented only. see full Mazda RX-8 review |