Model Year | 2012 | 2008 | |
Model | Volkswagen Jetta | Mazda RX-8 | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 200 hp@5100 207 lb-ft@1700 |
1.3L R2 OHV-2v 212 hp@7500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Coupe | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 104.4 in | 106.4 in | -2 in |
Length | 182.2 in | 174.3 in | 7.9 in |
Width | 70.0 in | 69.7 in | 0.3 in |
Height | 57.2 in | 52.8 in | 4.4 in |
Curb Weight | 3124 lb. | 3075 lb. | 49 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 |
2012 Volkswagen Jetta Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2013 | The Jetta is a little longer than the ILX (182 vs. 179 inches), and all of the additional inches appear to have gone into the rear seat. While the average adult will barely fit into the back seat of the Acura (those over 5-9 will be on close terms with the headliner), the Jetta has significantly more rear headroom and more rear legroom than the average midsize sedan, much less the average compact. If you like a roomy rear seat, you'll love the Jetta. Room is one thing, comfort another. The rear seat feels overly hard, and neither the cushion nor the backrest was set at a comfortable angle for me. Clearly some German engineer found these angles optimal, though. So maybe it's just me. see full Volkswagen Jetta review |
2012 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 |
2008 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 |
2007 | 4dr Coupe 212-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Excellent for long trips. Even though I suffer from spinal stenosis, I did a two-day 1800 mile trip with no troubles and felt great on arrival. Most modern cars have comfortable seats, but these also make me feel like I am part of the car. see full Mazda RX-8 review |